【Press Release】 SPeak corp and Ritsumeikan University Create Japanese-English Job Hunting Guidebook for International Students
【Press Release】 SPeak corp and Ritsumeikan University Create Japanese-English Job Hunting Guidebook for International Students
by SPeak Team / June 4, 2025
SPeak corp. (Office: Tokyo; CEO: Hiromi Karahashi), operator of JPort, announces the completion of a comprehensive job-hunting guidebook specifically designed to address the challenges faced by the growing population of international students at Japanese universities, whose employment rates remain low. This guidebook, created by international students, for international students, offers clear and practical explanations of the Japanese job-hunting process (“Shūkatsu”). The project was realized with the invaluable support and collaboration of the Career Center at Ritsumeikan University.
Background | Aspiring to Work in Japan but Facing Challenges with Job Hunting and Timing
According to the “2022 Career Outcomes Survey for International Students” published by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) in May 2024, only approximately 35% of international students graduating from Japanese universities and graduate schools secure employment within Japan.
While a majority of international students studying in Japan aspire to pursue careers domestically post-graduation, the complexity of the Japanese job-hunting process (“Shūkatsu”)—including its cultural nuances and procedural requirements—often presents significant barriers. Many students only begin to engage with job-hunting activities shortly before graduation, resulting in missed opportunities and uncertainty, as exemplified by statements such as “I missed the optimal timing and most positions were already filled” or “I was unsure how to begin and felt anxious.”
In response, JPort has developed this guidebook from the perspective of former international students who have successfully navigated Japan’s job market. The objective is to provide essential information precisely when it is needed, thereby mitigating missed opportunities and supporting students throughout their job search.
Guidebook Features | Prioritizing the Authentic Perspectives of International Students over Literal Translation
This guidebook is not a mere direct translation of job-hunting materials originally developed for Japanese students.
Instead, it has been meticulously developed from the firsthand experiences of former international students who have navigated Japan’s employment landscape. The content is curated to deliver essential, relevant information through the lens of the international student experience.
For instance, it addresses prevalent challenges such as discovering job-hunting procedures only shortly before graduation or struggling with the SPI aptitude test despite advanced Japanese language skills.
The guidebook offers clear, practical insights into the actual sequence and realities of job hunting in Japan—nuances often absent from online resources—articulated by those with lived experience.
Furthermore, all content is presented bilingually in Japanese and English, formatted for side-by-side comparison. The English version transcends literal translation by thoughtfully conveying cultural context and key information critical to successful job hunting in Japan.
■ Guidebook Structure and Features
- Two-Part Format (Basic + Advanced): Covers the entire job-hunting process, from understanding the overall framework to preparing resumes and interviews.
- Bilingual Presentation: Available in both Japanese and English, allowing readers to engage with the content according to their language proficiency.
- Advice Based on Experience: Practical tips and mindset guidance presented alongside stories from former international students
Learning from Real Experiences | Turning “If Only Someone Had Told Me…” into Practical Guidance
Project Leader Belle, who is involved in business development and customer success at SPeak corp., recalls her own experience studying abroad in graduate school. Believing that students should focus solely on their studies, she only began her job search shortly before graduation, which significantly limited her employment options.
She shares, “When I started job hunting in July of my second year (just two months before graduation), most companies had already closed their recruitment, and I felt hopeless.” Despite being fluent in Japanese and holding the highest level N1 certification on the JLPT, she struggled with the SPI math test, saying, “If it were in my native language, I could solve the problems, but in Japanese, I couldn’t even fully understand the questions,” which was discouraging.
“This is precisely why I want to tell current international students studying in Japan that ‘Japanese job hunting is not impossible.’ I also wanted to create a guidebook that I myself wished I had when I was a student,” Bell explains. Her—and other international students’—personal experiences form the foundation of this guidebook.
The Value Created Through University Collaboration
This guidebook was developed in close collaboration with the Ritsumeikan University Career Center, through ongoing discussions and feedback exchange.
For example, language that could potentially come across as overly negative was revised with more encouraging phrasing to help readers feel motivated to take action. Additionally, based on suggestions from the university, culturally specific terms such as "OBOG"—which are essential when communicating with Japanese students—were purposefully included in the English version as well.
By combining the perspectives of both international students and university staff, the final result is a practical guidebook that strikes a balance between clarity and accuracy.
■ Future Outlook
Through this guidebook, we hope to empower more international students to envision and pursue their own unique futures in Japan. Looking ahead, we plan to expand its distribution to career centers at universities nationwide. JPort remains committed to ensuring that international students across Japan have timely access to the right information.
■ Contact Information
SPeak corp.
📧 Email: support@speakmatch.jp
🌐 Website: https://speak-corp.com/
📞 Tel: +81-3-6897-3564
📣 Contact Person: Tsevelmaa Batnasan (Belle)