When NOT to look for a J-job

[Taro Toporific]

The right time to call
JapanToday / October 7, 2003
By Terrie Lloyd (http://www.terrie.com) is CEO of LINC Media and DaiJob.com, and publisher of J@pan Inc magazine.

...there are definitely times when [companies] don't hire [in Japan].

For example, you would find it difficult to find anyone willing to bring on a new person just before a major holiday period...

There are three holiday periods before which, the recruiting activity in Japan really slows down. These are:
-- firstly, Golden Week--- a string of holidays usually happening at the end of April and/or early May. Next year, 2004, Golden Week is from April 29-May 5.
--Second, there is "Obon," the late summer festival when many employees go back to their home towns and honor their ancestors. "Obon" generally occurs in the middle of August, though this can vary according to regions in Japan.
--Lastly, there is the New Year's break, which is really disruptive..... Not many companies will hire for the whole month of December and for the first 2-3 weeks of January....more ...