Business · Companies · 16 hrs ago
Aichi manufacturers step up competition to hire graduates
Companies in Aichi are stepping up efforts to hire graduates as the number of students across Japan declines.
The competition is intensifying as students who will graduate in March 2028 begin moving from internships into more active job hunting.
Some Aichi employers offer starting salaries above Toyota's, but being based in Aichi can still put off applicants who prefer another location.
To stand out, manufacturers are explaining local living conditions and offering more roles with an initial work placement agreed in advance.
Toyota Industries has tested AI interviews to help screen applicants before interviews with people.
A career adviser recommends starting with accessible job events, then exploring internships and conversations with company alumni to learn more about potential employers.
Manufacturers in Aichi Prefecture are intensifying efforts to recruit graduates as student numbers decline and competition for talent grows.
Some companies are offering starting salaries above Toyota Motor’s, while others promise students a specific initial assignment.
Aichi employers are competing with well-known companies in Tokyo and with firms in other industries.
One manufacturer reported that a student declined an offer because of the job’s location in Aichi.
Companies are also working to raise awareness of their businesses and help students understand what life and work in the region involve.
- Who
- Manufacturers in Aichi Prefecture and students seeking jobs, including graduates of 2028.
- What
- Aichi manufacturers are stepping up recruitment efforts amid competition for graduates.
- When
- The article was published on November 8, 2026. Recruitment activity for students graduating in March 2028 was beginning to gather pace.
- Where
- Aichi Prefecture, Japan, with companies also competing for students from Tokyo and overseas universities.
- Why
- The number of students is declining, and employers face competition from other companies and industries as business conditions change.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Students graduating in March 2028 took part in internships as their job search began to gather pace.
Toyota Industries tested AI interviews to screen applicants for its summer internship.
University students attended job-search events and prepared for interviews.
Nikkei published its account of the changing graduate recruitment landscape in Aichi.
- Target graduation
- March 2028
- Location
- Aichi Prefecture, Japan
- Recruitment tool
- Toyota Industries tested AI interviews for summer internship selection
- Starting salaries
- Some Aichi companies offered starting pay above Toyota Motor’s
- Employer competition
- Companies compete with Tokyo firms and employers in other industries
1 source
What people are saying
After asking the reason for declining, they said, “After all, it’s the location.
More students are finding it difficult to decide to join a company if they cannot see where their career will begin.
It may be good to attend events such as joint information sessions and open-company programs, which have a low barrier to participation, gradually broaden your knowledge and interests, and then explore further through internships and visits to alumni.