Python in Japan - Language Guide

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in Japan.

Companies use it for everything from writing backend code to machine learning, and the demand for python developers right now is massive.

Are you interested in working as a python programmer in Japan? If so, keep reading. In this guide we'll share everything you need to know to get a top-tier python job.

Python in Japan

At Japan Dev, we've built up quite a bit of data over the years. So we took a look at some of this data to answer one question: what are the most popular programming languages in Japan?

We want to share the highest-quality possible tech jobs with you, so we have to focus on companies using modern languages.

Well, we crunched the data and here's what we found out:

Yep, Python isn't just popular.

It's the most popular programming language on our job board. And while our website isn't a perfect sample of the overall market, Python always shows up in the top few languages in similar surveys.

That means python is a great language to focus on. But here's our next question: how is Python being used by companies in Japan?

According to our research, Python is usually used for backend (server-side) development, machine learning and data science positions. On the backend side, it's often paired with Django (a web framework). Some companies are also using flask for their backend development (another python-based web framework).

How much do Python jobs in Japan pay?

As you can see in the table above, Python jobs in Japan pay quite well (at least the ones on Japan Dev — we curate high-quality jobs only, so these values might be a tad high relative to the market).

Either way, for positions on Japan Dev the median salary for python development jobs is 8.5 million yen. Check out our full software developer salary guide for more insights and examples.

Tips for finding a Python job in Japan

Python has become one of the most sought-after programming languages in Japan, with various opportunities in roles such as machine learning, data science, web development, and automation. 

The easiest place to begin your search is right here on Japan Dev’s Python jobs page. Our curated selection features various English-speaking developer roles, many of which don’t require Japanese language skills.

Still, learning basic Japanese helps: it shows commitment and makes daily life that much easier. 

Don’t skip networking, either. Meetups, conferences, and community events (especially in  Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka) often open doors to opportunities that never hit job boards.

Your online presence, mainly on GitHub, also matters. Japanese employers, especially in the startup scene, pay close attention to your contributions and projects. Make sure your repositories are well-documented and showcase your Python skills.

When applying to Japanese companies, remember to emphasize stability and long-term interest. In your cover letter, explain why you’re interested in Japan and what draws you to their company. Be clear about your visa status and Japanese language level to avoid any confusion down the line.

Finally, research culture fit. Some companies maintain traditional Japanese business practices, while others run more like international startups. Do your homework on a company’s working style, international team composition, and approach to work-life balance before applying.

Python Meetups in Japan

There are several meetup communities in Japan related to Python.

One great option is the Tokyo Python Society Club.

Python even has a major conference each year, called PyCon Japan.

You can also join general tech meetups like the Tokyo Tech Meetup to meet fellow Python developers and connect with companies hiring developers.

Top Companies Using Python in Japan

Python is a favorite across industries in Japan, from fintech and e-commerce to robotics and AI. Here’s a look at some of the top companies actively using Python in their tech stacks.

WOVN Technologies

WOVN Technologies helps businesses reach global audiences by localizing websites into multiple languages. Its flagship platform, WOVN, focuses on simplicity and functionality without compromising on features. 

With an engineering team that’s 80% international, WOVN Technologies fosters collaboration with engineers from diverse backgrounds and builds products with significant social impact. 

The company uses Python as part of its technology stack to power its localization services.

Owndays

Founded in Tokyo in 1989, Owndays has grown into a global eyewear brand with 600+ stores across 13 countries. 

Customers can choose from an impressive selection of over 1,500 frame styles, both in-store and online. 

The company leverages Python across its tech operations to support its expanding international footprint.

Mico

Mico (formerly Micoworks) is on a mission to help companies build their brands through the power of conversation. The company develops products that analyze and improve how businesses and consumers communicate to optimize marketing.

Mico has achieved a remarkable 500% business growth in just two years and secured the No.1 position in LINE marketing within Japan, backed by 6.3 billion yen in funding. 

Python plays a key role in Mico’s conversational commerce platform and AI-powered communication tools.

Liberont

Liberont is a stealth-mode circularity startup aiming to transform the shopping experience and advance a more sustainable society. 

The company has already achieved significant milestones: acceptance into a top accelerator program, a patent submission for its business model, and initial funding. Plus, it has a beta version that’s currently being tested by approximately 50 users, yielding positive results. 

Liberont offers team members direct involvement in product launch and the opportunity to learn from industry-leading talent. 

The company employs Python in its development stack to build innovative solutions for sustainable commerce.

Rapyuta Robotics

Rapyuta Robotics is a global startup building cloud robotics to make connected machines accessible to more businesses. With around 110 employees across offices in Japan and India, the company is making robotics more accessible to markets that previously lacked the expertise to deploy them. 

