Solo Japanese Developer Builds Windows Hex Editor but Income Remains Thin

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A self-employed programmer in Japan describes having customers across several countries for his Windows hex editor, YuHex, which he started as a hobby. He has earned very little income since April 2026 and is living on savings while also trying Android development and publishing technical books on Kindle. He says freelancers in Japan often seem less credible than salaried workers when applying for credit cards or apartments. He reflects on the uncertainty and loneliness of working independently while still trying to make a living from his creative work.

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