Japanese companies began job seminars on Sunday targeting university students graduating in spring 2027, amid ongoing labor shortages that keep the job market favorable for candidates. The rapid spread of artificial intelligence has intensified competition for science and engineering talent. Official recruitment activities started following a government request to delay until this date.
Japanese companies launched job seminars on Sunday aimed at university students set to graduate in spring 2027, as labor shortages persist across many industries, maintaining a seller's market. The quick advancement of artificial intelligence technology has heightened competition for talent in science and engineering fields.
Following a government request, firms officially began recruitment efforts such as seminars on this date, after previously holding off. Yet a survey indicates that around 30% of students have already secured informal job offers, with critics noting that job hunting is starting earlier and recruitment guidelines are becoming mere formalities.
Job information firm Mynavi organized a job fair in Tokyo for science and engineering students, featuring more than 60 companies, including Honda Motor and air conditioner maker Daikin Industries. A third-year student from a national university, who has received an informal offer, said, "I feel I have a wide range of options. I'm paying close attention to benefit packages and work locations."
"Demand for science and engineering students is very high," said Makoto Takahashi, editor in chief of Mynavi. A survey by human resources company Indeed Recruit Partners of about 950 people found that 32.8% of students graduating in spring 2027 had informal job offers by February 1. Increasingly, companies are finalizing hires early without waiting for March 1 to secure talent.