Lucy Li

Keep track of these specialized networks for networking in Japan! For women professionals, FEW Japan represents a vibrant community that offers support, inspiration, and networking opportunities across a broad spectrum of industries. Through its myriad events, seminars, and social gatherings, FEW fosters an empowering atmosphere for English-speaking women to connect, share ideas, and grow personally and professionally. This network exemplifies how specialized groups can provide a supportive environment tailored to specific needs or interests, making the networking experience more meaningful and productive​. Be sure to check out the 10 English-Friendly Meetups in Tokyo from goconnect as well. Networking in Japan for English speakers is about more than just exchanging contacts; it's an opportunity to engage with a diverse and dynamic community. By participating in meetups, respecting cultural etiquette, and connecting with specialized networks, you can navigate the networking landscape with confidence and ease. Have you had any luck attending networking events in Japan?

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[Over half of new hires in S. Korea are college graduates: data] Among newly hired employees in Korea in 2023, 50.5 percent were college graduates. Of the 28.41 million people newly hired across the country, 14.36 million had a higher education degree, according to the Korean Statistical Information Service run by Statistics Korea. The figure includes graduates from two-year college courses and those with postgraduate degrees. The number of new employees with tertiary education degrees rose by 1.2 percent compared to the year before. The figure rose from 30.2 percent in 2003, surpassing the 40 percent mark for the first time in 2011. Specifically, 31.8 percent of all new hires last year had a bachelor's degree, 13.9 percent had graduated from two-year colleges, and 4.8 percent had degrees from graduate schools. About 37.1 percent of the new employees were high school graduates, 6.5 percent were middle school graduates, and 5.9 percent graduated from elementary school. Tap below to read full story. #bachelor #degree #graduate #undergraduate #college #university #work #labor #hire #job #Korea #SouthKorea #statistics https://lnkd.in/gJw42XQ4

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Can being too humble hurt your job search? In Korean business culture, it might be the norm – but Western recruiters see things differently. In this episode, our Founder and CEO Alan Stein sits down with Grant Sundbye, and they explore the challenges Korean professionals face in international job searches, from cultural differences in resume writing to LinkedIn optimization. They also discuss the contrasts between Korean and Western job search approaches and insider tips for standing out in interviews. Tune in to discover how cultural understanding and effective communication strategies can bridge the gap between Eastern and Western professional environments, and learn actionable tips you can apply to your own job search.

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I recently had a great conversation with Gab Ciminelli, and he said something that I loved: |The question isn’t just “How do we keep people here at our company?” It’s “How do we keep people here in Japan?”| Gab does onboarding and training for large companies like Rakuten but is also expanding his work to support smaller companies and start-ups. His focus on lifting employees by their strengths includes helping them manage their time, energy, and resources to keep their “emotional battery” full. We were discussing how losing new talent within three years can be a net negative investment for many companies when Gab pointed out that Japanese companies aren’t just competing with each other to retain foreign talent. Because of rising living costs and stagnant salaries, they are now more than ever competing to keep talent in Japan. So, what can companies do to convince foreign talent to stay? If you’ve offered training or services to promote engagement at work, it might be worth investing resources to ensure employees get the most out of where they live too. Luckily, your employees live in Japan, and with a little guidance, they’ll find plenty of reasons to stay! Here are some areas I’d recommend focusing on: ♦️ Festivals, sports, and cultural events Organizing outings to local and uniquely Japanese events (Sumo, cherry blossom viewing, fireworks, etc.) gives employees the chance to discover things they’d miss as tourists. Pro tip: People love free stuff. ♦️ Networking events A strong network of foreign and Japanese professionals is key to building relationships that make people want to stay. I’ve had great experiences at BlendTokyo events hosted by Business in Japan’s Jason Ball, Jun Matsumoto, Shingo Nakamura, and 池部慎二. ♦️ Access to local services Japan offers many helpful services through local governments, agencies, and volunteer groups, but finding them can be tricky. Employees who know how to access these services experience far less difficulty living abroad. ♦️ Cultural integration training One reason foreign talent leaves Japan is friction with Japanese coworkers. If employees don’t see a path to improving this, it’s no surprise they’d use their agency to solve the problem by moving somewhere they understand. If you need help with this, feel free to reach out to me (Eric Brachwitz), Gab Ciminelli, Alex Ngai, ★ Helen Iwata ★ The Less Effort More Impact Coach, Masafumi Otsuka, Jeff O'Dea, Jayson Young or Richard Berger. We each have different specialties and talents, so I recommend checking out our profiles.

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This article clearly highlights Japan's need for overseas labor. Fortunately, at Edge Connection, we specialize in bridging this gap by leveraging our recruitment services. Whether you're seeking opportunities in Japan, need bilingual talent, or are looking for a nominee director to head your Japan office, we've got you covered. Our tailored solutions ensure smooth transitions and fruitful collaborations. Let's work together to create a diverse and thriving workforce. Reach out to us today and discover how we can facilitate your journey into the Japanese market. We are on the Edge of making this a reality! #japanopportunities #recruitmentservices #nomineedirector #japanworkforce #marketexpansion

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The increase in wages reflects recognition of the need to address labor shortages and rising living costs. Companies are adjusting compensation packages to attract and retain talent in a competitive market. This is seen as a positive step towards improving workers' livelihoods and boosting consumer spending, which can stimulate the economy. Analysts suggest that this trend may lead to a more sustainable economic recovery in Japan. It's essential to monitor how these wage increases will impact productivity and corporate profitability in the long run. #Japan #WageGrowth #Economy #LaborMarket Enhance your HR Competencies with HRSINGAPORE's HR Certification, HRLAW Seminars, HR Training courses, and HR Consultancy Services. Visit www.hrsingapore.org

