If you’re job hunting in Japan, knowing how to write a Japanese resume (rirekisho) is one of the most important skills you’ll need. Unlike Western resumes, the rirekisho follows a strict, standardized format — and even small mistakes can hurt your chances before you get to the interview stage. This guide walks you through every section, explains what Japanese employers actually expect, and helps you avoid the errors that trip up most foreigners.
What Is a Rirekisho and Where Do You Get One?
A rirekisho (履歴書) is the standard Japanese resume used for most job applications, especially at Japanese companies. It’s a structured, handwritten or typed form that covers your personal details, education, work history, and skills. Unlike a Western CV, you don’t have creative freedom here — the layout is fixed and employers expect you to follow it exactly.
You can buy a physical rirekisho form at any convenience store like 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart for around ¥100–¥200. You can also download free templates from sites like rirekisho.net or use the official JIS standard format, which is widely accepted across industries. If you’re applying to a startup or a foreign-owned company in Japan, a digital format in PDF is usually fine — but always confirm with the recruiter first.
For most traditional Japanese companies, a handwritten rirekisho is still preferred. It signals effort and sincerity, which are qualities highly valued in Japanese work culture. If you make a mistake while writing by hand, don’t use correction fluid — start over on a fresh form.
How to Fill In Each Section Step by Step
The rirekisho is divided into clear sections. Here’s what each one requires and what employers are really looking for.
Personal Information
At the top, write your full name, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email. In Japan, family name comes first — so write “Smith John” not “John Smith” if filling in romaji, or follow the Japanese order if writing in kanji. Attach a recent passport-style photo (4cm x 3cm) taken within the last three months. Use a white or light background, wear professional clothing, and avoid selfies. You can get a proper photo at any convenience store photo booth for around ¥700–¥800.
Education and Work History
List your education history (学歴) starting from your highest level of schooling — typically senior high school or university. Write the full official name of each institution and the year you entered and graduated. Below that, list your work history (職歴) in chronological order, including company names, your role, and the dates you joined and left. End each section with the word 「以上」(ijō), which means “that is all” — skipping this looks incomplete to a Japanese hiring manager.
Qualifications and Skills
This section covers licenses, certifications, and language skills. List the official name of each qualification and the date you obtained it. For Japanese language ability, include your JLPT level (e.g., JLPT N2 取得) if you have one — this is often the first thing recruiters check for foreign applicants. If you hold a valid driver’s license issued in Japan, include that too. Don’t list vague skills like “good communicator” — stick to verifiable, official qualifications only.
The Shokiboushi (志望動機) — Motivation Statement
This short paragraph is where many foreigners lose points. The shokiboushi explains why you want to work at this specific company. Avoid generic lines like “I want to grow my career.” Instead, reference something real — for example: “I was impressed by [Company Name]’s focus on sustainable packaging, which aligns with my background in environmental engineering.” Keep it to 3–5 sentences, write it in polite Japanese (です/ます form), and tailor it for every single application.
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make on a Rirekisho
One of the most frequent errors is leaving sections blank. If a section doesn’t apply to you, write 「なし」(nashi), meaning “none.” Leaving it empty looks careless. Another common mistake is using a casual or smiling photo — Japanese resume photos should look professional and neutral, not friendly.
Foreign applicants also often forget to include their visa status. While it’s not always a printed field on standard forms, many employers expect you to mention it in your cover letter or during the initial screening. Being upfront about your work authorization saves everyone time and builds trust from the start.
FAQ
Do I need to write my rirekisho in Japanese?
For most Japanese companies, yes — submitting your rirekisho in Japanese is expected and shows language ability. However, some international companies or startups in Japan accept English resumes. Always check the job listing or ask your recruiter to confirm.
Can I use a typed rirekisho instead of handwriting it?
Yes, typed rirekisho (パソコン作成) are widely accepted and increasingly common, especially for office and tech roles. The key is to use a standard template and submit it as a clean, professional PDF. Reserve handwritten versions for industries like education, hospitality, or traditional Japanese companies where the personal touch matters more.
What’s the difference between a rirekisho and a shokumu keirekisho?
A rirekisho covers your personal background and general history. A shokumu keirekisho (職務経歴書) is a separate, more detailed document focused on your professional experience and achievements — similar to a Western CV. Many mid-career job applications in Japan require both documents together.
Conclusion
Writing a proper rirekisho is your first real test of understanding Japanese workplace culture. Get the format right, tailor your motivation statement, and present yourself with the care and attention to detail that Japanese employers value. It takes more effort than a Western resume — but when done well, it genuinely sets you apart.
Ready to take the next step? Check out our guide on job hunting in Japan as a foreigner for tips on finding listings, nailing Japanese interviews, and understanding work visa requirements in 2026.
