On April 1, 2025, the new fiscal year commenced in Japan, heralding a flurry of entrance ceremonies across the country as companies welcomed their new employees. This year's ceremonies were marked by a significant trend: an increase in starting salaries, driven by a competitive labor market and rising living costs.
One of the standout events took place at Itochu Corporation, one of Japan's four major general trading companies. The ceremony was held under the sprawling branches of 650 cherry trees in full bloom, symbolizing renewal and new beginnings. A total of 153 new employees gathered to officially embark on their professional journeys, cheered on by over 350 existing staff members.
Masahiro Ok藤, the chairman of Itochu, highlighted the importance of starting salaries in attracting talent. He stated, "Students should choose companies based on starting salary, and that’s why we have raised ours by 20,000 yen this year to 325,000 yen." This increase reflects a growing acknowledgment among companies that competitive compensation is crucial in a tight labor market.
Meanwhile, All Nippon Airways (ANA) held its entrance ceremony at Haneda Airport, where over 3,000 new employees gathered. The airline announced a record-high starting salary of 262,000 yen, an increase of 12,000 yen from the previous year, in response to the booming inbound tourism demand and ongoing labor shortages.
The trend of rising starting salaries is not isolated to these two companies. Reports indicate that approximately 70% of companies across Japan are raising their starting wages this April, a move seen as necessary to improve the treatment of new employees amidst escalating costs of living.
In a more unconventional setting, Excom Global held its entrance ceremony at the lavish residence of its president, which is valued at around 300 million yen. The new employees, numbering 45, participated in a unique bonding experience that included a visit to an open-air bath followed by a slide into a pool, designed to foster camaraderie among the new hires.
At another notable ceremony, Kirin Holdings welcomed its new employees with a surprise appearance by Hajime Moriyasu, the coach of Japan's national soccer team. His presence elicited excitement from the new hires, who sought advice on maintaining a strong mindset in high-pressure situations. Moriyasu advised them to focus on giving their best effort rather than fixating on success or failure.
In addition to these grand ceremonies, the atmosphere across various companies reflected a blend of tradition and modernity. For example, at Fancl, 142 new employees participated in a makeup session led by senior staff, aimed at easing the nerves of the newcomers and fostering a supportive environment.
As the ceremonies unfolded, the significance of the day was palpable. April in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossoms, but it also marks the beginning of a new academic and professional year. The entrance ceremonies are not just formalities; they represent a rite of passage for many young adults stepping into the workforce for the first time.
For Itochu, the entrance ceremony was particularly poignant, as the stage was adorned with cherry trees sourced from Fukushima Prefecture, a region that holds special significance in Japan due to its recovery efforts following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The choice of decor served as a reminder of resilience and hope, further enriching the ceremony's atmosphere.
The new employees of Itochu were treated to a surprise performance by the popular folk duo Yuzu, who performed their hit songs "Eiko no Kakehashi" and "Natsuiro" to encourage the new recruits. This unexpected addition to the ceremony was met with enthusiastic applause, lifting the spirits of everyone present.
As the new employees took their first steps into their respective roles, they carried with them a mix of excitement and apprehension. Comments from some of the new hires reflected this sentiment, with one stating, "I feel nervous but also excited about this valuable opportunity to learn and grow."
The entrance ceremonies also served to highlight the competitive environment within the job market. Many companies are not only increasing salaries but also enhancing their overall employment packages to attract top talent. Itochu's reputation as a "dream workplace" stems from its performance-based salary structure, lack of mandatory overtime, and commitment to employee welfare, including childcare facilities.
This year, Itochu's new hires included 40 women among the general employees, a sign of progress towards gender diversity in the workplace. The company has made efforts to create an inclusive environment, which is increasingly valued by job seekers today.
As the fiscal year begins, the focus on improving starting salaries and working conditions reflects broader trends in the Japanese economy, where businesses are adapting to changing workforce expectations. With many young professionals entering the job market, these changes may set the tone for future employment practices across the country.
In summary, the entrance ceremonies held on April 1, 2025, were not just celebrations of new beginnings but also reflections of a shifting economic landscape in Japan. As companies like Itochu and ANA respond to labor market pressures with higher starting salaries, the future of work in Japan looks to be evolving in ways that prioritize both competitive compensation and employee well-being.
