Hi there! I’m Aki—Japanese, 12 years in U.S. HR, now decoding Japan. Lifetime employment (Shushin Koyo) vs meritocracy—it’s the work culture clash I can’t stand. Japan’s “job for life” sounds secure, but it’s a trap I’d never take.  In the U.S., Results rule—sink or swim, and I love it. After seeing both, here’s the raw truth: one locks you in, the other sets you free.

Hi there! I’m Aki, a Japanese former HR head from the global finance industry. I’ve conducted countless interviews with foreign candidates in Japan—solo, alongside hiring managers, and poring over feedback sheets. Based on that experience, here are my Do’s and Don’ts for landing a job in Japan. Let’s get you ready to shine!