Top 8 Popular Networking Platforms Among Young Professionals in Japan

In today’s business world, your network is arguably one of your most valuable assets. For professionals in their 20s and 30s, building peer connections is a key driver for career growth, information sharing, and personal development.

This article introduces eight networking services that are especially popular with young professionals in Japan. From online platforms to offline meetups, industry-specific tools to casual networking apps, these services cater to a range of goals and preferences.

Whether you’re looking to expand your circle, get inspired by peers, or connect with people who could open doors to new jobs or side gigs, there’s something here for you.

Popular Networking Platforms in Japan Ranked

1. Wantedly
2. Eight
3. Yenta
4. BizReach CAMPUS
5. Meeeet
6. LinkedIn
7. co-meeting
8. CheerCareer

1. Wantedly

Source: Wantedly Homepage

What It Solves: Founded in 2012, Wantedly aims to go beyond traditional, skill-based hiring by connecting people and companies through shared values and vision. It helps young professionals in Japan—many of whom feel uncertain about their purpose at work or future career path—gain clarity by offering a glimpse into company culture and employee stories.

Why It’s Popular: Wantedly’s mission is “to increase the number of people who are excited to work.” As a business networking platform rooted in value alignment, it resonates with career-minded young professionals who want to build meaningful connections and explore new opportunities.

Key Features:

• Employee interviews and company culture are prominently featured on company pages.
• The “I’d like to visit” button enables casual, low-pressure conversations.
• Most users are in their early career stages, making it easy to connect with peers.

2. Eight

Source: Eight Homepage

What It Solves: Developed by Sansan Inc. in 2012, Eight offers a digital solution to Japan’s deeply rooted paper business card culture. It addresses the challenge of staying in touch after networking events and helps users maintain meaningful professional relationships.

Why It’s Popular: With real-name registration and business-oriented features, Eight has evolved into a trusted networking app. It’s especially valued for helping users avoid the common “we met once, then lost touch” scenario.

Key Features:

• Digitizes the business card exchange process.
• Maintains ongoing connections from events and projects.
• Enables remote-friendly digital card exchanges.

3. Yenta

Source: Yenta Homepage

What It Solves: Launched in 2016, Yenta tackles the issue of time constraints and the lack of spontaneous encounters among busy young professionals. Using AI, it offers curated daily matches to help users build high-quality connections efficiently.

Why It’s Popular: Dubbed the “Tinder for business,” Yenta matches you with up to 10 people per day based on your profile. Swiping on those you’re interested in can lead to casual coffee chats or online meetings.

Key Features:

• Popular among ambitious professionals in tech and startups.
• An easy, semi-anonymous interface lowers the barrier to entry.
• Great for discovering fresh perspectives and cross-industry ideas.

4. BizReach CAMPUS

Source: BizReach CAMPUS Homepage

What It Solves: Originally designed for college students in 2016, this service by BizReach has gradually opened up to young professionals. It addresses the lack of role models and career direction by connecting users with alumni who share similar backgrounds.

Why It’s Popular: Now widely used for career consultations, BizReach CAMPUS is especially helpful for second- and third-year employees seeking advice. Its appeal lies in the ability to connect with relatable mentors from the same alma mater.

Key Features:

• Easy to form deeper conversations based on shared academic background.
• Useful for finding role models or reassessing your career direction.
• Includes anonymous chat functionality for a safe experience.

5. Meeeet

Source: Meeeet Homepage

What It Solves: Emerging around 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Meeeet was created for those who find live events intimidating or struggle to make time for in-person networking. It offers short, online sessions to help users make meaningful connections on their own schedule.

Why It’s Popular: With 30-minute match-based chats organized around shared interests or industries, Meeeet caters to busy young professionals who want to connect but are pressed for time.

Key Features:

• Choose from a range of talk topics to meet like-minded individuals.
• 100% online, so location is never a barrier.
• More accessible than in-person events, making it easy to stay active.

6. LinkedIn

Source: LinkedIn Homepage

What It Solves: As the world’s largest business-focused social network, LinkedIn officially launched in Japan in 2011. It provides globally minded young professionals with direct access to international peers, experts, and opportunities.

Why It’s Popular: Built around real names and career histories, LinkedIn is a trusted platform for those aiming to take their careers global. Job listings, endorsements, and skill-sharing tools make it a dynamic digital resume.

Key Features:

• Connect directly with overseas professionals and thought leaders.
• Includes job scouting and recruiting features.
• Ideal for building an international presence using English.

7. Co-meeting

Source: co-meeting Homepage

What It Solves: This collaborative platform blends chat with document sharing to support real-time work and discussion. It promotes relationship-building through working together, not just talking.

Why It’s Popular: By focusing on collaboration, co-meeting encourages connections that go deeper than a casual chat. It offers an alternative to tools like Slack or Notion by centering around productive, project-based interaction.

Key Features:

• Auto-generates meeting notes and supports file sharing.
• Great for building connections through shared projects.
• Perfect for those interested in co-creation and community work.

8. CheerCareer

Source: CheerCareer Homepage

What It Solves: CheerCareer connects passionate young professionals with startups and small businesses that value cultural fit over just credentials. It focuses on empathy and enthusiasm in hiring, what it calls “values-based recruitment.”

Why It’s Popular: Because featured companies emphasize mission and values, the platform resonates with young professionals who care about “who they work with,” not just where they work. Video interviews and culture showcases help build trust before applying.

Key Features:

• Strong focus on connecting with startups and fast-growing companies.
• Hosts casual info sessions and online meetups.
• Great for those who want to match based on energy and passion.

Conclusion

Each of these eight networking services redefines what “connection” means for Japan’s young professionals:

• Connect through shared values: Wantedly.
• Grow from business card exchanges: Eight.
• Get smart AI-driven matches: Yenta.
• Leverage alumni trust: BizReach CAMPUS.
• Make time-based connections: Meeeet.
• Go global: LinkedIn.
• Build through collaboration: co-meeting.
• Find your fit through shared passion: CheerCareer.

Networking today is more than just meeting people: it’s about collaborating, co-creating, and supporting one another. Each of these platforms is built with the goals and challenges of young professionals in mind, offering distinct ways to expand your connections. Not sure which approach suits you best? Explore these eight options—one of them could be the gateway to your next big move.

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