Japan’s shukkatsu (就活, short for 就職活動) is unlike anything in the West. It’s a synchronized mass hiring process where most companies recruit new graduates at the same time, following an almost identical schedule. If you’re a foreign student at a Japanese university — or a foreigner targeting Japanese companies — here’s how it works.

What Is Shukkatsu?

Shukkatsu is the system where Japanese companies recruit new graduates (新卒, shinsotsu) in a coordinated nationwide process. Key features:

  • Everyone applies at the same time — companies open applications in roughly the same window
  • Graduation cohort-based hiring — you’re hired to start work the following April after graduation
  • The process starts 1–2 years before graduation — not the final semester
  • Generalist hiring — most companies hire you for “the company” not a specific role; you’re assigned later

Timeline

3rd Year of University (2 years before graduation):

  • Start attending company information sessions (会社説明会)
  • Begin OB/OG visits (reaching out to alumni at target companies)
  • Research industries and companies
  • Join shukkatsu communities online (Rikunabi, Mynavi, etc.)

March 1 (2nd semester of 3rd year): Official opening of job applications (広報解禁). Companies post job listings on Rikunabi and Mynavi.

June 1 (Final year): Official start of selection processes (選考解禁). First-round interviews, webtest exams, and group discussions begin.

October 1: Official job offer date (内定式, naiteishiki). Students receive formal offers.

April following graduation: Start work (入社式).

In practice, many companies start informal selection earlier — especially foreign-affiliated companies and some major Japanese firms.

Key Shukkatsu Activities

ES (Entry Sheet / エントリーシート)

Japan’s version of a cover letter, but on a standardized form. Questions typically include:

  • 学生時代に力を入れたこと (What did you work hardest on as a student?)
  • 志望動機 (Why do you want to join this company?)
  • 自己PR (Sell yourself in 200–400 characters)

Writing compelling ES answers is an art. Be specific, use concrete examples, and tie everything back to the company.

Webtest (Webテスト)

Online aptitude tests taken at home. Two main providers:

  • SPI (Rikunabi system) — language and numerical reasoning
  • CAB/GAB (used by trading companies, banks, consulting)
  • 玉手箱 (Tamatebako) — used by major manufacturers and banks

Practice tests are available online and at university career centers. Low scoress screen you out before any human contact.

OB/OG Visits (OB・OG訪問)

One of the most uniquely Japanese aspects of shukkatsu. You contact alumni (OB/OG = Old Boy/Old Girl) from your university who work at your target companies and ask for informal informational meetings.

These serve multiple purposes:

  • Learn real information about the company culture
  • Build a relationship with insiders who may put in a good word
  • Demonstrate initiative and genuine interest

As a foreigner, OB/OG visits can be awkward if you don’t have the alumni network. Use platforms like OB-Navi or Matcha (app) to find willing alumni.

Group Discussion (グループディスカッション)

A screening round where 5–8 candidates discuss a case study for 30–45 minutes. Recruiters observe. No “right answer” — they’re watching how you contribute, listen, and collaborate.

Tips:

  • Don’t dominate or stay silent — contribute steadily
  • Summarize, bridge between points, build on others’ ideas
  • Time management matters — appoint a timekeeper early

Interviews

Typically 3 rounds:

  1. Human Resources round — motivation, personality, ES-based questions
  2. Department manager round — deeper dive into skills, experience
  3. Executive round — final decision makers

Interviews are usually in Japanese. Some foreign-affiliated companies do English or bilingual interviews.

As a Foreigner in Shukkatsu

Advantages:

  • Japanese companies increasingly value language skills and diversity
  • Many large corporations have specific “global recruitment” tracks (グローバル採用) designed for foreigners and returnees
  • Your perspective is genuinely differentiated

Challenges:

  • Japanese language ability (minimum N2 for most Japanese-first companies)
  • Cultural knowledge of shukkatsu norms
  • Weaker OB/OG networks if you didn’t attend a Japanese university

Best targets:

  • Foreign-affiliated companies (外資系) in Japan — often more English-friendly and merit-based
  • Japanese companies with dedicated global recruitment programs
  • IT and tech companies — often more relaxed about shukkatsu formalities

Key Platforms

  • Rikunabi (リクナビ) — largest shukkatsu platform
  • Mynavi (マイナビ) — second largest
  • GaijinPot — specifically for foreign job seekers, many English-friendly companies
  • Daijob — bilingual and international jobs

See best job sites for foreigners in Japan.