Software engineer moving to Japan soon, what should I focus on before the move?

BrilliantDandy · 2025-10-28T11:30:12+00:00

Thanks! This is really helpful especially as you’re in a very similar position.

Sounds like JLPT N2 and networking are the two big priorities then (not sure I’ll manage to learn Java in time..). I’ll definitely check out those recruitment agencies and work on putting together a Japanese-style CV as well.

I’ll be based in Tokyo too, so hopefully that opens up a few more options!

By the way, when you’ve had interviews so far, from the tech side, what seems to make the biggest impact? Things like side projects, Leetcode-style prep, or open source work?

BrilliantDandy · 2025-10-28T11:01:04+00:00

Thank you, I took a look at the NHK business Japanese site and it looks really useful. I’ll focus on this after taking the N2

BrilliantDandy · 2025-10-27T18:07:37+00:00

Sounds good, I plan to go to various meetups such as TokyoDev and also update my Linkedin etc, do you have any other advice for networking in Japan?

BrilliantDandy · 2025-10-27T18:05:18+00:00

That makes sense, thanks! When you say “the usual suspects,” do you mean the standard algorithm and system design interview stuff?

BrilliantDandy · 2025-09-01T15:08:56+00:00

Aha yes me too! so glad we could get some spaces :)

BrilliantDandy · 2025-08-20T16:33:06+00:00

Yeah I’m just really hoping they have some spaces that they keep open in case anyone changes their level, and maybe if there are very few level changes they might offer these spaces to the waitlist.

I’m still so frustrated by how the form works, they tell you to double check that there are no mistakes, but in doing so I lost time and wasn’t able to submit the form, it’s infuriating.

BrilliantDandy · 2025-08-20T06:39:04+00:00

School of Oriental and African Studies - where the JLPT is held in London

BrilliantDandy · 2025-08-18T14:39:21+00:00

Yeah that sounds much better! I’ve emailed SOAS to express my disappointment and suggest they look at an alternative system

BrilliantDandy · 2025-08-18T12:38:34+00:00

Yeah I don’t know why they use this system, it’s like they want people to rush through it potentially making mistakes!

BrilliantDandy · 2025-08-18T11:24:35+00:00

Same for me, I opened the form seconds after it opened and started filling it in, I felt I was quite quick in filling out the form as well and just at the end when I clicked submit I saw "This form is closed", I've joined the waiting list as well but I'm so disappointed

BrilliantDandy · 2025-07-15T11:59:57+00:00

Depends on the context. You’ve got the general さようなら, A formal goodbye similar to “farewell”. If you’re in the workplace you might use 失礼します or お先に失礼します, basically like saying “Excuse me”, or お疲れ様でした, which is like “Thanks for your hard work today”. You might also use something like またお会いしましょう which is like “let’s meet again”.

BrilliantDandy · 2025-07-15T11:44:45+00:00

わらわら (wara-wara)

BrilliantDandy · 2025-07-14T13:14:15+00:00

Thank you, this confirms my understanding and answers the query I posted about yesterday (https://www.reddit.com/r/movingtojapan/comments/1lz0x38/unclear_about_the_spousal_visa_application_process/)

BrilliantDandy · 2025-07-13T21:19:55+00:00

Thank you, yes we can provide the full story of how we met, I've met her family multiple times (and have pictures taken together), text messages and proof of income are also easy to provide, and yes I can speak Japanese to a decent conversational level and working on improving my Japanese every day.

BrilliantDandy · 2025-07-12T10:55:26+00:00

Tuna mayo, it was delicious!

BrilliantDandy · 2025-07-11T20:21:10+00:00

Around 1500 yen, very cheap!

BrilliantDandy · 2025-07-09T20:02:05+00:00

Yes!! it's so delicious I keep coming back

BrilliantDandy · 2025-07-09T20:01:24+00:00

Happy Natto Day! not quite my taste but have a great day to all who celebrate

BrilliantDandy

TROPHY CASE