From MIT to Tokyo: Working as an International Software Engineer at Jamm Inc. in Japan

Are you a student or young professional curious about launching a software career in Japan? Our interview with Christian Williams, an MIT graduate who has spent nearly two years in Japan and now works at fintech startup Jamm, explores how he found his role, what work looks like day to day, visa pathways (from J-Find to HSP), and practical advice for building a fulfilling career in Japan.

Jamm Inc.

—— Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?

Christian: My name is Christian Williams. I’ve been living in Japan for almost two years. I studied Computer Science at MIT—B.S. in 2022 and M.S. in 2023—and I’m currently a full-stack software engineer at Jamm, a fintech startup building account-to-account (A2A) payments using bank information.

—— Why did you choose to move to Japan for work as an international talent?

Christian: I didn’t originally plan on moving to Japan. I’d studied a little Japanese, then visited one summer, really liked it, and decided after graduation to give it a try. I wanted the unique personal and professional experience of living here.

—— What was your experience with obtaining a work visa?

Christian: I initially came on J-Find. After starting full-time at Jamm, I switched to the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa. HSP uses a points system—my master’s degree and other factors helped me meet the threshold. I didn’t have a JLPT score and still qualified, so there are multiple ways to reach the required points. Company support or guidance from someone in Japan makes the process much easier.

—— Can you describe your current job and role at Jamm Inc.?

Christian: I’m a full-stack engineer on a small team—about five engineers—so I work across front end, back end, our web app, parts of the mobile app, and the payments platform. In a startup this size, roles aren’t rigid; everyone pitches in where needed.

—— How does the work culture in Japan differ from your expectations?

Christian: Because Jamm is international and English is the working language, the culture feels similar to an American startup—collaborative, fast-paced, and flexible. For me, the bigger shift was working at such a small startup for the first time, rather than a Japan-vs-U.S. culture gap.

—— What does a typical day look like for you?

Christian: We start around 10:00 and usually finish around 18:00—later if we’re pushing a deadline. We’re hybrid: roughly three days in the office and two remote. I commute a bit over an hour each way. After work I spend time on music and studying Japanese.

—— How do salary expectations compare with the cost of living in Japan?

Christian: U.S. CS grads often have access to higher salaries. I chose Japan for the unique experience and growth. While compensation can be lower, Japan’s cost of living is also lower, which helps balance things out. It comes down to what you value most—salary, lifestyle, learning, or pace of growth.

—— Why did you choose Jamm?

Christian: Three reasons:

1. An international environment that suits a non-native Japanese speaker,

2. An interesting problem space (A2A payments), and

3. Room to grow broadly—I can contribute in many areas and learn fast while living in Japan.

—— What advice do you have for students considering working in Japan?

Christian:

• Visit first if you can. Japan and the U.S. feel different—experience it yourself.

• Evaluate offers carefully. Opportunities vary widely; get first-hand accounts from people actually working there.

• Know your priorities. Salary, learning curve, language environment, work style—decide what matters most.

• Leverage your strengths. Bring your unique background to roles that value it, and keep building your Japanese over time.

Christian’s path—startup × international environment × life in Japan—highlights the value of experience and growth beyond salary alone. A practical visa route is J-Find → HSP, and with the right points strategy you may qualify even without JLPT. If you’re considering Japan, visit, collect first-hand information, and choose based on your priorities—that’s the fastest way to a good fit.

At Jelper Club, we're here to support you every step of the way for your career development in Japan. Our platform connects ambitious students from top universities worldwide with exclusive internship and full-time job opportunities in Japan with a variety of Japanese proficiency requirements. We also provide access to practical information, member-only events, and a professional community of like-minded individuals.

If you're ready to embark on your own Japanese adventure, visit Jelper Club today and discover how we can help you unlock your potential in Japan.

(Editor: Jelper Club Editorial Team)