Japan

Rakuten, SoftBank, Sony — unique Shuukatsu culture with April fiscal year start.

Japan has a unique recruiting culture (Shuukatsu). April 1 is universal start date (fiscal year). Rakuten adopted English as official language — ideal for international talent. SoftBank, Sony, and Mercari also hire globally.

Programs

Companies

Peak Season

Cycle Type

Fall

Visa & Work Authorization

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa: Point-based system. Fast track to permanent residency (1-3 years). Rakuten + major tech sponsor regularly.

Recruiting Cycle

Japan Shuukatsu: Apply March-June for April start of following year.

Unique Considerations for Japan

April 1 fiscal year start is universal

Shuukatsu etiquette is strict (recruit suit, business manners)

Rakuten is unique with English-first culture

Japanese N2+ language level typically required for traditional firms

All 4 Programs in Japan

startups unicornselite

Rakuten New Graduate Program

Rakuten Group

JPY 5500k+

tech faangelite

Sony Group Global Graduate Program

Sony Group

JPY 5000k+

tech faangelite

SoftBank New Graduate Program

SoftBank Group

JPY 5500k+

startups unicornselite

Mercari Software Engineer

Mercari

JPY 6500k+

Get Japan-specific recruiting advice

Vanguard AI knows all 4 Japan programs intimately — visa pathways, recruiting cycles, and company culture.

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