Insights & News Articles

Technological advancements have increased the focus on objective metrics such as skills and experience, with AI-powered screening now widespread. Yet, even in this era, one factor remains indispensable: culture fit. This article explores why culture fit is essential for long-term success for both companies and job seekers. Why Successful Companies Prioritize Culture Fit: 3 Key Benefits Culture fit is not just about benefiting the company — it is equally vital for job seekers aiming to build fulfilling careers. 1. Improved Retention and Reduced Turnover The greatest advantage is retaining employees who contribute over the long term. Candidates who resonate with a company’s values and vision tend to show higher engagement and a stronger sense of belonging. As a result, turnover decreases, cutting costs related to hiring and retraining. 2. Maximized Team Performance Teams built on shared values communicate more smoothly and develop trust more quickly. This accelerates decision-making, enhances cross-department collaboration, and fosters a culture of mutual respect. The outcome is greater productivity and a stronger foundation for innovation. 3. Strengthened Employer Brand When employees take pride in their workplace culture, their positive experiences naturally enhance the employer brand. Genuine word-of-mouth is far more persuasive than advertising and creates a virtuous cycle that attracts top-tier talent. Why Culture Fit Matters for Job Seekers Culture fit is not just about benefiting the company — it is equally vital for job seekers aiming to build fulfilling careers. High Satisfaction and Motivation When your values and work style align with the company’s culture, you’re more likely to find meaning in your daily tasks. This alignment drives satisfaction and sustained motivation, even in challenging situations. Smooth Adaptation and Early Success If the company’s communication style and unspoken rules match your own, adapting becomes seamless. Stronger relationships can be built quickly, allowing you to demonstrate your abilities and make an impact sooner. Psychological Safety A workplace where you can express your opinions freely without hiding your true self is essential for well-being. When your values align with the company, you’re more likely to enjoy psychological safety and reduced stress. The “Dangerous Misconception” of Culture Fit It is critical not to confuse culture fit with hiring people who are simply similar. Overemphasis on sameness risks creating a homogenous organization that lacks diversity and fresh perspectives. True culture fit means alignment with the company’s mission, vision, and values. With this shared foundation, diverse backgrounds and personalities can still thrive together, building unity while driving growth. Skills determine what a candidate can do, but culture fit defines how they will thrive and contribute over the long term. Looking beyond surface-level factors and focusing on whether company and candidate values resonate is the key to sustainable growth for both.

The evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming all aspects of business, with a particularly profound impact on recruitment. It is establishing a new norm for both companies and job seekers. This article explains how AI is changing the hiring process and how candidates should adapt to these changes. The "New Norm" in Recruitment: How AI Is Changing the Hiring Landscape AI is poised to dramatically alter the world of hiring by taking over tasks like document screening and initial interviews, which have traditionally consumed a vast amount of recruiters' time. Automation and Efficiency in Document Screening Many companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which scan resumes for keywords, skills, and experience to automatically screen candidates. This frees recruiters from the tedious task of reviewing countless applications, allowing them to focus their time on communicating with the most promising candidates. Towards Objective and Fair Selection Selection processes conducted by human recruiters can be susceptible to unconscious bias. Because AI evaluates candidates based on objective data like experience and skills, it is expected to lead to a fairer selection process, uninfluenced by attributes such as gender, age, or nationality. AI Video Interviews and an Improved Candidate Experience In AI video interviews, the system analyzes recorded videos to assess a candidate's potential and cultural fit by examining their facial expressions, tone of voice, and word choice. This offers candidates the convenience of interviewing anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, AI chatbots automate interview scheduling and answer basic questions, enabling smoother communication and enhancing the overall candidate experience. 3 Actions Job Seekers Should Take in the Age of AI As the hiring process evolves, job seekers must also adapt. Understanding the nature of AI and preparing strategically is the key to success. 1. Create Application Documents with ATS in Mind To pass the initial AI screening, it's crucial to tailor your application documents. Carefully read the job description and ensure your resume concretely reflects the required keywords (job duties, skills, experience). Avoid abstract language and include quantitative achievements to improve your evaluation by the AI. 2. Hone and Showcase Your Uniquely "Human" Skills While AI excels at routine tasks and data analysis, it still struggles to evaluate advanced soft skills like creativity, empathy, complex problem-solving, and leadership. These are human strengths. In your interviews, be prepared to share specific anecdotes demonstrating these skills. It is crucial to appeal to the human interviewers who ultimately hold the decision-making power. 3. Make AI Your Ally, Not Your Enemy Job seekers should also actively use AI. You can leverage generative AI for self-analysis, creating practice questions, and conducting mock interviews. Analyzing how well your resume matches a job description by feeding it to an AI can also be effective. By mastering AI tools, you can make your job search more efficient and effective. Conclusion The AI revolution in recruitment has only just begun. It holds the potential to make hiring more efficient and effective for companies while offering a more objective and streamlined process for job seekers. Understanding this wave of change and adopting a mindset of coexisting with AI will be essential for success in the years ahead.