An Indian software engineer living in Japan has ignited a massive online discussion after pulling back the curtain on his monthly earnings as a fresher. Vicky Kumar took to Instagram to share a detailed financial breakdown, revealing the significant gap between his gross salary and his final take-home pay.
The Viral Salary Breakdown
In his now-famous video, Vicky Kumar disclosed that his base salary is 235,000 Japanese Yen, which is approximately ₹1.35 lakh. However, his in-hand amount is considerably less. He faces a specific deduction of 20,000 yen each month for not having an entry-level Japanese language certification.
After this and other standard statutory deductions like income tax and health insurance, his net salary plummets to around 175,000 yen. This final take-home amount translates to roughly ₹1 lakh in Indian currency, a figure that has become the central point of the online conversation.
Online Uproar and Cost of Living Context
The video quickly went viral, prompting viewers to question whether such a salary is sustainable in Japan, a nation renowned for its high cost of living. The debate spilled into the comments section, with users drawing comparisons and seeking clarity.
To provide context, estimated monthly expenses for a single person living in Tokyo in 2025 are projected to range between 150,000 and 350,000 yen (₹84,000 to ₹1.96 lakh). This wide range depends heavily on an individual's lifestyle and the specific location within the city.
This revelation also led to comparisons with India's own tech sector. In India, freshers in the technology field typically earn an annual package between ₹5 lakh and ₹7 lakh, with even higher figures common in major hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Viewer Reactions and Further Revelations
The online community was quick to react, with comments highlighting the core of the debate. One user directly asked, "Isn't it too low?" while another speculated, "But Japan's expensive so making 50k-60k in india is equivalent." Others posed practical questions about the minimum salary required to live in Japan and how much one can realistically save after covering essential expenses like rent and food.
Some users were also curious about Kumar's professional background, inquiring about his educational degrees, specific skills, and any prior internships or experience.
In a follow-up video, Kumar provided more positive aspects of his work life in Japan. He revealed that he works for five days a week and enjoys public holidays as well as paid leaves. He also shared that Japan is a great place to work, especially for professionals in the technology and manufacturing industries, hinting at benefits beyond the immediate salary figure.
The conversation started by Vicky Kumar has evolved into a larger discussion about global pay disparities, the real financial experience of living abroad, and whether earning a salary of ₹1 lakh in Japan offers a better quality of life than earning a similar amount in India.
