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—

Should You Go to Graduate School Right After College or Start Working as a New Graduate? Deciding whether to go straight to graduate school after completing an undergraduate degree or to enter the workforce as a fresh graduate is a major choice for many students. For those who aspire to become researchers in academia, the dilemma is often whether to continue down the research path without interruption or to first step into society and gain practical experience. In this articl

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 ≠

Japan's professional landscape is rapidly transforming, shifting from traditional corporate models towards a dynamic startup ecosystem. This change is fueled by evolving youth aspirations and robust government initiatives like the Startup Development Five-Year Plan. Significant opportunities are emerging for young talents in high-growth sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Software as a Service (SaaS). To succeed in this new environment, young professionals need a

Ready to explore a summer working in Japan? This 5-minute blueprint will guide global students through the essentials of the Summer-Job Visa (Designated Activities), from experiencing Japanese life to gaining experience at leading companies. First, let's break down what this visa entails in the table below. What Details Official label Designated Activities – “Summer Job” (告示12号)   Who it’s for Under-grad or graduate students currently enrolled  at an overseas accredited unive

Japan’s recent graduates (and the current  “26sotsu and 27sotsu” students already chasing early offers) are stepping into a labour market unlike any in recent memory. Inflation has finally nudged wages up, demographic shortages continue to tighten recruiting pipelines, and generative-AI skills are changing how workers operate in their day-to-day. Whether students feel confident  shapes everything from how many firms they apply to, to whether they hold out for a “first-choice”

Recruit suit is essentially a Japanese 'uniform' for job seekers Japan is a country that takes professional presentation very seriously, and this extends to job interviews. Interview attire in Japan tends to be more formal and uniform than in many Western cultures. However, expectations can vary depending on the type of employer. This article provides detailed guidance on how to dress for interviews at a) major Japanese companies (Keidanren-affiliated) , b) foreign-funded com

In recent years, cities have evolved beyond being mere residential areas or centers of economic activity. They are now undergoing unprecedented innovations through the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as ICT, IoT, AI, and big data analytics. These technologies offer new solutions to social issues such as traffic congestion, energy efficiency, environmental impact, and public safety, significantly contributing to the realization of sustainable urban development. T

Introduction In recent years, the job-hunting process has evolved beyond merely preparing application documents; it now demands the ability to present oneself effectively and compellingly. In particular, entry sheets (ES) and statements of purpose serve as critical mediums through which candidates convey their past experiences, values, and future aspirations to interviewers. However, many job seekers struggle to construct a logically coherent and emotionally engaging narrativ

1. Introduction Japan has garnered global attention in the realm of subculture, particularly in the fields of anime, games, and manga. These forms of content have been widely embraced in markets across the Americas, Europe, China, Africa, and beyond, making them symbolic representations of Japanese culture from an international perspective. Notably, iconic works such as Dragon Ball , Naruto , and One Piece  have established significant brand value and cultural influence, ofte

1. Japan's Position in the Global Space Industry 1.1 The Global Space Industry Market and Japan’s Standing In recent years, the global space industry has been experiencing rapid growth, with the market size reaching $469 billion (approximately ¥64 trillion) as of 2021. *1 Both public and private sector players are increasingly entering the industry, and this expansion trend is expected to continue. Projections indicate that by the 2030s, the annual market size could reach $1

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

Reverse questions in interviews refer to the period at the end of an interview where candidates have the opportunity to ask questions to the interviewer. This time serves not only to clarify doubts but also as a crucial opportunity for candidates to effectively promote themselves. In Japanese company interviews, the content of these questions often serves as an important indicator of the candidate's interest in and understanding of the company. The Role and Importance of Reve

1. The Advantages of Speaking Japanese At Jelper Club, we minimize language barriers and list a variety of job types suited to students from diverse backgrounds. These include positions that do not require high levels of Japanese proficiency, thereby opening paths to employment for students who have not yet advanced in their Japanese studies. However, for foreigners aiming for a career in Japan, proficiency in Japanese can often be a major obstacle, yet it simultaneously unlo

1. What is Industry Research 1.1 The Purpose of Industry Research Industry research is the process of investigating the structure, market size, key players, and prospects of a specific industry. In job hunting, it is a crucial step for finding an industry that aligns with one’s interests and skills, and for gathering information that aids in career development. This article focuses on industry research aimed at increasing the pass rate in job selection processes and explains

When considering a career in Japan, many students prioritize Tokyo as their top choice. As the capital, Tokyo serves as the hub of business, culture, and international exchange, offering a myriad of employment opportunities. However, Japan's regional cities possess unique charms and career potentials not found in Tokyo. A career in these cities provides the chance to build a unique and fulfilling professional life through industry-specific opportunities and cultural connectio

An OB visit, or "alumni visit," traditionally refers to students meeting with alumni from their university or former employees who are active in a specific industry to gather insights beneficial for their future careers. In recent years, however, the term has expanded to include meetings with professionals from companies of interest, regardless of whether they are university alumni. This broader definition, facilitated by online communication tools, has become increasingly co

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