#Japan #Shibuya #salary trends #Deep Growth Partners #Graduate Survey

Overview of the Salary Expectations Survey

In a recent survey conducted by Deep Growth Partners, a total of 520 students anticipated to graduate in 2028 were interviewed regarding their expectations for starting salaries. The research revealed a marked increase in salary expectations compared to the previous year, especially among top-tier universities such as those in the old Imperial University group and Waseda, Keio, and Sophia universities.

Background of the Survey

The job market for new graduates has seen substantial shifts, with many major corporations raising their starting salaries. This trend is primarily driven by the necessity to attract and retain talented individuals in a competitive environment. The survey aimed to understand how these changes in the job market influence students’ criteria for selecting potential employers, particularly regarding salary expectations.

Key Findings

Comparison by Academic Background

When looking into the data, approximately 31.6% of students from prestigious universities (Old Imperial University and Waseda, Keio, Sophia) indicated that they would only consider job applications that offered a starting salary of 300,000 yen or more. This is nearly double the percentage (17.1%) from the MARCH group (Meiji, Aoyama Gakuin, Rikkyo, Chuo, and Hosei). This gap highlights the significance of the 300,000 yen threshold in attracting top talent within the job market.

Year-on-Year Comparison

The expectation for starting salaries in the 300,000 yen range increased noticeably, with 29.2% of students identifying it as the minimum acceptable salary. This marks a substantial rise from the previous year’s 17.0%, representing a 12.2-point increase that signals a clear shift in what students deem necessary for entering the job market.

Increased Demand for Higher Salaries

When students were asked about what constitutes an attractive starting salary, the combined percentage for those seeking 330,000 yen or more reached 35.8%, up from 29.0% last year. In particular, around 47.9% of students from top-tier universities feel that only salaries above 330,000 yen are appealing, underlining the rising standards expected from leading employers.

Recommendations from Deep Growth Partners

The findings from this survey clearly indicate that the traditional salary norms have become obsolete in the current landscape. Companies must now understand that among the elite student community, the baseline for attractive salaries is shifting towards higher offers usually associated with foreign firms or large ventures. There is a significant disparity in perceived fair compensation even among students of second-tier universities and top-tier ones, necessitating tailored strategies to meet these emerging expectations.

To navigate this evolving landscape, organizations that find it challenging to raise salaries uniformly should consider establishing 'specialist roles,' aimed at high-caliber candidates, and clearly outlining early promotion models. It is essential not to focus solely on the nominal figure of starting salaries. Instead, candidates should understand how their roles may foster professional growth and future income potential.

About Deep Growth Partners

Deep Growth Partners, previously known as RECCOO, has been supporting recruitment activities since its establishment in 2014. As of 2026, the company is expanding its focus to organizational and management transformation to better assist client businesses in achieving 'essential growth'. The guiding mission of the company is to cultivate talent capable of becoming the backbone of society, ensuring sustainable support for each individual's contribution to enhancing Japan's economy and society's richness.

Contact Information

For further details about our services or to access previous survey data, please visit our website at Deep Growth Partners.

Survey Methodology

This study focused on students graduating in 2027 and 2028, primarily from prestigious institutions. The online survey was conducted through partnerships with student organizations associated with Deep Growth Partners.

• - Graduating Class of 2027: Conducted from March 4 to April 3, 2025, with 566 valid responses.
• - Graduating Class of 2028: Conducted from March 1 to April 14, 2026, with 520 valid responses.