Tokyo — Sankei Shimbun and Works Japan have released their 2028 Graduate Job Popularity Ranking, and two Japanese champions lead the pack: Itochu Corporation is No.1 among humanities (liberal arts) students, while Toyota Motor Corporation takes the top spot among science and engineering students. The results, drawn from 10,610 valid responses from university and graduate students expected to complete their degrees in March 2028, underline how hands-on internships and clear role expectations are shaping career preferences in Japan’s fast-evolving recruitment market.
What “28-sotsu” means—and why it matters
In Japan, graduating cohorts are commonly labeled by year—so “28-sotsu” refers to students finishing in March 2028. Recruitment traditionally follows a tight annual rhythm, but recent years have seen earlier engagement as companies compete for talent. That shift is elevating the importance of summer internships that closely mirror real work, allowing students to picture life after joining a firm—a key factor in this year’s rankings.
Top picks at a glance
Humanities (liberal arts): Trading houses dominate
In the humanities category, Itochu Corporation held the top position, continuing its strong showing after an early snapshot in July. Mitsui & Co. ranked second and Mitsubishi Corporation third, with Sumitomo Corporation in fifth and Marubeni in seventh—evidence that Japan’s famed sogo shosha (general trading houses) remain aspirational. Financial institutions also featured prominently: Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking placed fourth, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation sixth, and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank thirteenth. Stability, opportunities to apply specialized knowledge, and broad career paths appear to be driving interest.
Notably, Itochu’s “商社パーソン体感ワーク” (trading-company-person simulation) earned praise for letting students experience the pace and decision-making of a general trading house and for showcasing a culture where young employees can take on meaningful challenges early.
STEM: From cars to chips to chemicals
Among science and engineering students, Toyota Motor Corporation took first place, followed by Ajinomoto Co., Inc. in second and Fujitsu Limited in third. NTT DATA Group (NTT DATA, Inc.), last year’s No.1, ranked fourth, with Sony Group Corporation fifth. The top tier spans a broad industrial base: Asahi Kasei (6), Kao (7), and Shiseido (9) from chemicals and cosmetics; Hitachi (11), Panasonic Group (17), and Murata Manufacturing (20) from electronics; plus Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (10) and DENSO (12) in machinery and auto components.
Toyota’s appeal is closely tied to its technical internships. By offering numerous tracks across development, design, and production engineering—and the chance to address real challenges on-site—the automaker has captured the imagination of STEM students who want to see their skills in action.
Internships now shape employer choice
Works Japan notes a clear shift: students’ anxieties are “concentrated on whether they can secure a preliminary offer,” and they seek credible, detailed information about daily work and employee realities. As autumn and winter recruiting phases approach, the group says the ability to communicate concrete, post-entry roles will be decisive in shaping preferences. In practical terms, that means immersive internships and transparent storytelling—from project scopes to mentor access—are no longer optional; they are central to winning over top candidates.
Why this reflects Japan’s strengths
The rankings highlight the continued attractiveness of Japan’s globally connected trading houses, world-class manufacturers, and trusted financial institutions. For international readers, this mirrors core national strengths: deal-making across continents (sogo shosha), deep manufacturing expertise from cars to semiconductors, and high standards in consumer goods and materials science. It also underscores Japan’s commitment to practical training—bridging campus learning with real-world execution—which supports productivity and innovation.
What it means for international students and expats
Many of the companies cited operate worldwide and increasingly welcome diverse talent, including international graduates from Japanese and overseas universities. For non-Japanese candidates, roles often fall under Japan’s Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa categories, and experience with Japanese business culture, language ability, and internship participation can be strong differentiators. The message is clear: in Japan, demonstrable, hands-on experience—especially via internships that mirror real work—opens doors.
Methodology at a glance
The survey ran from March 1 to November 30, targeting students expected to graduate in March 2028. It was conducted by Sankei Shimbun (Chiyoda, Tokyo) and Works Japan (also Chiyoda), capturing 10,610 valid responses. The ranking reflects popularity and student preferences, not an assessment of employment conditions or performance, but it offers a timely snapshot of how Japan’s next generation is prioritizing employers across industries.
Bottom line
As early recruitment accelerates, companies that provide realistic, skill-aligned internships and transparent role descriptions are winning mindshare. Itochu’s leadership in humanities and Toyota’s in STEM illustrate how Japan’s corporate heavyweights are meeting students where it matters most: on the ground, solving real problems, and charting global careers from day one.
