Your First Job Hunt in Japan: How to Apply for an Internship, Step by Step

Job-Hunting Tips #Job-Hunting ID Photo #Outfit #Job Hunting #Internship

May 18, 2023November 10, 2026 Chiharu

A university student applying for an internship

In Japan, job hunting (shukatsu) rewards early preparation. With summer vacation coming up, you have probably started seeing summer internship listings everywhere.
If you have heard that your friends are already getting started, you may be feeling a little anxious.
In this article, we walk you through how the internship application process works!

What is an internship in Japan, and does it affect your job hunt?
Summer internships are coming up! How does the application process work?
When should you get your ID photo for your résumé?
Summary

What is an internship in Japan, and does it affect your job hunt?

An internship is a work experience program that lets students learn what a company actually does and find out whether the work suits them. It helps you understand what working life is really like, and it can give you an advantage in the job hunt that follows.
Many programs are aimed at third-year university students, just before job hunting begins in earnest, but some are open to students of any year.

The length and content vary widely from company to company.
Some last just one day, while others are long-term internships that run for several months. The content also ranges from something close to a company information session to work similar to what regular employees actually do.
That is why it is a good idea to check the duration and content before you apply.

Summer internships are coming up! How does the application process work?

Researching internships on company websites

Start by researching the industries and companies that interest you.
The usual sources are company websites, job listing sites, and your school's career center.

Keep in mind that internship schedules differ by industry and company.
Many companies recruit to match the university summer and winter breaks, so look for one that fits your own schedule.
For long-term internships, the recruiting period is often not fixed, and most companies accept applications all year round. Working hours can usually be adjusted too, so even students busy with classes or club activities can take part.

Once you find a company you want to apply to, prepare the required documents.
Depending on the company, you will need to write a résumé (rirekisho, a standard Japanese-format résumé), an entry sheet (ES, a company-specific application form with essay-style questions), or both. If you are not used to writing them, they can take far longer than you expect, so leave plenty of time before the deadline.

What comes after the document screening depends on the company, but an interview is sometimes included.
Also, taking part in an internship can sometimes exempt you from part of the company's main selection process (the formal hiring process for graduates). If you also plan to apply for a full-time position, check this in advance.

When should you get your ID photo for your résumé?

One thing you cannot do without when preparing your documents is an ID photo (a formal photo attached to your résumé).
Plenty of people realize they have no photo just before the deadline and rush to get one taken.

Your ID photo creates the first impression the company has of you.
Employers expect a clean, neat look, so it is best to have your photo taken at a time when you are not in a hurry.

For summer internships, deadlines are often in June or July, so May to June is a good time to get your photo taken.
If you are interested in internships but do not know where to begin, getting your ID photo ready first is a smooth way to start.
When you have your photo taken, we recommend dressing as you would for a job interview. A small gap between your photo and how you look in person leaves a good impression.

Summary

In this article, we introduced how the internship application process works!
For many students, applying for an internship is the first step of job hunting.
Start preparing early so you can apply with confidence!

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Chiharu: Loves writing articles and is studying copywritingI love writing and I'm currently studying copywriting. I turn the questions our guests often ask and the things I notice in the studio into easy-to-read articles about job-hunting and ID photos, so that even first-timers can understand them.