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly transformed Japan’s job market. What was once an “employer-driven market” has now shifted to a “candidate-driven market,” especially in the IT industry. With the rise of remote work and accelerated digital transformation (DX), demand for tech talent continues to grow. Growth is particularly strong in fields like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. For skilled professionals, this is an ideal time to take the next step toward building a future-ready career. The Impact of COVID on Japan’s Job Market Let’s take a look at how the overall job market in Japan has evolved since the pandemic began. Early COVID Period (2020 – mid-2021): Hiring Freezes and the Rise of Online Recruitment During the initial outbreak, many companies temporarily froze or scaled down hiring. Industries dependent on face-to-face services, such as hospitality, tourism, and retail, saw a sharp decline in job postings, making it a challenging, employer-dominated market. However, this period also saw the rapid adoption of online interviews, reducing geographical barriers and enabling candidates to explore opportunities beyond their region. Remote work also began to gain significant traction and become a standard practice. Mid-COVID to Post-COVID (Late 2021 – Present): Strong Recovery and Labor Shortages As economic activity resumed, companies reignited their hiring initiatives. The job-to-applicant ratio steadily increased, and Japan’s job market fully shifted to a candidate-driven phase. Essential services and specialized professions now face serious labor shortages. At the same time, rising living costs are encouraging more workers to seek better pay and work conditions—further fueling mobility in the job market. Unique Shifts in the IT Industry and the Skills That Will Be in Demand Unlike other industries, the IT sector saw robust growth even during the pandemic. While many companies paused hiring, IT firms faced soaring demand driven by the need for secure remote infrastructure and the explosive growth of online services like e-commerce, SaaS, and online conferencing. Since then, IT professionals have become central to companies' survival and innovation strategies, with high demand for roles such as software engineers, IT consultants, project managers, and data scientists. In the post-COVID era, the demand for advanced tech skills is intensifying. Talent with expertise in areas like: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Blockchain Cloud Technologies Cybersecurity ...are now more valuable than ever. With remote work now a standard option, tech professionals can build flexible, location-independent careers with wider access to top-tier opportunities. Conclusion: Now Is the Time to Seize the Opportunity In the post-COVID job market, the value of IT professionals continues to rise. By sharpening your skills in growth areas like AI and cloud computing, you can dramatically expand your career possibilities. Companies are increasingly offering flexible working styles and attractive compensation packages to secure the best talent. 

With Japan’s shrinking workforce due to its aging population, companies are ramping up their investments in IT. In addition to improving operational efficiency with fewer employees, businesses are advancing remote work policies and reskilling initiatives. 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year where talent strategy and IT adoption become the two main drivers of corporate growth. This article explores how IT investment and workstyle transformation are helping companies overcome talent shortages. The Turning Point of 2025: Aging Workforce Sparks a Wave of Digital Transformation By 2025, Japan's labor force is expected to decline further due to demographic shifts. As the baby boomer generation reaches 75, labor shortages—particularly in healthcare and eldercare—are becoming critical (Source: RIETI ). In response, companies are expanding IT investment to automate and streamline operations. In retail, for example, unmanned checkouts and AI-driven demand forecasting are rapidly being adopted to reduce reliance on human labor. In the service sector, cloud-based systems are being used to centrally manage tasks like customer service, reservations, and inventory. But this is more than just reducing headcount—it is about enabling small teams to produce big results. “Work From Anywhere” Becomes the Norm: Productivity Innovation Through IT and Flexible Workstyles Companies are going beyond automation by leveraging IT to create more flexible and employee-friendly work environments. To support remote work and flexible hours, more organizations are adopting cloud-based attendance management systems and digital communication tools. A growing trend is for urban companies to hire skilled talent from rural areas through remote work, expanding access to quality talent and increasing organizational strength. Online training platforms and digital manuals are also enabling faster onboarding of inexperienced employees. Ultimately, IT is empowering businesses to break free from location-based constraints, expanding their ability to attract and utilize talent—even in a declining population. Reskilling in the AI Era: Why Talent Development is Critical to Competitive Advantage Japan’s talent shortage isn’t just about headcount—it is about a lack of people with the right skills. There is an acute shortage of professionals in fields like: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cloud infrastructure Cybersecurity To close this gap, companies are increasingly turning to reskilling programs. For example, many are now offering in-house training for employees with no IT background, teaching them programming, data analysis, and digital tools. The rise of low-code/no-code platforms is also helping non-engineers to build business applications, further expanding internal capabilities. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, companies are expected to shift from “buying expensive talent externally” to “building skills internally.”  Balancing talent development with smart IT adoption is becoming essential for improving both productivity and long-term competitiveness.

