Japan’s Employment Rate for Graduates Remains High Amid Labor Shortages

As of February 1, 2026, approximately 92% of Japanese university students scheduled to graduate had received informal job offers, according to a report from the Japanese labor and education ministries. Even as this rate remains high, it represents a slight decrease from the previous year, marking the first decline in five years.

Current Employment Landscape

The continued high employment rate is largely attributed to ongoing labor shortages within Japan. However, the rate experienced a 0.6 percentage point drop compared to the record high achieved in the prior year. This indicates a potential shift in the employment market, though opportunities for graduates remain plentiful.

Gender and Field of Study Breakdown

The job offer rate for male students stood at 90.9%, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points. For female students, the rate was 93.4%, down 0.4 percentage points.

Students majoring in humanities and social sciences saw a decrease in job offers, with a rate of 91.9%, down 0.8 points. Conversely, students in science fields experienced a slight increase, with a rate of 92.8%, up 0.4 points.

Regional Variations

Significant regional variations were observed in the job offer rates. The Chugoku and Shikoku region reported the highest rate at 94.2%, a substantial increase of 6.2 points. The Kinki, Chubu, and Kyushu regions also saw increases.

Conversely, the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo, experienced a 2-point decrease to 93.9%. The Hokkaido and Tohoku region recorded the lowest rate at 83.1%, down 8.2 points.

Resources for International Students

For prospective students considering studying in Japan, the Study in Japan official website provides comprehensive information on the education system, scholarships, and living in Japan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), offers a range of services for international students. The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) also provides support programs and resources for international students, including information on the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU).

Looking Ahead

The Japanese job market continues to evolve, influenced by demographic shifts and economic factors. While the recent slight decline in the employment rate warrants attention, the overall outlook for graduates remains positive, particularly in regions experiencing labor shortages and for students in science-related fields.