The business community in Japan has recognized the importance of having an international perspective and has begun actively embracing the increasing foreign workforce. This movement not only brings diverse perspectives and skills but also offers access to global markets and the potential to enhance competitiveness. In this article, we will introduce several well-known Japanese companies that prioritize foreign employee hiring and their initiatives.

Rakuten

Rakuten is a leading internet services company operating globally based in Japan. Founded in 1997, the company has grown rapidly, currently expanding its business in various fields such as e-commerce, financial services, digital content, and communication services. Over 20% of Rakuten’s employees are of foreign nationality, with workers from more than 100 countries. The company has adopted English as its official language. The company’s headquarters cafeteria offers a wide range of menus that consider different needs such as vegan and halal food, and provides them free of charge daily. Prayer rooms and foot-washing places that can be used by anyone regardless of religion or sect have been set up, and an international work environment where various cultures and values intersect has been arranged.

Mercari

Mercari is a leading internet company operating in Japan, developing and operating a flea market app “Mercari” that allows users to buy and sell goods. The company employs employees of various nationalities, with about 50% of the engineering organization in the Tokyo office being composed of members of non-Japanese nationality. We do not prioritize Japanese language proficiency during the hiring process, and we recommend the use of English for business activities, regardless of nationality. Furthermore, we put a significant emphasis on our internal language training programs, promoting the use of easy-to-understand Japanese and English. Not only do we establish language learning systems, but we also aim for effective communication education by teaching even native speakers to speak in a way that is easy for others to understand. The company also provides a wide range of support for foreign employees, such as obtaining visas, moving support, booking air tickets, arranging monthly apartments, resident registration, mobile phone contract support, and orientation about life in Japan, and strives to maintain a comfortable work environment regardless of nationality.

Fast Retailing

Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel retailers based in Japan, which runs various apparel brands including Uniqlo. Founded in 1984, the company has rapidly expanded, currently producing clothing in more than 240 factories in 11 countries and regions, selling in over 3,500 stores and EC in various regions, and employing about 130,000 employees. There are many foreign employees even in Japan, and innovative initiatives such as conducting questionnaire surveys for foreign employees, round-table discussions with foreign employees and executive officers, and starting a mentor system are being carried out. The company also enhances support systems that are not limited to work, such as setting up consultation desks for life and work in Japan, personal interviews and networking events held by volunteer members’ in-house network groups, and provides opportunities for easy consultation.

Conclusion

The difference in language and culture can be a barrier when foreign nationals work in Japan. The companies introduced this time respect the traditional business culture of Japan, but emphasize diversity and inclusiveness and provide a workplace where they can work in a multicultural environment. They also provide support for foreign employees to succeed at work, enhancing the competitiveness of the entire company and promoting the internationalization of Japanese society as a whole. Many companies in Japan, led by famous companies, are looking for diverse talent and promoting a workplace environment that accepts diversity. In the future, a more global way of working where cultures and values intersect will develop here in Japan.