Building a Data Science Career in Japan: An Interview with an Indian Consultant on Growth, Challenges, and the Future

Pursuing a consulting career in Japan presents both a challenge and a significant growth opportunity for international IT professionals. In this interview, we speak with a data scientist from India who is currently working at a major global consulting firm in Japan, specializing in data science and generative AI.

Through his candid reflections—on working in a different culture, insights gained from real-world projects, and his vision for the future—we uncover valuable perspectives on what it takes to grow professionally in Japan.

Why Japan? Choosing a Career Abroad

— Could you briefly introduce your background?

I’m originally from India, where I studied Engineering at university. After graduating, I moved to Japan and joined a major international consulting firm as a new graduate. I currently belong to a specialized team focused on data science and generative AI, helping clients leverage cutting-edge technologies in their businesses.

— What led you to pursue a career in Japan?

During university, the consulting firm I now work for came to recruit on campus, which sparked my interest in Japanese companies. As I researched further, I found the Japanese work culture a good way to start my career, as it can instill a good sense of work ethic.

 That, combined with the fact that salary levels in Japan were higher than what I could expect in India, influenced my decision.
After studying Japanese for a few months, I moved to Japan and began working at my current firm.

Working at the Cutting Edge of Data Science and AI

— What kind of work are you currently doing?

I’m part of a team that specializes in data science and generative AI. My work involves software development (specifically application development) related to generative AI.

 Most of our clients are large Japanese companies, and I work as part of a project team to help them implement and utilize data and AI technologies.
In addition to technical tasks, I’m often involved in proposing solutions that align with the client’s business needs.

— Did you also study data science at university?

My undergraduate degree was in Industrial Engineering, but during my undergraduate studies, I interned with universities and research groups where the work involved data analysis and software development, where I learned research, data analysis, and development skills (Python, R, git, etc). 

— Do you use Japanese in your day-to-day work?

In my current project team, about 20% of the members are non-Japanese, and our supervisor is also from an Asian country, so most internal communication is in English.

However, the project leader is Japanese, and meetings with clients or certain discussions are conducted in Japanese. I switch between English and Japanese depending on the situation.

Finding the Right Fit: Industry Exposure Through Consulting

— Why did you choose this company and role?

I wanted to learn how data science is being applied across different industries and discover the various use cases.
Consulting firms offer exposure to a wide range of industries, which I thought would be the best environment for me to explore where my interests truly lie.

Rewards and Challenges on the Job

— What do you find most fulfilling about your work?

Being constantly exposed to new knowledge and technologies is extremely rewarding. I get to learn about industry-specific insights, cutting-edge tech, ways to leverage generative AI, and the pros and cons of AI implementation.
What I find particularly fascinating is how generative AI is used so differently across industries. Each project deepens my understanding of these variations, which I really enjoy.

— On the flip side, what challenges have you faced?

There are three main challenges:

1. Japanese-language meetings – Depending on the pace or use of technical terms, I sometimes struggle to fully follow. But as projects progress, I’ve gradually improved my comprehension.
   
2. Creating documents in Japanese – In Japan, materials like reports and meeting minutes are expected to be detailed and well-structured. Writing in Japanese can be difficult due to the nuances in expression.
   
3. Understanding expectations – Accurately grasping what a manager wants can be challenging. This is not just a language issue—it’s also a skill I need to further develop as a consultant.
   

That said, since my main responsibilities involve data analysis and programming—fields that rely heavily on numbers and logic—I’m less affected by language barriers in many aspects.

Culture and Work Environment in Japan

— How is your work-life balance?

I don’t work excessive overtime, so overall, I feel the work-life balance is good. I have enough private time and feel I can manage my work without strain.

— What do you find interesting or unique about working in Japan?

I’m impressed by how meticulously client-facing documents are prepared. It’s not just about the technical specifications, but also the structure and phrasing of the materials—there’s a strong emphasis on detail.
Having worked with peers from North America and Asia during university, I can say Japan’s attention to detail stands out as especially unique.

Future Aspirations and Advice for Others

— What are your thoughts on your future career path?

I’d like to work on more projects across a wider range of industries. Specifically, I want to develop upstream consulting skills such as requirements definition and use-case design.

To broaden my career options, I’m also interested in gaining knowledge in finance. Ultimately, I want to become a professional who understands both technology and the business side of things.

— Finally, what advice would you give to other foreign IT professionals aiming to build a career in Japan?

There are a few key areas I think are important:

• Technical skills and practical experience – Experience in programming (python) and a good knowledge of data science (models and their applications), along with upto date knowledge of latest trends in AI (latest gen AI models and their capabilities) – these skills will help in developing systems which can generate growth for clients and appeal to recruiters.
• Japanese language proficiency – Ideally, JLPT N1 level, but at minimum, N2. Strong language skills help with internal and client communication, as well as documentation—and they impact how you’re evaluated.
• Industry knowledge – Understanding a particular industry gives you an edge, enabling you to better grasp client challenges and provide practical, tailored support.

Pursuing a career in Japan requires effort, but with the right preparation, I believe there are many opportunities waiting.