A video of a Mumbai software engineer who works in Japan has become viral after he openly shared information about his profession, pay package, and the work culture of this nation. The individual, named
Sumit Chinchansure from Maharashtra, works as a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) for a Japanese fintech company now and gets paid nearly 10 million yen annually (around ₹59 lakh).
In the video, posted by the Instagram account Tech Minds Japan, Sumit remembers how he started his professional life as a backend engineer and then transitioned into DevOps and reliability engineering in the last five years. He attributes regular learning and flexibility as the major reasons for professional growth in Japan's highly competitive tech industry.
Advice For Aspiring Professionals: "Learn Japanese First"
On being asked how one else can create a career profile similar to his, Sumit had two tips, learn the Japanese language and gather 3–4 years of experience in India before seeking jobs overseas.
"Learn Japanese, that will be very useful to start with," he said, further adding that having some work experience improves the chances of candidates getting employed in Japan's formalised corporate sector.
Adjusting to Japan's Work Culture
Sumit also illuminated Japan's changing workplace dynamics. Referring to his initial experiences, he mentioned that his initial two companies were Japanese companies in which he was the sole foreign employee.
“It was a bit strict, honestly. Strict from a timing perspective,” he noted.
But he pointed out that most Japanese organisations are now adopting flexible and hybrid work practices, providing professionals with an improved work-life balance.
Netizens Reactions
The video, which has crossed 5.4 lakh views on Instagram, sparked widespread discussion among netizens about Japan’s work culture and salaries. Many users praised Sumit for his balanced perspective and humility.
One user commented, “He would make much more in the US or Europe but Japan is safer. Japan must have given him the opportunity — a lot goes into these decisions.”
Another added, “He makes three times the average salary in Japan. 10 million yen is a senior-level pay — his company clearly promotes talent over seniority.”
Others appreciated his calm demeanour, with one remarking, “I’m just watching him pamper the baby — he’s such a gentleman.”
A Window Into Japan’s Tech Ecosystem
Sumit’s story has resonated widely with India’s tech community, offering a glimpse into the realities of working abroad, from navigating cultural expectations to balancing family life. His journey underscores how language skills, experience, and adaptability can open doors to global opportunities in the tech world.
