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Japan-based Indian techie’s wages trigger online debate
An Indian software engineer’s public disclosure of his monthly pay in Japan prompted online discussion about living costs and entry-level wages.
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Pranavi Sharma - Wed, 19, Nov 2025
- 00:24 EST
- 16
Vicky Kumar / Instagram/@jaiswalinjapan
Indian man Vicky Kumar sparked a wide debate on instagram after he disclosed his monthly salary as a software engineer in Japan and described the deductions that reduce his take-home pay. Kumar posted the details in an Instagram video that has since drawn extensive reaction.
Kumar said he joined his company with a base salary of 235,000 yen per month. He explained that he takes home about 175,000 yen after income tax, health insurance and an additional 20,000 yen deduction because he does not yet hold an entry-level Japanese language certificate. He said the credited amount is “1 lakh” in Indian currency after all deductions.
The video prompted online discussion about whether his compensation is sufficient in a country known for higher living costs. Estimates for a single person’s monthly expenses in Tokyo in 2025 range from 150,000 to 350,000 yen, depending on lifestyle. His disclosure also drew comparisons with India, where starting salaries for tech workers generally fall between 5 lakh and 7 lakh rupees per year, with higher pay in major cities.
Kumar addressed viewer questions in a follow-up video. He said he does not work in what is known in Japan as a “black company,” adding that the senior culture at his workplace is “very good.” He said, “Even we sometimes have lunch with the manager and the senior and crack jokes.” He described limited working hours, five working days, paid holidays and standard leave.
He said he joined the company directly after completing college. He acknowledged he had some familiarity with the tech stack but described himself as a fresher. He also said Japan currently offers opportunities in both the tech and manufacturing sectors, adding that the country’s low number of young workers may create openings for newcomers.
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