Key jobs in demand for 2025 in Japan
In our 2025 Salary Guide, we've uncovered the top roles shaping Japan's job market this year.
From conversations about various hiring and workplace trends with over 2500 professionals and 460 employers/hiring managers globally, our expert recruitment teams believe these high-demand jobs will be popular amongst those organisations in Japan looking to grow their workforces for 2025.
As a result, companies will seek to hire talent with the appropriate skills and knowledge to help them successfully harness related opportunities that arise.
Note: These roles are only from within the industries and sectors in which we have recruitment expertise - there will undoubtedly be others that are hotly in demand this year.
1. Financial Risk Management (VP) – Banking and Financial Services
Risk Management VPs in Banking and Financial Services, particularly financial risk management professionals, are in high demand for 2025. A Financial Risk Manager at a global investment bank identifies, assesses, and manages financial risks arising from market fluctuations, credit exposures, and liquidity challenges. They develop strategies and frameworks to mitigate these risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Financial risk managers are especially sought after because they have strong qualitative skills and a good understanding of the interest rate environment.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Advanced degree in Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or a related field (PhD or Master’s preferred)
- Recommended skills for success
- Expertise in advanced financial modeling, statistical analysis, and risk measurement techniques.
- Ability to think long-term, setting a risk strategy that supports business goals while maintaining risk limits.
- Understanding of Japanese and global regulatory climate
- Excellent communication skills to effectively present complex risk issues to senior leadership and regulators.
- Proficiency in both Japanese and English
- Average salary range
- ¥13,000,000 - ¥19,000,000
2. Senior Counsel- Legal
Senior Legal Counsels act as legal experts and strategic advisors for the organisation. They navigate complex legal landscapes, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and empower the business to achieve its objectives while mitigating risks. These professionals thrive at the intersection of law and business, translating legal expertise into actionable strategies.
Senior Legal Counsels are deeply integrated into an organisation's operations with responsibilities that span cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiation. They often serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, providing clear, practical advice on diverse legal and business matters. Additionally, they lead and develop legal teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring seamless communication across departments. As such, they are pivotal to the success of an organisation.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Law degree from an accredited institution
- Fully qualified for the Japan Bar (Bengoshi) or equivalent foreign qualification (e.g., US, UK, or EU-qualified)
- Recommended skills for success
- Bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English
- Expertise in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), including due diligence, deal structuring, and post-merger integration
- Experience in capital markets transactions, including structured finance and equity-linked instruments
- Proficiency in cross-border transactions with a focus on APAC and international markets
- Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance, including FSA regulations, data privacy laws, and financial services
- Advanced contract drafting and negotiation skills, covering commercial agreements, licensing, and joint ventures
- Familiarity with technology transactions and intellectual property, including software licensing and data privacy
- Leadership in managing legal teams and fostering collaboration across jurisdictions
- Strategic risk management to identify, mitigate, and respond to emerging legal challenges
- Commercial awareness and the ability to align legal solutions with business priorities
- Average salary range
- ¥15,000,000 - ¥27,000,000
3. IT Strategy Manager - Consultancy and Professional Services
With the continued drive for digital transformation (DX), IT Consulting Managers, particularly those with expertise in IT Strategy, are in high demand. IT Strategy Managers are responsible for reviewing client legacy systems, and advising on where technology can solve problems, add value or increase operational efficiencies. They are also responsible for managing project timelines, budgets, and resources to deliver IT solutions on time and within scope.
Depending on client demand, IT Strategy Managers work on various projects ranging from information security to AI (artificial intelligence). As such, broad knowledge of IT and digital technology is often required, as well as adaptability, flexibility, and willingness to learn. Candidates may come from IT strategy consulting firms, management consulting firms, system integrators, or from IT strategy-related in-house positions.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in Information Technology, Business Management, Economics or similar
- PMP, ITIL, or equivalent (advantageous)
- Recommended skills for success
- Broad knowledge of digital technology
- Strong project management or business/corporate planning experience
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work with business partners locally (in Japanese) and globally (in English)
- Business presentation skills
- Strategic thinking ability
- Ability to take the lead of projects and manage team members
- An understanding of the larger business context and business objectives and goals
- Average salary range
- ¥10,000,000 - ¥13,500,000
4. Account Manager – FinTech
Account Managers in FinTech are responsible for managing client relationships and ensuring the integration and use of the company’s fintech solutions, such as payment systems, digital wallets, or lending platforms. They work closely with clients to understand their needs, provide ongoing support, and identify growth opportunities. Additionally, they collaborate with internal teams to deliver tailored solutions and ensure client satisfaction, driving long-term relationships and revenue growth.
The job market for Fintech Account Managers is experiencing rapid growth as more businesses embrace digital financial solutions. There is an increasing demand for professionals with economic knowledge, technical expertise, and strong relationship management skills. Salaries vary significantly depending on the individual’s experience level and the employer.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field
- Recommended skills for success
- Proven experience in account management, relationship management, or sales.
- Strong consultative sales skills, with the ability to identify client needs and propose effective solutions.
- Knowledge and/or experience of areas such as payments, blockchain, and digital banking.
- Experience using CRM platforms, such as Salesforce
- Strong organisational and multitasking abilities, with excellent problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in both Japanese and English (written and spoken).
- Average salary range
- ¥8,000,000 - ¥24,000,000
5. IT Manager
An IT Manager in Technology in Japan plans, implements, and maintains an organisation's IT infrastructure and systems. They manage IT teams, ensure cybersecurity, and align technology initiatives with business objectives in Japan’s rapidly evolving tech environment.
IT Managers focus on driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and maintaining compliance with Japanese regulations and global IT standards.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
- Master’s Degree in IT Management or Business Administration (optional but advantageous)
- Certifications such as ITIL, PMP, CISSP, or AWS Certified Solutions Architect (optional but beneficial)
- Recommended skills for success
- IT strategy development and implementation
- Proficiency in IT infrastructure management (networks, servers, databases)
- Cybersecurity expertise and risk management
- Knowledge of cloud computing (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)
- Leadership and team management
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Familiarity with Japanese IT regulations and standards
- Average salary range
- ¥10,000,000 - ¥16,000,000
Visit our 2025 Salary Guide to view salary information about a wider range of roles in Japan.
