Top 3 Popular Business Social Networking Apps in Japan
As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, tools that streamline operations and enhance efficiency have become indispensable. In Japan, business networking apps have emerged as essential platforms for fostering corporate communication, facilitating talent acquisition, and enabling smooth information sharing. These apps thereby enhance day-to-day operations while also opening doors to new business opportunities, driving growth and collaboration. This article ranks three of the most widely used business social networking apps in Japan, evaluated based on their user base and impact on the corporate landscape.
Popular Business Social Networking Apps (By Number of Users)
- Wantedly
- Eight
1. Wantedly
Image Source: https://sg.wantedly.com/
Wantedly is a leading business networking app in Japan, boasting over 4 million users and more than 40,000 registered companies. Its standout feature lies in offering companies a dynamic platform to showcase their culture, vision, and workplace environment in depth. Organizations can create comprehensive profile pages that go beyond traditional job listings, sharing blog articles, employee interviews, and event updates. These tools allow companies to illustrate their mission and team dynamics effectively, providing a clearer picture of their working style. Through prioritizing deeper connections and value-based matches over conventional recruitment, Wantedly helps businesses attract partners and talent who align with their culture and long-term goals. This approach fosters meaningful professional relationships, setting it apart from standard job-oriented platforms.
2. LinkedIn
Image Source: https://www.linkedin.com/
LinkedIn, a globally renowned business networking platform, has steadily gained a foothold in Japan, with its user base reportedly reaching 4 million. Designed specifically for professionals, LinkedIn serves as a powerful hub for industry insights, career opportunities, and professional connections. A standout feature is LinkedIn Learning, an e-learning platform offering a wide range of online courses to enhance various skills. From leadership and communication strategies to programming tutorials and software mastery, users can conveniently upskill at home or during their free time.
With its emphasis on real-name registration and detailed work history, LinkedIn is widely used for both job hunting and recruitment. Job seekers can indicate their openness to new opportunities through their profiles, enabling recruiters to approach them directly. Likewise, businesses leverage the platform to connect with skilled professionals and potential partners.
By combining career development tools, job search functionality, and networking opportunities, LinkedIn has become an indispensable resource for professionals in Japan—empowering them to advance their careers and expand their business horizons.
3. Eight
Image Source: https://8card.net/
Eight, a popular business networking app with approximately 3.5 million users, is renowned for its innovative approach to business card management. Initially launched as a tool for organizing physical cards, it has evolved into a comprehensive digital solution. Users can now exchange business cards via touch-based interactions between smartphones, eliminating the challenges of managing physical cards—such as clutter, misplacement, or running out unexpectedly.
A standout feature of Eight is its automatic profile synchronization. When users update their information, such as a job promotion or role change, the updates are reflected in real-time on the profiles of everyone they've connected with. This ensures that contacts always have access to the most current information without manual updates.
The app’s built-in notification system further enhances communication, alerting contacts to changes in user details and fostering continuous engagement beyond the initial card exchange. Additionally, Eight enables direct messaging between connected users, making it easy to maintain professional relationships over time without concerns about losing touch.
Cleverly blending traditional business card functions with modern digital tools, Eight has transformed networking into a dynamic, efficient, and ongoing process—catering to the evolving needs of professionals in a digital era.
Conclusion
This article introduced the most popular business networking apps in Japan based on user numbers, highlighting their distinct strengths and functionalities. While some platforms excel in job search and recruitment, others focus on broader business topics, skill development, or innovative solutions for business card exchange and management. Each app offers unique tools that cater to varying professional needs, enabling individuals and organizations to overcome challenges, uncover new opportunities, and foster personal and business growth.
By strategically utilizing these platforms in combination, businesses can enhance communication, streamline workflows, and expand their professional networks. We hope this article serves as a valuable guide for maximizing the potential of these tools to drive success and achieve your goals.
