Japanese Rirekisho (履歴書) Guide for Foreigners (2025)
The rirekisho (履歴書) is Japan’s standard job application form — and it’s nothing like a Western CV. Fixed format, handwritten in many cases, with sections that would be unusual to ask for in Western countries. What Is a Rirekisho? A rirekisho is a standardized Japanese résumé on a single A3 sheet folded in half. Unlike a Western CV where you design your own layout, Japanese companies expect a specific format — either handwritten or typed using official templates. ...