~ Step Guide for Working in Japan ~
“I want to work and live in Japan.”
But then many questions come to mind:
- What is Japanese job hunting like?
- Is it easy to find a job?
- Do Japanese companies hire foreigners?
There are probably many things you do not know yet.
So first, let’s understand the basic customs and systems behind Japanese job hunting.
In this series, we will explore together the steps from job searching to actually starting work in Japan.
Why Does Japan Use Mass New Graduate Recruitment?
In Japan, mass hiring of new graduates is still the mainstream hiring system.
Companies begin approaching university students while they are still in their third year, offering internships and early recruiting activities in order to secure talented students. By the spring of their fourth year, students begin applying to companies almost simultaneously, and job hunting enters its busiest period.
Students who participated in internships during their third year often start receiving “naitei” (informal job offers) from spring to early summer of their fourth year. As of April 2026, around 70% of students graduating in 2027 had already received informal offers.
Mynavi Career Research Lab
A “naitei” is an unofficial promise of employment before a formal employment contract is finalized. While offer letters also exist in Western countries, this large-scale and synchronized recruiting culture is uniquely Japanese.
At one point, new graduate recruitment became so competitive that Keidanren established official “job hunting rules,” setting October as the formal timing for job offers. However, companies began issuing informal offers earlier than October, and this gradually became common practice.
As a result, many students entering companies in spring 2027 had already secured unofficial offers by April 2026.
So why did Japan develop such a large-scale new graduate hiring system in the first place?
There is no single clear answer. According to Yohei Tsunemi’s book Japanese Job Hunting, the practice may date back to the era when Japan introduced its modern university system and many new universities were established — even before the postwar economic boom.
However, Japan’s rapid economic growth after World War II and its long-term employment culture certainly helped expand and strengthen this hiring system.
Today, however, hiring practices are beginning to change.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, companies have had to adapt to changing work styles, AI adoption, and the growing demand for immediately effective talent. Some companies now believe that large-scale graduate hiring is too costly and inefficient.
For example, ENEOS reduced its spring 2027 graduate hiring by around 20%, while Kubota reduced hiring from 455 people to 280.
Nikkei Business, May 18, 2026
Is Mid-Career Hiring Difficult?
Because Japan traditionally focused on hiring new graduates, mid-career hiring at large companies used to be very limited and highly competitive.
However, this situation has changed significantly in recent years.
According to a Nikkei survey, the number of planned mid-career hires increased from around 50,000 in fiscal year 2020 to approximately 140,000 in fiscal year 2026 — nearly the same level as new graduate hiring.
Nikkei, April 28, 2026
Companies are finally shifting toward hiring experienced professionals who can contribute immediately.
As of March 2026, Hello Work listed around 1.4 million active job openings, while the number of job seekers was approximately 1.15 million.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
In other words, Japan is currently becoming a relatively favorable market for job seekers.
Mid-career recruitment in Japan is generally conducted through three major approaches:
- Public employment services such as Hello Work
- Recruitment websites such as Mynavi and Rikunabi NEXT
- Recruitment agencies and headhunters
Many companies use all three methods simultaneously, while also recruiting directly through their own websites.
Referral hiring is common overseas, but still relatively uncommon in Japan.
Many people in their 20s and 30s use job sites such as Mynavi and Rikunabi for career changes.
The busiest seasons for changing jobs are winter, from January to March, and summer, from July to September.
In winter, people often begin job hunting after receiving their winter bonus, aiming to join a new company in April. In summer, many people start searching after receiving their summer bonus.
Many workers prefer to receive their bonus before leaving their current company.
So how common is job changing in Japan overall?
According to Mynavi’s 2026 survey, Japan’s overall job change rate is around 7.5%. However, among younger generations, the numbers are much higher:
- People in their 20s: around 12%
- People in their 30s: around 9%
Mynavi Career Research Lab, 2026 Edition
In other words, younger workers change jobs frequently.
Even people who joined a company as new graduates are often working elsewhere five years later.
Naturally, mid-career hiring places strong emphasis on skills and achievements related to the job itself. This is especially important in Western countries.
However, in Japan, personality and compatibility with company culture are also considered extremely important.
Japanese companies worry that even if they hire someone with strong skills, that person may leave soon after gaining experience. As a result, employers often place significant importance on personality and long-term fit.
Another characteristic of Japanese hiring is the number of interviews.
At least two interview rounds are common, and written exams or aptitude tests are often required. Including executive interviews and informal meetings after receiving an offer, having three or four interviews is not unusual.
Does Everyone Follow the Same Job Hunting Schedule?
Mid-career hiring takes place throughout the year.
While there are busy seasons tied to bonus payments, people generally change jobs according to their own schedules.
New graduate recruitment, however, follows a fairly standardized timeline.
Typical Japanese New Graduate Job Hunting Schedule
- Summer of 3rd university year: Summer internships
- Autumn/Winter of 3rd year: Additional internships
- During 3rd year: Self-analysis and industry/company research
- Beginning of 4th year: Company seminars and applications begin
- By May: Most applications completed
- Summer: Written tests and interviews
- October: Official job offer ceremonies
Conclusion
The situation surrounding foreign workers differs depending on industry and job type, but several overall trends are quite clear.
International Students at Japanese Universities Have an Advantage
When hiring students with little or no work experience, companies naturally tend to favor students who have already studied in Japan.
If you already live in Japan, you can participate in job hunting under nearly the same conditions as Japanese students.
Even if you attend a Japanese language school, a Japanese university degree generally carries more weight.
Tuition at a Japanese language school can cost around ¥1.4–1.7 million for two years.
- Japanese public universities: around ¥2.5 million for four years
- Japanese private universities: around ¥4–5 million for four years
From a long-term cost perspective, studying at a Japanese university and then seeking employment may actually be more beneficial.
Job fairs specifically for international students are also increasing, so studying in Japan may be worth considering.
Foreign Worker Hiring Is Uneven Across Industries
Japan currently has around 2.57 million foreign workers, employed by approximately 370,000 businesses — both record highs.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Compared to Japan’s total workforce of approximately 37 million regular workers, foreign workers account for roughly 7%.
However, foreign worker employment is heavily concentrated in certain industries.
Among the approximately 2.57 million foreign workers:
- Manufacturing: 24.7%
- Services: 15.2%
- Wholesale/Retail: 13.3%
- Hotels/Food Service: 12.4%
- Construction: 8.0%
- Healthcare/Welfare: 5.7%
- IT / Information & Communications: only around 3.8%
Japan has approximately 4.9 million companies, and about 99% of them are small and medium-sized businesses.
While large corporations drive the market, these small and medium-sized businesses support the overall economy.
However, it remains unclear how many companies are actively hiring foreign workers.
According to a 2025 survey by Teikoku Databank:
- 24.7% of companies currently employ foreign workers
- 11.2% are considering hiring foreign workers in the future
Teikoku Databank Survey, August 2025
Your Choice Depends on Your Goals
Now that you understand the current situation, think carefully about which path is best for you and how you should approach companies in Japan.
If your goal is to begin working in Japan in spring 2027, it is a good idea to decide your direction by June and begin applying to companies or recruitment agencies between July and September.
Next time, we will explore more practical and cultural questions, such as:
- Why are interview manners so strict?
- Why do resumes require photos?
- Why do Japanese job seekers wear similar suits?
Let’s continue learning together.
By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC
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