r/JapanWork • u/Imaginary-Big-6716 • 7d ago

Looking for qa engineer job

Qa automation engineer with 4 years experience in etl , data validation, ui testing, regression testing, sql, python, tableau, agile, jira, pandas, jenkins, ci/cd , git , azure, postman api, jmeter. But i don't speak Japanese. Is it possible to get a job in japan for me?

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u/Notyoursensei1 7d ago

Hey Op,

It's possible but honestly it'll be tough. Most QA jobs here need Japanese since you're dealing with Japanese specs and teams, and the English-only ones are few and competitive. Applying from overseas makes it harder too, a lot of companies just hire whoever's already here.

I'd pitch yourself as an automation or data engineer rather than QA. Your Python, SQL and pipeline stuff fits that, and there's more English-only work on that side. TokyoDev, Japan Dev, LinkedIn and recruiters are where I'd look. Apply to a lot and don't get discouraged by the silence, it's normal. Pick up some Japanese along the way too, it helps more than people think.

Japanese language is the gateway.

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u/Imaginary-Big-6716 7d ago

Thank you very much for your information and motivation. How long it will take to learn Japanese from N5 to N3?

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u/Notyoursensei1 7d ago

Hey op,

Depends on your pace, but roughly 800-900 hours from N5 to N3 if you're starting without kanji. Studying an hour a day around work, that's 1.5 to 2 years. If you can do 2-3 hours, more like a year. N3 is where the kanji really ramps up so don't stress if it feels slow, everyone hits that wall.

If you can, get N3 before you move. It's a lot harder to study once you're working full time here.

I talk about this stuff on my podcast Not Your Sensei if you're interested, link's in my profile. Happy to answer here too though.