When Mao Hotta was a junior at Keio University, she panicked. Everyone around her was deep into shukatsu—talking nonstop about recruitment exams, interviews, and company rankings. But Mao had just realized that her dream of becoming a journalist wasn't what she actually wanted. "I lost my dream, my purpose for shukatsu. I was kind of panicked." So she did something unconventional: she applied everywhere. ---You applied to almost every industry. Why? Mao: I thought to myself—

Mao Hotta's career path reads like a masterclass in strategic exploration. Born and raised in Tokyo, she studied journalism at Keio University, worked as an investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs, and is now pursuing a dual MBA at Kyoto University and Master of Management in Hospitality at Cornell. Her ultimate goal? Opening her own hotel in rural Japan. We sat down with Mao to learn how she's been building her dream one unconventional step at a time. ---Tell us about yo

2025’s biggest buzzword in the job-hunting scene is “AI.” In Japan, surveys show that over 60% of students use AI in their job search, and AI is rapidly becoming foundational to recruiting *1 . This trend is mirrored on the employer side: about 30% of major companies have adopted or plan to adopt AI in hiring *2 , meaning selection is no longer driven solely by the instincts and experience of frontline recruiters. Multiple algorithms now operate beneath the surface—ATS parsin

Japan’s workplaces are undergoing a once-in-a-generation overhaul as remote collaboration, hybrid schedules, and border-spanning projects push companies of every size to rethink how they share files, brainstorm, and make decisions in real time; into this moment stepped four distinct platforms—Microsoft Teams, Slack, LINE WORKS, and Discord—each propelled by a unique advantage rooted in Japan’s corporate DNA: Teams piggy-backed on Microsoft 365 licences to dominate listed ente

A new wave of opportunity is breaking on Japan's shores, and for savvy global talent, the tide is high. The long-held narrative of a "cash-loving" Japan is being rapidly rewritten, not by gradual evolution, but by a seismic, government-backed shift towards a digital economy. This transformation has hit a critical tipping point. In 2024, Japan’s cashless payment ratio surged to 42.8%, decisively smashing the government's 2025 target of 40% a full year ahead of schedule *10 . T

What happens when a quietly hyper-connected economy opens its doors, underprices its cost of living, and still invents the batteries that power your phone? For top-tier graduates, it looks like the biggest career mispricing on the planet. A visa that behaves like an option contract Forget the old chicken-and-egg dilemma of needing a sponsor before you can hunt for a job. The J-Find visa  lets recent grads of two-table-top-100 universities land in Japan with a two-year runway,

You attend a world-class university, your GPA sparkles, and you’ve already ticked off several brand-name internships. Surely the job market—Japan’s included—will roll out a red carpet. Yet every year even “elite” students stumble: first-round rejections, mismatched roles, or culture shock that slows promotions. Why? Below are five recurring—and avoidable—pitfalls  we see among high-achieving Jelper Club members, plus concrete tactics to stay ahead of the curve. 1. Prestige ≠

Foreign companies operating in Japan often headline internship fairs with starting packages that dwarf the national average. Yet this is only half the story: pay dispersion, workload and job-security norms vary sharply by sector. Understanding those contrasts helps you choose a path that matches not just your wallet, but also your time and risk appetite. Quick snapshot — Pay premium vs. National average Sector (new-grad / junior level) Typical annual total comp % above nation

1. Introduction In Japanese workplace culture, employee benefits are not just a part of compensation; they play a crucial role in supporting the lives of employees and their families and maintaining a balance between work and personal life. For international students aiming to join Japanese companies, these attractive benefits often serve as a significant deciding factor. This article explains the types of benefits provided by Japanese companies, their features, and how they

1. Redefining the Value of Master's and Doctoral Graduates in Japan 1.1 Background For many years, Japanese companies have favored bachelor's degree holders over those with master's or doctoral degrees. This preference stems from concerns about delayed career progression due to age and the perception that the specialized skills of advanced degree holders exceed practical business needs. However, as technological innovation and globalization advance, the demand for highly spec

In Japan's labor market, the environment for women to build careers has significantly advanced in recent years. Traditionally, the domestic-centered lifestyle known as the "full-time housewife model" and traditional gender roles were emphasized within the country. However, as societal values diversify, understanding and support for working women are steadily increasing. According to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the labor force pa

The Japanese electronics industry has experienced significant growth with global influence since the mid-20th century. From the 1960s to the 1980s, innovative products such as transistor radios, color televisions, and video cassette recorders (VCRs) emerged, earning worldwide recognition for the "Made in Japan" quality. During this period, companies like Sony, Panasonic, and Sharp became synonymous with technological innovation. However, the advancements of globalization in t

The food and beverage manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in consumers' lives. In Japan, with its long history and diverse food culture, the significance of this industry is particularly prominent. Companies in this sector are constantly developing new products, influenced by an increasing focus on health, environmental issues, and technological advancements. These changes not only bring new business opportunities but also drive the transformation of the entire indust

The advertising agency industry, hereinafter referred to as "advertising," is a sector responsible for strategic communication that conveys the appeal of products and services from businesses and brands to consumers. Advertising agencies, which handle this sector, select the most suitable media and methods based on client objectives, and manage the planning, production, and operation of advertising campaigns. In recent years, the influence of digital media has expanded rapidl

Introduction of Japanese Pharmaceutical Industry Employment The pharmaceutical industry in Japan is one of the crucial sectors that meets both domestic and international medical needs, holding the position as the world's third-largest market. This industry plays an essential role in maintaining the health of the population and improving the quality of healthcare in an aging Japan. Furthermore, prominent companies such as Takeda Pharmaceutical, Shionogi & Co., and Daiichi Sank

In recent years, as globalization advances, many countries have expanded their acceptance of foreign workers. Japan, in particular, has garnered attention for maintaining geopolitical stability. This stability is a crucial factor in providing a secure working environment for foreign workers. Japan’s stability is supported by strong international alliances, notably with the United States, and involvement in international frameworks such as the United Nations, G7, QUAD, and the

Data science and artificial intelligence (AI) stand at the forefront of technological innovation in the 21st century, revolutionizing various aspects of our lives. From enhancing the accuracy of medical diagnostics to developing autonomous vehicles and offering personalized financial advice, the applications of AI and data science are expanding daily. Japan is riding the wave of this technological revolution, advancing the development of AI and data science in unique ways. Un

1. Introduction The management consulting industry is highly popular among top students worldwide, and Japan is no exception. This field is recognized as an attractive first career due to the opportunity to work on diverse projects across various industries. In recent years, there has been increasing demand for growth strategies, digital transformation (DX), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives within Japanese companies. In response, consulting firms ar

1. Introduction of Remote Work in Japan Japan's work environment has a unique history, especially with systems like "lifetime employment" and "seniority-based promotion" being the norm for many years. These systems encouraged employees to stay with one company for their entire careers, and companies, in turn, valued loyalty. However, this often led to issues such as long working hours and cases of karoshi (death by overwork). In recent years, work style reforms have been unde

Introduction The employee benefits offered by Japanese companies are exceptional compared to other countries and are highly regarded both domestically and internationally. These benefits include health insurance systems that reduce medical expenses, regular health check-ups, fitness programs, and a variety of lifestyle support programs, all of which provide employees with a sense of security. For international students considering working in Japan, understanding what health b