JavaScript in Japan - Language Guide

JavaScript, or JS, is one of the most popular programming languages that needs no introduction.

The multi-paradigm, object-oriented language that debuted in 1995 has conquered the development scene and has been ruling web development for almost three decades now. 

The programming language is one of the core technologies of the World Wide Web as we know it today – so how are things in Japan? 

If you’re a JavaScript developer wondering about career prospects or are considering investing your time into learning JavaScript to start work in Japan, this post is for you.

Below, I’ll explain the popularity of JavaScript in Japan using our own data and explain how much JavaScipt developers can earn in Japan. I’ll also provide some pointers about how you can get involved with JavaScript development here. 

Let’s start by looking at JavaScript’s popularity in Japan.

Is JavaScript Programming Language Popular in Japan?

Unless you’re new to software development, you probably already know just how popular JavaScript is among programming languages worldwide. The language is also immensely popular in Japan, and our data confirms this.

Since we’ve collected tons of data on job listings and companies over at Japan Dev throughout the years, we can see how commonly the language appears in job listings. 

Thanks to the collaboration of the partnering companies that we feature on Japan Dev, we’ve made a list of the most popular programming languages in the country, and JavaScript ranks as the 4th most popular language in Japan. 

Here’s our full list, along with the median annual salary for each language/framework:

As you see, JavaScript sits comfortably up near the top of the list, right behind Python, Java, and Go, for which I have separate guides just like this one. 

That said, JavaScript sets itself apart by its popularity in front-end web applications. Many companies use JavaScript for this very purpose, so let’s look closely at JavaScript’s use cases in Japan.

JavaScript Use Cases: How Is JavaScript Used in Japan?

JavaScript’s role in Japan’s tech landscape is as diverse as it is significant. Developers in Japan have been using the language in its vanilla form for a myriad of web projects. Some companies use its frameworks too, such as React and Vue.js.

In recent years, JavaScript has become increasingly popular for server-side applications. This is mainly thanks to Node.js, the cross-platform JavaScript environment that allows JavaScript code to run outside of a web browser. 

While Node.js didn’t gain adoption quite as quickly in Japan as in other markets like the USA, it has recently become mainstream. So, the number of companies using Node.js, as well as the use of JavaScript for backend applications, has lately increased.

JavaScript Salaries in Japan: How Much Do JavaScript Programmers Earn?

JavaScript frequently appears in the job listings we feature on Japan Dev, but does it pay just as well as the other top languages?

Taking a look at our list, you can see that JavaScript developers earn an annual median salary of ￥8.6 million in Japan.

While this isn’t exactly the best salary you can get here, it’s still at the higher end of the salary range. JavaScript developers seem to earn as much as Java developers, so you can still find salaries above and below this number out there, as our list only includes the median salary.

Examples of Companies Using JavaScript

As I mentioned, JavaScript’s popularity is as widespread as it gets, which means that many notable companies are betting on JavaScript too. 

Several key players in Japan, like the ones below, harness JavaScript’s flexibility to enhance their services and products:

• Cogent Labs: A company that’s at the cutting edge of AI technology, Cogent Labs uses JavaScript to build intuitive and powerful user interfaces that complement their AI solutions. 

• Visual Alpha: Specialized in financial analytics, Visual Alpha utilizes JavaScript to present complex data in an accessible and user-friendly manner.

• NearMe: As a service platform dealing with proximity-based offerings, NearMe uses JavaScript to create a dynamic user experience when providing its ride-sharing service.

These companies are only a small representation of a broader trend in the Japanese tech scene that has shown no signs of slowing down so far. So, there are tons of other companies out there using JavaScript. 

If you’re wondering what other companies use the programming language or are looking for a JavaScript job, this next part is for you.

Finding Career Opportunities: Looking For JavaScript Jobs?

As I explained, diving into the JavaScript job market in Japan is as promising as it gets. It’s always in demand, with new opportunities becoming available every day. 

However, here at Japan Dev, we aim to connect you with jobs that not only pay well but also match your career ambitions, so let’s see how you can find yourself a JavaScript job in Japan.

For starters, you can begin your search right here on Japan Dev, on our JavaScript jobs page. Our team regularly updates it, and new opportunities show up rather frequently, so be on the lookout.

In addition to this, you can get involved in Japan’s JavaScript community. This may not help you immediately find a JavaScript job but will eventually lead you to one, not to mention the benefits attending these events can have on your personal development as an engineer.

I have a general post on the best tech conferences you can check out, which feature JavaScript-focused conferences like Vue Fes Japan. This is an annual conference focused on JavaScript, and more specifically, the JavaScript framework Vue.js. 

If you’re looking for more events, don’t forget to explore the active tech communities in major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Fukuoka as well.

Final Word on JavaScript in Japan

You now know that learning JavaScript is a worthy investment, especially if you’re living or are considering living in Japan. 

If you already know JavaScript, even better, as the readily available opportunities are abundant, to say the least. 

To go over the main points I’ve covered here and to give you the rundown on JavaScript in Japan:

• JavaScript is the fourth most popular programming language in Japan, according to our data

• JavaScript gets a fair amount of use through popular libraries and environments like React and Vue.js for various web projects, and it has been gaining popularity for server-side applications lately

• Jobs that require JavaScript pay an annual median salary of 8.6 million JPY

So, if you’re looking for a job in Japan and are well-versed in JavaScript, your career prospects here are as bright as ever. That said, if you feel like your skills aren’t quite there yet, make sure to take my advice on contributing to open-source projects and joining the JavaScript community in Japan to heart.

You never know what opportunities may arise through new connections, and the friendships you make along the way can be paramount to your personal development as a programmer. 

So, while this is it for JavaScript, you can head on over to our JavaScript jobs page and start the job-hunting process in Japan right away (I have a neat guide for this). If you’re a complete JavaScript beginner and want to learn it fast, I recommend heading over to my coding bootcamps post to get a headstart.