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Early phase (Y2-end / master's Y1 spring-summer)
Japanese job hunting asks you to explain yourself clearly — companies hire on potential (can you be developed for the long run, not what you can do today). Organize experiences and values, separate 'what I want to do' from 'what I can contribute', and the later ES, interviews, and company choices will hold together. Do not wait for the official 'opening'; start this around Y2-end / Y3-start or master's Y1 spring-summer.
Traps
These misconceptions aren't rare scenarios — most people hit at least one of them at this step. Knowing in advance doesn't mean you won't stumble, but it can save you a few weeks of detours.
Treating self-analysis as a one-off 'self-introduction draft' — it is actually the story bank every later ES and interview draws from.
Piling on three or four strengths at once. Self-PR is stronger with one core trait + one concrete story + a link to job contribution.
Waiting for the March 'opening' to start. By April of the graduation year about 90% of students have already interviewed — the real competition moved earlier.
Breakdown
Follow the checklist below and you won't miss anything important. You don't have to finish it all at once, but every item should be clearly answered within this stage.
Tool
There's a ready-made tool for this step. You don't have to use it every time, but it's worth opening when you're stuck.
Click to open · use it right here in this step
Open tool →