Bengaluru | October 20, 2025:
A video shared by an Indian software engineer working in Japan has gone viral for revealing stark differences in salary, work culture, and lifestyle between the two countries. The clip has sparked intense debate on social media, especially among tech professionals exploring career opportunities abroad.
The engineer, who relocated to Japan after a few years in the Indian IT sector, explained that his salary in Japan is nearly three to four times higher than what companies typically offer in India for the same role. His breakdown of income, savings potential, and cost of living left many viewers surprised.
Work Culture: Discipline Over Burnout
In the viral video, he described Japan’s office environment as structured, punctual and deeply respectful, with a strong focus on quality and efficiency. Unlike the long working hours and unpredictability often reported in Indian tech firms, he said Japanese companies maintain clear schedules and value employee well-being.
He also highlighted that learning Japanese opens up better roles and deeper cultural integration, something many Indian professionals are now considering. According to him, once language skills improve, career mobility increases significantly.
Netizens React Strongly
The discussion has taken over platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram Reels and X, where users are debating topics like:
- Is Japan a better alternative to the US and Europe for Indian techies?
- Does mastering a foreign language boost overseas salary prospects?
- Are Indian companies underpaying skilled professionals?
- How does work-life balance compare?
Some users praised the engineer’s practical insights, while others pointed out cultural rigidity and strict corporate norms in Japan.
Growing Interest in Japan Among Indian Professionals
With rising layoffs, stagnant salaries and return-to-office mandates in India, more tech workers are exploring options in countries like Japan, Germany and Canada. The engineerβs experience has turned into a reference point for those considering relocation.
Placement consultants also report a rise in demand for roles in Japan, especially in AI, automation, software development, and robotics.
The Bigger Conversation
This viral moment has reignited ongoing conversations about salary disparity, skill recognition, and global mobility for Indian IT professionals. Many believe that as more people share real-world experiences, the push for competitive pay and better work culture in India may intensify.