Japan's 2025 Hiring Market: Key Insights

Japan's hiring market remains highly active, with demand expected to rise in 2025 compared to 2024.

Competition is fierce for skilled professionals, especially top candidates, many of whom interview with multiple companies simultaneously. In particular, professionals under 40 with English proficiency are in short supply, with the scarcity especially pronounced among those in their 30s. The overall pool of Japanese workers with business-level English is already small, and this trend will unlikely change in the foreseeable future.

A key concern for job seekers in 2024 was the long-term stability of prospective employers, including the risk of mergers, acquisitions, or other structural changes. M&A activity has been increasing domestically and internationally, making corporate acquisitions common. As a result, candidates are placing greater importance on whether their new employer can maintain the working conditions and environment they expect post-hire. It's natural for professionals to be cautious about workplace stability, especially given the risk of layoffs or shifts in job responsibilities following a management integration.

With many opportunities available, top talent expects competitive offers, including higher salaries, stock options, and RSUs. If candidates are considering multiple employers, those who move quickly with offers gain an advantage. A slow hiring process may signal inefficiency or a lack of commitment, causing companies to lose out on strong candidates. Thus, streamlining the hiring process is essential for securing top talent.

At Ryze Consulting, we specialize in headhunting exceptional professionals rather than relying on job postings or applicant databases. As a recruitment firm committed to quality service for both companies and candidates, we will continue to support organizations in hiring rare talent with strong expertise, technical skills, and English proficiency.