Digital Transformation (DX) has evolved far beyond simply implementing IT solutions—it is now a powerful driver of business innovation. In this article, we explore how three of the latest technology trends are shaping and accelerating DX strategies across industries, from a technical perspective. 1. Advancing Intelligent Automation with Generative AI The application of generative AI is rapidly expanding beyond chatbots and content generation. One of the most impactful developments is its integration with RPA (Robotic Process Automation), resulting in what is now called intelligent automation. For example, in customer support, AI can now understand and categorize inquiries, then suggest optimal responses and next steps—automating even complex, exception-based interactions that were previously difficult to handle. In development environments, generative AI enables automatic generation of code and test scripts, significantly improving productivity. Key skills in this domain include: Understanding large language models (LLMs) Prompt engineering Implementing API integrations 2. Cloud-Native Technologies for Maximum Development Agility A cloud-native environment is essential for organizations aiming to accelerate their DX initiatives. Technologies like Docker and Kubernetes have made microservices architectures mainstream, allowing each service to be independently scalable and resilient. Automated CI/CD pipelines (Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery) and service mesh tools such as Istio further streamline development while ensuring stable operation. In addition, serverless computing (e.g., AWS Lambda) helps significantly reduce the burden of infrastructure management. Key competencies here include: Designing and managing cloud infrastructure Understanding DevOps practices Implementing robust security measures 3. Building the Next-Gen Data Infrastructure with Data Mesh Traditional centralized data platforms often struggle with scalability and agility. The emerging concept of the data mesh addresses these limitations. In a data mesh model, individual departments manage and share their own data products, taking ownership of both data governance and delivery. This decentralization empowers teams across the organization to make faster, more informed decisions. To implement data mesh effectively, organizations must focus on: Data governance frameworks Data catalogs Designing data lineage (the flow and history of data) This is a highly advanced field requiring not only expertise in distributed systems and data infrastructure, but also strong domain knowledge. In Summary  DX is becoming indispensable across all industries, and the demand for professionals who can navigate and lead through change is growing rapidly.

In 2025, Japan’s IT market is projected to grow steadily, showing an 8.2% increase year-on-year. The ongoing push for digital transformation (DX), regulatory compliance, and the growing adoption of IT among small and mid-sized enterprises are driving this expansion. Cloud services and SaaS are also rapidly gaining traction. One of the key developments fueling this momentum is the modernization of legacy systems, which is enabling business innovation. IT investment has clearly evolved from a support function to a core driver of corporate growth. In this article, we explore the connection between the expanding IT market and the rise of DX-driven strategies. What Does an 8.2% Increase in IT Investment Really Mean? Digital technologies become the core of corporate strategy Japan’s IT market is forecast to reach ¥26.6412 trillion in 2025, up 8.2% from the previous year (Source: iMagazine ). According to IDC Japan, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2023 to 2028, surpassing ¥30 trillion by 2028 (Source: IDC Japan ). This growth is not driven by temporary factors. Rather, it is the result of widespread digital integration across all business operations. Organizations of all sizes and industries are now placing IT investment at the center of their business strategy, with a strong focus on enhancing competitiveness and productivity. Cloud & SaaS Accelerate DX with Affordable, Scalable Solutions One of the key enablers of this digital shift has been changes in regulatory frameworks. The invoice system introduced in 2023 and the revised Electronic Book Storage Act fully enforced in 2024 have prompted many companies to accelerate digitization. Of particular interest is the growing adoption among small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). Once hesitant about IT investment, these businesses are now finding it easier to adopt digital tools, thanks to the affordability and flexibility of cloud-based services and SaaS. With low-cost subscription models, more companies are streamlining back-office operations and improving customer experience—all without massive upfront investments. The Road Ahead: Modernizing Legacy Systems & Integrating Siloed Operations Among large enterprises, there is a clear trend toward revisiting and modernizing legacy systems. Outdated IT infrastructures often hinder DX efforts and require bold, strategic overhauls. One major focus is the integration of fragmented systems across departments. This is more than just an efficiency play—it enables the creation of new business models and enhanced service quality. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, IT investment will no longer be seen merely as a cost of doing business, but as a strategic lever for driving future revenue. 