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🌏 Exciting news for digital nomads and global freelancers! Taiwan is enhancing its commitment to attract highly skilled independent workers by launching a one-year digital nomad visa. Initially planned as a six-month program, this extended visa will enable digital nomads to stay up to a full year, with potential for further extension. 🎉 In collaboration with Japan and South Korea, Taiwan aims to create a dynamic hub where digital workers can explore different regions, including Osaka, Fukuoka, and key cities across Taiwan such as Hualien, Taitung, Tainan, and Pingtung. 💡 What's unique about Taiwan’s approach? The government is setting up resources specifically to support innovation and creativity, making Taiwan more than just a stopover – it’s a place to thrive and build something meaningful. For those who wish to extend their journey, Taiwan also offers the Employment Gold Card, providing a pathway to employment and business opportunities. With an estimated 35 million digital nomads worldwide – projected to reach 40 million by 2030 – Taiwan is positioning itself as a premier destination, aiming to attract 100,000 nomads, with the goal of 10,000 making Taiwan their long-term base. Are you a digital nomad ready for your next adventure? Taiwan could be your next destination! 🇹🇼✨ #DigitalNomads #Taiwan #Freelancers #RemoteWork #Innovation #GlobalTalent #WorkFromAnywhere https://lnkd.in/geZ6V496

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🌍 The Future of DEI: A Critical Conversation for Businesses in Japan 🌍 A worrying trend in the US is emerging - many companies are cutting back on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Whether due to economic pressures or political shifts, this move raises concerns not just in the US but globally, including here in Japan. At its core, DEI isn’t just about programs or buzzwords. It’s about creating workplaces where everyone belongs, thrives, and contributes. Research shows the tangible benefits of DEI: 📊 Increased Innovation: McKinsey found diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform financially. 🌈✨ 🔍 Better Decision-Making: Deloitte’s report highlights diverse teams make better decisions 87% of the time. 💡🧠 💼 Higher Engagement: Gallup reveals employees who feel they belong are 5x more engaged and 4x more likely to stay. 💪💙 📈 Stronger Financials: Harvard Business Review shows diverse leadership boosts profits by 33%. 💸📊 For companies in Japan, the stakes are high. Labor shortages, low engagement, and global competition demand more inclusive workplaces. Cutting DEI risks stalling progress on embracing diversity - whether cultural, gender-based, or generational. 🤔 On a societal level, reduced DEI could slow progress in breaking barriers and preparing for a more inclusive future. Instead of scaling back, we have a chance to lead. Imagine Japanese companies becoming global champions of DEI - what a message of progress that would send! 🌍💪 Now is the time to double down on the business and societal case for DEI. It’s not just the right thing to do - it’s the smart thing for our organizations and communities. 🌱🤝 💬 Let’s keep the conversation going: How do you see DEI evolving in Japan? How can we sustain momentum despite global headwinds? What are your thoughts Yumi Takahata, Aya Yamanouchi, Risako Kakihara, Angela Troianos, Yuta Hasumi-DB, Rie Yokohama, Yasue Nakanishi, Kairi Fukunaga (Warford), MBA, Sanae Endo ? #DEI #Leadership #Engagement #GlobalBusiness #JapanBusiness #InclusiveLeadership #Innovation

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<The importance of understanding Japanese culture when working in Japan> Some companies, such as Rakuten or the ones shown in the article, conduct recruitment interviews in English to recruit global talent, and you can even work in English. However, even if English is the common language, an understanding of Japanese culture is still important. You may notice these things by talking to or working with Japanese friends on a regular basis. Of course, it does not apply to every working places but I think it would be good if you could learn some of the general things so that you can have a fun and wonderful life in Japan! Source: https://lnkd.in/gH5sZSR6 #jobhunting #japaneseworking #japaneseculture

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Obtaining permanent residence (PR) in Japan is an important milestone for many foreign nationals who have been living in Japan and wish to make it their long-term home. This status provides several benefits, including the freedom to live and work in Japan without the restrictions associated with other visa types. If you're considering permanent residency in Japan, read the comprehensive guide on how to obtain a PR visa in Japan here. https://lnkd.in/g3KGYQj6 #workinginJapan #livinginJapan

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What does it mean to grow up multicultural? Growing up biracial in a highly homogenous country shaped so much of who I am today. I was shielded from a lot of the racism that many "haafu" face in Japan, but I was always aware that I lived in two worlds, and fully belonged in neither. For me, growing up multicultural meant: 🔴 Being the first to offer my seat on the train to avoid being labeled a "rude foreigner." 🔴 Worrying about being late to the local swim club because I already stood out too much. 🔴 Feeling connected to a country where I have no citizenship, and like an outsider in the one where I do. But it also meant: 💚 Double the holidays to celebrate! 💚 Being super adaptable to new environments thanks to a lifetime of code-switching. 💚 Never feeling shocked by being an outsider, because I've never been fully "in". It taught me adaptability, flexibility, and navigating different cultures - skills I’ve carried with me through my career. That said, being multicultural comes with unique challenges in the workplace, too. Multicultural people face challenges like being excluded from ERGs because they don’t 100% fit into any one category, struggling to find role models that they can identify with, and navigating the pressure to align with the culture that’s most comfortable for others. Growing up multicultural has taught me to embrace the nuances of identity and belonging. It’s also shaped how I see inclusion - that diversity isn’t just about categories and labels, but about making space for the complexity of each person’s experiences. What does growing up multicultural mean to you? What challenges and strengths has it brought to your life and your work? #Multiculturalism #Inclusion #CodeSwitching #WorkplaceDiversity #Immigration #Biracial

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