#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese companies #ASEAN CAREER FAIR #Taro Ozaki

Increasing Interest in Japan Among Foreign Talent

In a recent survey conducted by Energize Co., Ltd., nearly 80% of ASEAN students aspiring to work for Japanese companies indicated that they prioritize opportunities for international career development over salary considerations. This finding emerged during the ASEAN CAREER FAIR with JAPAN 2026, held in Singapore on February 7, 2026, aimed at matching ASEAN university students and Japanese firms.

The Survey Insights

The survey included responses from 686 participants, primarily university and graduate students from countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Despite ongoing concerns regarding Japan's attractiveness due to the yen's depreciation and rising living costs, the results highlight that aspirants view Japanese firms as platforms for enhancing their future market value rather than merely as high-paying jobs.

Key Findings:

• - Career Growth Viewed as Priority: While salary remains the primary concern for job selection in general, when it comes to Japanese companies, international career development ranks significantly higher, showing the unique dynamics of job seekers’ priorities.
• - Attraction to Long-term Opportunities: About 60% of participants expressed a desire for long-term employment, reflecting a commitment to stay with one company if clear pathways for advancement and continuous growth opportunities are made available.
• - Japan vs. Other Countries: When asked where they would prefer to work if salaries were equal, nearly half of the students chose Japan. This suggests that aspects beyond pay, such as workplace culture and career development, play a crucial role in their decision-making.

Growth Over Pay

The study revealed that the majority of respondents considered the chance for international career development as the leading reason to pursue job opportunities in Japan—80.7% selected this over salary, which garnered only 36.1%. This indicates a shift in perspective, positioning Japan not as a short-term financial solution but as a valuable site for future career enhancement. The responses emphasize high regard for technical training and internship systems offered by Japanese firms as competitive advantages in developing human capital.

Responses to Economic Concerns

Interestingly, even amid a financially strained environment due to yen depreciation, students’ decision-making remains largely unaffected in terms of prioritizing salary over growth opportunities. This suggests that candidates associate working in Japan with significant experiential value that will benefit their long-term career trajectories.

The Impact of Japanese Work Culture

Responses from students emphasized that experience gained while working in Japan is seen as an asset in the international market. Qualities such as reliability and diligence inherent in the Japanese work culture are valued as ‘trust capital,’ which boosts competitiveness on a global scale.

What Makes Japanese Companies Attractive?

When selecting a company, the survey found that typical salary-centric metrics shift in favor of growth potential when considering Japanese firms. The focus stays firmly on technological learning, training programs, and promotion opportunities rather than just immediate financial incentives. This preference showcases the heightened anticipation of long-term development seen among international recruits.

Recommendations for Japan’s Future Recruitment Strategy

To maintain and enhance its appeal to international talent, several insights were noted:
1. Promoting Diversity: Implement strategies that support multicultural work environments and show consideration for various religious beliefs, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for foreign workers.
2. Long-term Mindset: Shift the mindset from seeing international hires as supplementary labor to viewing them as long-term contributors to the company’s growth.
3. Focus on Career Path Clarity: Provide clear career paths and prospects that can attract young talent.
4. Competitive Salaries: Maintain competitive salary structures to appeal to both international talent and local candidates.
5. Simplified Visa Procedures: Streamline visa application processes to facilitate smoother transitions for new employees.
6. Support for Mental Health: Ensure that mental health support systems are in place, underscoring the importance of overall employee well-being.

Conclusion

Despite challenges such as the declining yen and increasing costs, the increase in foreign labor statistics suggests that Japan continues to attract global talent. This survey underlines the trend: while standard job selection criteria emphasize salary, candidates opting for Japanese companies place greater importance on their growth prospects and opportunities for skill development. If Japan’s job market continues evolving to support diversity and offer clear career paths, it can establish itself as a prime destination for international talent eager to build long-term careers.

About Energize Co., Ltd.

Energize is a company based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, specialized in facilitating hands-on support for cross-border projects and recruitment aimed at discovering elite talent worldwide. Their initiatives emphasize the development of diverse organizational cultures where both Japanese and multinational employees can thrive.

More about the ASEAN CAREER FAIR

The ASEAN CAREER FAIR with JAPAN, established in 2013, serves to connect young professionals from ASEAN countries with Japanese enterprises. As of 2026, the event continues to grow in scale and influence, catalyzing meaningful employment opportunities across regions.