Web3, the next generation of the internet, holds enormous potential—but behind its innovation lie uncertainties and significant challenges. While some projects achieve great success and gain attention, many others fade out before making an impact. In this article, we will explore the key traits that separate successful Web3 ventures from unsuccessful ones. From Speculation to Real Utility – 3 Golden Rules to Survive and Succeed in Web3 When people hear "Web3," they often associate it with speculation or quick profits. But Web3 is about much more than investing—it is about using blockchain technology to solve real-world problems, empower creators, and build decentralized systems with lasting value. Here are three essential principles for creating sustainable, value-driven Web3 projects. 1. Clear Utility and Real-World Value  To succeed in Web3, a project must deliver tangible utility—not just hype or speculation. The key is solving real problems and enhancing users’ lives through technology. Here are some successful examples: DeFi (Decentralized Finance): Makes financial services accessible to people without traditional bank accounts. NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens): Allow creators to monetize their work on the blockchain while giving fans provable ownership. DIDs (Decentralized IDs): Enable secure, privacy-respecting digital identity management. The common thread? Each offers clear, practical benefits that improve user experiences. 2. Strong Community and Transparent Governance A thriving community is essential for the success of any Web3 initiative. Web3 is built on decentralization and co-creation, meaning users and developers often become key stakeholders in a project’s evolution. This is where DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) play a pivotal role—giving community members a voice in decisions and direction. Transparency from the start is critical. Sharing roadmaps, welcoming feedback, and building trust through openness all help grow a loyal user base. 3. Robust Technology and Rapid Security Response Security is non-negotiable in Web3. While blockchain provides a resilient backbone, the risks—such as smart contract vulnerabilities and hacking—are real. To ensure user trust and long-term viability, projects must prioritize: Security audits: Engage third-party firms to review code and identify risks. Bug bounty programs: Encourage ethical hackers to report flaws before malicious actors find them. Multisig wallets: Add security layers requiring multiple approvals for major transactions. And when security incidents happen, the speed and transparency of the response can make or break a project’s reputation. Real-World Failure: Lessons from a Web3 Collapse Not every Web3 initiative succeeds. Take the example of ZTX, a metaverse platform born from ZEPETO. It promised a "play-to-earn" model, but the low rewards and repetitive tasks failed to engage users, leading to a steep drop in participation. The broader Web3 space has also been plagued by scams and rug pulls, damaging trust across the ecosystem. In Japan, lack of regulatory clarity and high tax burdens have made it difficult for startups to operate, leading many to scale back or shut down. These cases show that reliability, transparency, and legal alignment are critical pillars for any serious Web3 business. Building a Web3 Career: Skills You Need and How to Grow Web3 is a multidisciplinary field demanding a blend of technical, business, and community skills. Key capabilities include: Programming languages: Solidity, Rust (for smart contract development) Blockchain infrastructure development Tokenomics design Cybersecurity practices Legal and regulatory understanding Community building and management In addition, success in Web3 requires adaptability, a strong ethical mindset, and a commitment to continuous learning in a rapidly evolving field.

