A BrSE’s (Bridge Software Engineer) Thoughts in the Age of AI Boom
Hello to all fellow BrSEs (and anyone working in Japan’s IT outsourcing industry)!
Lately, if you’re like me — constantly hearing about AI, reading endless articles claiming AI will replace countless jobs — you’ve probably asked yourself:
Will AI one day kick me out to the chicken coop?
I’ve been working remotely as a BrSE for 5 years. My main tasks are translating documents, interpreting meetings, bridging communication between Japanese clients and Vietnamese dev teams, managing schedules, and handling unexpected issues.
It sounds stable enough, but as AI started creeping into every corner of my work, I began to feel uneasy.
1. How Is AI “Taking Over” BrSE Tasks?
To be honest, AI isn’t replacing us completely — at least not yet.
But it’s already doing pretty well in some areas we used to handle ourselves:
• Spec Translation:
Back then, we had to painstakingly translate every sentence from Japanese to Vietnamese, guessing what the client truly meant. Now with tools like DeepL, AI-enhanced Google Translate, and context-aware ChatGPT, it’s done in a snap.
• Online Meeting Support:
AI tools like Otter, Notta, or AI assistants integrated into Zoom and Google Meet can now do real-time translation, take meeting notes, highlight tasks, and even analyze the speakers’ emotions.
• Japanese Business Document Writing:
Previously, we had to rely on native speakers to review our emails and reports. Now AI can generate emails, meeting minutes, and reports in flawless business Japanese.
• Code Review and Bug Suggestion:
BrSEs with basic technical knowledge often review dev code and check logic. But AI can now suggest code improvements, check security issues, and even auto-generate unit tests.
2. So, What’s Left for a BrSE to Survive?
The answer is: there’s still plenty of room — and valuable ground to cover.
Because being a BrSE isn’t just about translating specs and leading meetings.
It’s a job that relies heavily on the art of human connection — something AI can’t replace.
• Reading Japanese Clients’ Nuances:
When a client says “Chotto muzukashii desu ne…”, is it a yes or a no?
How do you sense when a client is silently displeased?
AI isn’t subtle enough for that.
• Managing Both Sides’ Expectations:
Sometimes clients demand impossible deadlines, and the dev team can’t deliver. BrSEs are the ones who balance both sides, negotiate tactfully, knowing when to dodge and when to push.
• Handling Unexpected Issues:
Delays, bugs, scope changes — AI can suggest options, but decision-making and accountability still belong to people.
• Understanding Culture and Maintaining Relationships:
Japanese clients value long-term, meaningful business relationships.
The BrSE is the one maintaining those ties. AI can’t go for drinks, share sake, or send gifts on the right occasions like a real person.
3. How Should BrSEs Approach AI?
Instead of fearing AI, it’s wiser to treat it as a teammate.
Let AI handle tedious tasks while you focus on delivering greater value.
• Use AI to Speed Up Translations:
Let DeepL or ChatGPT do the first draft, then you review and refine. It saves 50-70% of your time.
• Leverage AI for Meeting Notes and Analysis:
Set up Notta, Otter, or Zoom’s AI assistant. Let AI handle note-taking so you can concentrate on leading discussions and problem-solving.
• Utilize AI for Task and Project Management:
Use AI-enhanced Jira, Trello, or Notion to track deadlines and predict project risks.
• Learn AI Prompting Skills:
The effectiveness of AI depends on the prompts you give it. Invest time to learn how to craft clear, precise prompts so AI responds exactly how you need.
• Sharpen Soft Skills:
Focus on negotiation, client insight, and crisis management — the things AI still can’t handle.
4. Conclusion
AI can take over some of the BrSE’s workload, but it can’t fully replace us.
If you know how to make AI your powerful assistant and concentrate on the human-centric aspects that AI can’t touch, you won’t end up in the chicken coop — you might even make it to the VIP room.
So don’t be afraid.
The chicken coop is only for those who refuse to change.
