Top 5 Popular Platforms for Student and New Graduate Recruitment in Japan
In Japan, the way companies recruit students and new graduates is evolving year by year. As hiring practices diversify, the touchpoints between job seekers and employers are also shifting. One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the rise of online job-hunting, which allows students to access information about potential employers more efficiently and on their terms.
For companies, choosing the right platform to share job opportunities is essential. Knowing which services students use—and using them strategically—can make a significant difference in the success of your recruitment efforts.
In this article, we’ll highlight five of the most commonly used platforms for student and new graduate job hunting in Japan.
Ranking of Popular Platforms for Student Recruitment
- Mynavi
- Rikunabi
- OfferBox
- CareerTasu
- Kimisuka
1. Mynavi
Source: Mynavi Homepage
Mynavi has long been a dominant force in Japan’s new graduate recruitment market. With a large user base, mainly comprising university students, it offers listings across a wide range of industries and job types. But it’s more than just a job board: companies can also host information sessions, manage applications, use scouting tools, and access other recruitment support services.
One of Mynavi’s key strengths is its applicant management system, which gives recruiters real-time insights into candidate behavior and interests, enabling more efficient and strategic hiring. The platform has also embraced online briefings and video content, adapting smoothly to post-COVID hiring trends. For companies looking to engage with a broad pool of students, Mynavi is a go-to platform.
2. Rikunabi
Source: Rikunabi Homepage
Rikunabi is one of the most recognized job-hunting platforms for new graduates in Japan. For many students, it’s their starting point when entering the job market. It features listings from a wide range of employers, from major corporations to small and midsize companies, making it ideal for organizations looking to expand their reach.
The platform offers various recruitment tools, including scouting features and entry sheet management. It also actively supports online information sessions and webinars, making it easier to connect with students across the country. With Rikunabi, companies can engage a diverse pool of candidates and run their recruitment process more efficiently.
3. OfferBox
Source: OfferBox Homepage
OfferBox is a scout-based platform where companies initiate contact with students, rather than waiting for applications. Students register their profiles, highlighting their strengths, skills, and personal statements, and companies can then reach out to those who match their criteria. This makes the matching process more targeted and efficient.
OfferBox is especially useful for employers looking to attract top talent with specific skills or aptitudes. Unlike traditional job-hunting platforms, OfferBox allows for a company-driven hiring approach. It also benefits students, who are more likely to connect with companies that recognize their unique value, making it a mutually beneficial model.
4. CareerTasu
Source: CareerTasu Homepage
CareerTasu (also known as キャリタス就活) is a job-hunting platform known for its ease of use and extensive content, supported in part by the Recruit Group. Students can take their time comparing companies and managing event schedules all in one place.
For employers, CareerTasu offers more than just job postings—it supports event promotion, application tracking, and other functions that help streamline the recruitment process. Built-in analytics also allow recruiters to track applicant trends and behaviors, which can be used to inform more strategic hiring plans. It’s widely used by both mid-sized and large companies.
5. Kimisuka
Source: Kimisuka Homepage
Kimisuka is gaining attention as a “reverse recruitment” platform where companies reach out to students based on their registered profiles. Students list their skills, strengths, and interests, and companies send direct scouting messages to those who match their needs.
Kimisuka is particularly popular among startups, small businesses, and venture companies that want to connect with students outside the typical applicant pool. Its AI-powered matching system helps companies identify candidates who align well with their culture and goals. For students, the platform offers a chance to be discovered by employers who genuinely appreciate their potential—making it a win-win solution.
Conclusion
As student and new graduate recruitment in Japan continues to diversify, the role of job-hunting platforms has become more important than ever. Each service has its strengths and is utilized by students in various ways, depending on their preferences and job search style.
The platform you choose to recruit on can directly impact your results. Do you want to reach a wide audience or focus on a specific talent pool? Selecting the right platform for your hiring goals can lead to more effective and rewarding recruitment, and as a first step, it’s crucial to understand which platforms students are most familiar with and actively using.
