Deciding to go to Japan - Year 2025

Good morning everyone.

I'm writing here, because I'm thinking about finally moving to Japan: a dream that I have from when I was 17... And, now, I'm 32.

I'm full of questions and doubts and that is why I'm writing here, hoping that some of you can help me clear some of this fog.

I'm Italian, I graduated in Heat engineering (a 4 year degree) and I had a lot of peculiar experiences, before being where I am now.
I'll explain better.
My main experience is in my past company: a Pharma company, that produces Cosmetics and Medical Devices, where I worked for 6 years, starting as a simple package worker, than becoming a Machine Operator, then the Maintenance Manager and, in the end, the Production Manager.
After every step, I started to realize that my job wasn't what I loved the most, so I started studying again (privately and frequenting some course) and, two years ago, I was successfully able to change my job and now I work as an IT End User Service Engineer, as a contingent worker, for a big Japanese company (this is my third year here).

Now you may wonder: then why don't you simply ask them to move you to Japan?

Because, as a contingent worker, I don't know if that's possible and so I'm starting to think what my other options are.
I'm thinking about going to Japan through Go Go Nihon and study there for at least 1/2 years and, after that, my dream would be to be able to continue my career in the IT field.

Based on your experience: is it possible to find a job, as an IT Technician in Japan, even without a degree (with my experiences)?
Or, without a degree or maybe 10 years of experience, is simply impossible?

Sorry if it sounds a bit harsh, but instead of wondering, you could start job hunting. Read up what skills are listed in job advertisements, what is the required level of japanese, and if they can sponsor a work visa. And what salary you can expect. Then, you can work on your IT skills towards what the Japanese job market expects before applying.

good morning

if IT End User Service Engineer is similar to the role of IT End User Support Engineer,
then rather than university degree qualification or work experience,
your japanese fluency will be pivotal

sadly
age will be an invisible barrier
so the sooner you complete the JLPT and BJT
the better

good news is due to the recent HR shortage in japan
lots of hiring companies are open to engage foreigners
for unspecialised work such as night shifts at convenience stores etc

assuming local work experience and some income sound appealing
this can be a viable option while you undertake the language study course in japan

all the best