Rapyuta’s platform integrates robot hardware, software, sensor data, and cloud applications, allowing businesses to deploy robotics solutions without needing in-house robotics expertise. 

Python is extensively used in Rapyuta’s robotics development and cloud platform.

TableCheck

TableCheck is revolutionizing the online reservation business by connecting millions of diners and restaurants worldwide. The platform streamlines reservations while helping venues manage table inventory, enhance the guest experience, and unlock insights with multi-property analytics.

As a remote-first company with an asynchronous workflow, TableCheck has employees spread throughout Asia and Europe working together seamlessly. The engineering team communicates in English and welcomes applicants from outside Japan, offering visa sponsorship for those wanting to relocate. 

TableCheck leverages Python in its restaurant management and analytics platform.

Money Forward

Founded in 2012, Money Forward is one of Japan’s leading fintech companies with 40+ services spanning personal finance and B2B SaaS. 

The company has established English as the common language across all engineering teams, with no Japanese language proficiency required for many positions. 

Python is widely used throughout Money Forward’s financial technology stack.

Belong

Belong specializes in the reuse market with a primary focus on used mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the globally renowned ITOCHU Corporation, Belong leverages extensive domestic and international procurement and sales channels. 

Despite being a late entrant to the market, the company has established world-class operations. Belong uses Python in its technology operations. 

Note: Positions at Belong require Japanese language skills.

Mantra

Mantra develops machine learning technologies for the entertainment industry, specializing in manga and webtoon translation. The company’s machine translation engine incorporates computer vision and natural language processing technologies. 

Mantra offers two main services: 

• MANTRA ENGINE: A translation support platform for businesses that enables simultaneous worldwide distribution. 

• LANGAKU: An English learning service that helps learners improve their skills by reading manga. 

The company utilizes Python for its machine learning and natural language processing work. 

Note: Positions at Mantra require Japanese language skills.

PayPay Securities

PayPay Securities is a key pillar of PayPay’s financial ecosystem. It launched “Point Management” with over 10 million users and “PayPay Asset Management,” Japan’s first initiative enabling asset management through a payment application. 

The company’s mission is to make asset management accessible and appealing to a broader audience. 

Python is used in PayPay Securities’ fintech platform and data analytics infrastructure.

Monstarlab

Monstarlab’s mission is to harness diversity and transform the world through technology. Working closely with clients, Monstarlab drives digital innovation and supports business transformation through co-creation. 

The company’s services span digital product development, enterprise system development, design, strategy and operations consulting, and AI-driven development. 

Python is part of Monstarlab’s diverse technology toolkit for digital product development.

Cookpad

Cookpad is a tech company working to make everyday cooking fun, based on the belief that cooking is the key to a happier and healthier life for individuals, communities, and the planet.

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Tokyo, Cookpad has grown into a global operation with offices in Bristol, Palo Alto, Alicante, Beirut, and Jakarta. The platform helps people discover recipes and share their cooking experiences with a worldwide community of food lovers. 

Python powers core parts of its recipe platform and recommendation systems.

HENNGE

Founded in 1996 in Tokyo, HENNGE makes transformative technology accessible and secure for everyone. Its flagship product, HENNGE One, is among Japan’s leading cloud security services, helping workplaces adopt the latest tools with confidence.

With a diverse development team from over 10 countries, comprehensive relocation support, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, HENNGE creates an environment where engineers thrive. 

The company uses Python in its cloud security infrastructure and service development.

Axelspace

Axelspace, founded in 2008, is a pioneer in the micro-satellite industry with a vision to democratize space technology for daily use. In 2015, it launched AxelGlobe, building a new Earth-observation infrastructure and becoming the first in Japan to apply mass-production methods to satellite manufacturing. 

Between 2019 and 2021, Axelspace launched five satellites, and its Axel Liner service now extends small-satellite mass production to clients beyond the traditional space sector. 

Python is employed in Axelspace’s satellite data processing and analysis systems.

Starley

Starley designs human-AI relationships by developing products that fit seamlessly into everyday life. The company is developing Cotomo, an audio-based AI conversation app that users can engage with to discuss everyday life or more personal topics. 

By aiming beyond traditional voice assistants, Starley focuses on meaningful, natural interactions that redefine how people and AI communicate.

The company leverages Python extensively in its AI and machine learning development.

Conclusion on Python in Japan

Python is the most popular language in Japan, and its momentum isn’t slowing. Whether you’re interested in machine learning, web development, fintech, or robotics, there are plenty of opportunities. 

Strong demand, competitive salaries, and a growing number of English-friendly companies make Japan an increasingly attractive destination for Python engineers.

If you’re curious about other programming languages used in Japan, check out our guides on Ruby in Japan and Swift in Japan, and remember that you can always browse our latest Python job listings to see what’s currently available.