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New Graduate Recruitment: Revolutionizing Hiring with 'Oshi-Katsu'

In an effort to enhance student engagement and authenticity during the hiring process, Mercury Co., Ltd., a human resource service company based in the heart of Tokyo, has successfully implemented an innovative recruitment method known as 'Oshi-Katsu.' This unique approach encourages students to speak passionately about their favorite interests or 'oshi,' which translates to 'support' in Japanese.

The company reports that this new hiring strategy led to a staggering 62.5% increase in applications compared to the previous year, significantly enriching the pool of candidates. Traditionally, recruitment focused heavily on formal application documents and self-promotional statements, often leaving candidates feeling unable to express their true selves.

A Shift in the Recruitment Paradigm

The 'Oshi-Katsu' initiative allows students to participate in what's been termed 'Oshi-Katsu interviews,' shifting the focus from conventional self-PR to discussions centered on their personal interests and passions. This change aims to create a relaxed environment for students to demonstrate their authenticity.

Mercury's innovative hiring strategy has seen remarkable results. The total number of applicants surged from 376 to 611 during the recruitment period from September to December 2025, marking a substantial uptick in student interest. Notably, 40 students expressed a desire to participate specifically in the Oshi-Katsu selection process. The post-presentation selection booking rates also improved; while traditional methods indicated a booking rate of 75.7%, the Oshi-Katsu applicants boasted a 92.5% booking rate, showcasing heightened engagement levels.

Increased Offer Acceptance Rates

One of the most notable impacts of the Oshi-Katsu interviews is reflected in the offer acceptance rate, which rocketed from 15.8% to an impressive 61.5%. Completing the Oshi-Katsu interview allowed candidates to feel more confident and informed in their decision-making processes. Surveys conducted among Mercury's hiring staff revealed that 91.7% felt they gained a deeper understanding of the candidates' personalities through this more personalized conversation style. Furthermore, 100% noted that the interviews provided an effective platform for students to express their individuality and for the company to convey its values effectively.

Insights from Participants

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. One student remarked on how relaxed they felt during the interview and appreciated the opportunity to showcase their strengths organically. Another shared that they initially had no intention of applying but were drawn in by the Oshi-Katsu method, which piqued their interest in the company.

Conversely, hiring managers recognized the potential drawbacks, noting that some candidates seemed uncertain about how their choices would be evaluated, as the process appeared more informal. This highlights the necessity for continuous communication about the evaluation criteria and rationale behind this avant-garde selection strategy.

To further enhance the Oshi-Katsu experience, Mercury has been producing promotional videos featuring employees discussing their own Oshi activities to provide a clearer context for potential applicants.

The Vision Behind Oshi-Katsu

Mercury established this approach with the mission of connecting society with individuals and expanding the potential of everyone. By centering the recruitment experience around personal interests and passions, 'Oshi-Katsu' intends to unlock candidates' capabilities while offering a refreshing take on the application process. Mercury plans to continue implementing this innovative recruitment approach for the graduating class of 2027 and beyond.

As the hiring landscape continues to evolve, Mercury remains committed to nurturing a recruitment model that resonates with today's youth, championing the idea of valuing individuality while also creating a comprehensive understanding of candidates on both organizational and personal levels.

Media Coverage and Future Outlook

Mercury's Oshi-Katsu recruitment method has garnered attention across multiple media outlets, including HR Pro and Sankei News, signaling growing interest in innovative recruitment practices that align more closely with applicants' authentic selves.

In summary, with its dedication to connecting individuals to opportunities while broadening their potential, Mercury is poised to significantly influence the future of recruitment in Japan.

For more details, visit Mercury's official website.