As you progress your career in the IT industry, one of the most important decisions you will face is: “Should I embrace the fast-paced challenge of a startup or choose the stability and specialization of a large tech company?” Both options offer distinct advantages—but also different trade-offs. In this article, we break down the key characteristics of each path to help you make a confident, informed choice. Startups: For Those Who Thrive on Growth and Ownership Fast-growing startups are often the epicenter of innovation—and a bit of chaos. With lean, agile teams, every team member plays a critical role and often wears multiple hats. This environment is ideal for those seeking hands-on experience across a variety of functions. You will work closely with leadership and benefit from quick decision-making processes rarely seen in larger organizations. Startups often leverage cutting-edge technologies and offer the chance to help build something from the ground up—taking a product from 0→1 or 1→10, which can significantly enhance your market value. Equity or stock options can also offer additional long-term rewards. However, startups come with risks: business uncertainty, limited resources, and often less structured benefits or training. Long hours and high pressure are often part of the deal. But for those driven by passion, eager to learn fast, and ready to take ownership, a startup can be the perfect launching pad. Big Tech Companies: For Those Who Value Stability and Depth Large tech companies offer a different kind of opportunity: robust benefits, structured training, and long-term financial security. You will likely work on high-impact, large-scale projects and have the opportunity to specialize deeply in your field. With strong support systems and well-established processes, these companies are ideal for building a career steadily over time. Their brand recognition can also open doors for future opportunities both inside and outside the organization. That said, there can be downsides—such as slower decision-making, more rigid organizational hierarchies, and limited exposure to emerging technologies. Still, for those who prioritize work-life balance, skill development, and career longevity, big tech offers a solid and secure environment. Find Your Fit: What Matters Most to You? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is understanding your personal career compass—what drives you and what you value most. Ask yourself: Career Goals: What position are you aiming for? (e.g. tech expert, manager, entrepreneur) Growth Pace: Do you prefer rapid, hands-on growth or steady, incremental progress? Work Style: Do you thrive with autonomy and flexibility, or prefer structure and consistency? Risk Tolerance: Are you excited by uncertainty, or do you prefer predictability? By reflecting on these questions and setting clear priorities, you will gain the clarity needed to make the right decision for your future. 

“I want to take the next step in my career.” “I’m ready for a new challenge in a different environment.” As more people consider changing jobs each year, many—especially first-timers—feel uncertain about where to start. In this article, we will walk you through five essential steps to help you navigate your first career change with confidence—focusing specifically on the IT industry. Step 1: Self-Assessment – Clarify Your “Why” and “What You Offer” The most important first step is to understand “ Why” you want to change jobs. List your experience, skills, and accomplishments in detail. If you are an IT professional, include programming languages you have used, the scale of your projects, and the phases you were responsible for. Focus on defining these four key areas: Strengths Weaknesses Interests Core Values Having a clear sense of your career foundation—or “career axis”—will help you stay focused and make better decisions throughout the process. Step 2: Research & Explore Opportunities – Know What’s Out There Use the insights from your self-assessment to research industries, roles, and companies that align with your goals. Explore company websites, news articles, and employee reviews to understand their culture and mission. In IT, technology trends evolve quickly, so make sure to stay up to date on the latest tools and in-demand skills. Alongside job boards, we highly recommend working with recruitment agencies to gain access to exclusive opportunities and expert guidance. Step 3: Prepare Your Application – Turn Your Experience into a Compelling Story Your resume and CV are the first impression you make with potential employers. Showcase your achievements using specific numbers and real examples, and tailor your documents to reflect what each company is looking for. If you are in IT, be sure to include links to your GitHub or portfolio projects. Proofread carefully, and make sure your documents are clear, concise, and easy to read. Step 4: Apply & Prepare for Interviews – Approach Each Opportunity with Confidence Once you begin applying, it is common to interview with multiple companies at the same time, so be sure to keep your schedule organized. Interview preparation is critical. Practice common questions and prepare strong answers for: Why this company? What do you hope to accomplish here? Online interviews are now the norm, so double-check your internet connection and background setup ahead of time. For IT roles, expect technical interviews that may include coding tasks or in-depth questions about your skillset—so be sure to prepare accordingly. Step 5: Accept the Offer & Resign Professionally – Make a Smooth Transition to Your Next Chapter Once you receive an offer, confirm the details: salary, location, working conditions, and responsibilities. If you receive multiple offers, revisit the priorities you identified in Step 1 and compare them carefully. Once you accept a new role, it's time to start the resignation process with your current employer. Legally, two weeks' notice is standard—but in most professional settings, giving one to two months’ notice is more common to allow time for handover.  Be sure to leave on good terms—express gratitude and maintain professionalism throughout.