A Comprehensive Report on the Successful Recruitment Ultra Camp Event in Kyoto

On October 16, 2025, Kyoto played host to the inaugural Recruitment Ultra Camp, a major conference designed specifically for recruitment professionals, executives, and CHROs. Organized by OneCareer Inc., the event drew approximately 1,300 attendees eager to explore new strategies for recruitment amidst Japan's evolving labor landscape.

The Recruitment Ultra Camp served as a platform for various experts from multiple industries to share insights and ideas through 35 engaging sessions. The event's atmosphere was charged with excitement, as attendees participated in dynamic discussions about recruitment practices and trends—a testament to the event's overarching theme: “Let's open up recruitment, and then surpass it.” With the Japanese job market undergoing significant changes, where workforce shortages and shifting attitudes among Gen Z towards work have become critical issues, this conference aimed to provide fresh perspectives on recruiting amidst these challenges.

Highlights and Background of the Event

The theme of the Recruitment Ultra Camp was inspired by Japan's declining population and the resultant labor shortages and candidate-oriented market. OneCareer has crafted a diverse program featuring speakers who specialize in marketing, finance, IR, PR, and internal culture development. The goal was to re-imagine recruitment methodologies and discuss innovative approaches that transcend traditional hiring practices.

Kyoto City Mayor Takaharu Matsui graced the event as a special guest, addressing local recruitment challenges. He pointed out that while Kyoto is home to around 150,000 students, only 17-18% remain in the region after graduation. The Mayor underscored the importance of bridging the gap between talented graduates and local businesses to foster a stronger community. His message resonated with many attendees, emphasizing the need for greater engagement between students and the local job market.

Engaging Sessions and Networking Opportunities

Throughout the event, four stages hosted a variety of sessions led by distinguished speakers, discussing topics like changes in recruitment driven by AI, innovative recruiting marketing strategies, and people management practices from both large corporations and local businesses. Notable among these was a session featuring the renowned talent and actress, YOU, enriching the discourse surrounding the employment landscape with personal insights and experiences.

To facilitate networking, the event included community spaces designed for attendees to mingle, fostering rich dialogues and sharing learnings from the sessions attended. This interaction aligned perfectly with the conference's mission to “open up recruitment and exceed traditional boundaries.” Participants found value in networking and exchanging ideas with peers across industries, paving the way for future collaborations and innovations in recruitment practices.

Impressive Participation Metrics

The event attracted 19 exhibitors and featured a total of 35 sessions. Attendee satisfaction was high, with 95.5% expressing their overall satisfaction, and 97.8% indicating their intention to participate in next year’s event. Feedback highlighted the significant value attendees gained, with 91.9% believing they could apply the insights in their organizations.

Diversity of Attendees and Regions Represented

Survey data indicated that 58.4% of attendees hailed from the Kansai region, with 23.9% coming from Tokyo. Comments from participants underscored the value of the event, as many noted the scarcity of large-scale recruitment-focused events in the Kansai region. Such feedback reflects the pressing need for continued learning opportunities tailored to recruitment specialists.

Outlook for Future Events

Following this successful conference, plans are already underway for the second iteration of the Recruitment Ultra Camp. Scheduled for October 2026 in Kyoto, and December 2026 in Fukuoka, the next event promises to build on the momentum created this year, aiming to bring even greater insights and networking opportunities.

Conclusion

Overall, the Recruitment Ultra Camp was not just a conference but a significant gathering for those invested in redefining the future of recruitment. Organizers, sponsors, and participants were immensely pleased with the outcomes, reiterating a strong commitment to creating forums for ongoing discussions on recruitment and talent management strategies. OneCareer Inc. is excited to continue contributing to this evolving field by providing such meaningful events, and they invite more professionals to participate in their future initiatives.