How to Write a Japanese Resume | Learn Now

Introduction

In Japan, resume writing is quite different compared to Western countries. The hiring seasons peak in early spring and late summer, but it’s never too early to start preparing your resume.

Unlike in many other countries, handwritten resumes are still preferred by some companies in Japan. However, if you are not confident in your kanji skills, there are websites that allow you to generate and print a digital resume. You can also purchase blank resume forms at convenience stores or bookstores or download templates online by searching for 履歴書 (Rirekisho).

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you write a professional Japanese resume.

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Japanese Resume Structure

A Japanese resume follows a standardized format, including a professional photo, personal details, education, work history, and certifications.

Section	Details
1. Date of Application	Write the date in the Western calendar format (e.g., 2025年3月27日).
2. Name, Birthday, and Gender	Write your full name in furigana (hiragana) and kanji (katakana is acceptable for foreign names). Include your birthdate and age.
3. Photo	Attach a professional photo, typically taken in a suit. Photo booths in Japan offer resume-specific sizes.
4. Contact Details	Include your current address, phone number, and alternative contact details if necessary.
5. Education and Work History	List your academic background and employment history in chronological order. No need to describe job responsibilities in detail.
6. Licenses and Certifications	Include any qualifications such as driving licenses, teaching certificates, or professional licenses.
7. Reason for Applying	Explain why you are applying. Keep it concise and professional.
8. Personal Requests	State your salary expectations, preferred job type, and work location. If you prefer to discuss these details in person, you can write “ご相談させて頂きたいと思っております” (I would like to consult with you).

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Step-by-Step Guide

1. Date of Application (日付)

Write the application date in the format: YYYY年MM月DD日 (e.g., 2025年3月27日).

Japanese	English	Romaji
年	Year	Nen
月	Month	Gatsu
日	Day	Nichi
現在	Present	Genzai

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2. Name, Birthday, and Gender (氏名・生年月日・性別)

Write your name in furigana (hiragana), then in kanji or katakana for foreign names. Birthdate should be in the Western calendar.

Japanese	English	Romaji
氏名	Full name	Shimei
満 [age] 歳	Years old	Mansai
性別	Gender	Seibetsu
男	Man	Otoko
女	Woman	Onna

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3. Photo (写真)

A professional photo significantly increases your chances of securing an interview.

• Men: Wear a dark suit with a conservative tie.
• Women: Wear a professional blouse or suit.

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4. Contact Details (連絡先)

Ensure your contact information is correct.

Japanese	English	Romaji
現住所	Current address	Genjuusho
連絡先	Contact Information	Renrakusaki
電話	Phone number	Denwa

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5. Education and Work History (学歴・職歴)

List your education and work experience in chronological order.

Japanese	English	Romaji
学歴	Educational background	Gakureki
職歴	Work history	Shokureki
各別にまとめて書く	Write each separately and summarize	Kakubetsu ni matomete kaku
現在に至る	Presently	Genzai ni itaru
以上	This is all	Ijou

💡 If you are still working at a company, write 現在に至る (Currently employed).

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6. Licenses and Certifications (資格・免許)

Include relevant licenses and certificates such as a driver’s license or teaching qualifications.

Japanese	English	Romaji
資格	Certification	Shikaku
免許	License	Menkyo

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7. Reason for Applying (志望の動機)

Your reason for applying should be clear and concise. If submitting multiple applications, a general phrase is acceptable:

営業経験を活かして、 [field of work] の仕事にて活躍したい。 (I want to make use of my sales experience and contribute to [field of work].)

Japanese	English	Romaji
志望の動機	Reason for applying	Shibou no douki
特技	Special skills	Tokugi
好きな学科	Preferred field of study	Suki na gakka
アピールポイント	Key strengths	Apiiru pointo

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8. Personal Requests (本人希望記入欄)

Mention salary expectations and job preferences, or state that you would like to discuss in person.

Japanese	English	Romaji
本人希望記入欄	Personal preference section	Honnin kibou kinyuuran
給料	Salary	Kyuuryou
職種	Job type	Shokushu
勤務時間	Working hours	Kinmu jikan
勤務地	Work location	Kinmuchi
ご相談させて頂きたいと思っております	I would like to consult with you	Go soudan sasete itadakitai to omotte orimasu

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Final Tips

• Get a native speaker to review your resume before submission.
• Avoid long paragraphs; keep it concise and professional.
• Print on high-quality paper for a polished look.
• Be polite and use formal language.
• Must Send PDF File when applying online
• Finding a Job in Japan

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