In May 2025, Global Talent Job Activity Rises Across Seven Categories, with Double-Digit Growth in Four
<<Click here for the article in Japanese>>
As temperatures begin to rise across Japan, Tokyo Shoko Research has released new data on early and voluntary retirement programs carried out between January and May 2025. While the number of listed companies implementing such programs dropped to 19—a year-on-year decrease of around 30%—the total number of employees affected jumped to 8,711, nearly double the 4,654 recorded during the same period last year. This sharp increase is largely driven by major manufacturers continuing large-scale restructuring efforts to strengthen long-term competitiveness and improve business performance.¹
Despite an ongoing labor shortage, the job market is seeing an outflow of experienced professionals from major manufacturers. As a result, employers are increasingly challenged to secure mid-career talent with the specific skills and experience they need—making talent acquisition strategy more crucial than ever.
Let’s now take a closer look at the Global Talent Trends for May 2025².
¹ Source: Tokyo Shoko Research, “Number of Employees Offered Early or Voluntary Retirement Doubles to 8,711 in Jan–May 2025 Amid Ongoing Large-Scale Programs”, published May 18, 2025.
² Based on Daijob.com users with business-level or higher proficiency in both English and Japanese, who have either applied for jobs or shown interest in scout emails.
Key Findings
Month-on-month: Seven job categories saw increased activity month-on-month, with four posting double-digit growth
Year-on-year: Overall job-seeking activity increased across categories, with IT-related roles rising significantly by 30.1%
■ Month-on-Month: Increased Activity in Seven Job Categories, with Four Growing Over 10%
Seven job categories saw increased job-seeking activity compared to the previous month, while others declined. Electrical/Mechanical continued its upward trend since February, rising by 10.4%. Other areas with double-digit growth included Administrative (+17.0%), IT-related (+14.0%), and Executive/Management (+10.6%). In contrast, five categories—including Sales (−16.9%)—showed signs of slowing.
Comparison of May “Job Seekers” Trends (2025, month-over-month)
■ Year-on-Year: Broad-Based Activity Increase, with IT-Related Roles Up 30.1%
The job market has shown consistent growth for 13 straight months since May 2024. Executive/Management roles (+25.9%) have maintained year-on-year growth above 20% since August 2024. Other categories also posted strong annual gains, including IT-related (+30.1%), Education/Training/Language (+23.8%), and Administrative (+25.6%). In contrast, Sales—which spiked in March—declined by 4.4% in May.
Comparison of May “Job Seekers” Trends (2025, Year-on-Year)
Although activity may have dipped slightly during the Golden Week holidays in early May, user registrations increased thanks to a targeted promotional campaign for the upcoming Daijob Career Fair on June 13, which will feature a dedicated IT and manufacturing zone. This boost in engagement likely contributed to the overall uptick in job-seeking activity. The next Career Fair is scheduled for September and will offer companies a valuable opportunity to connect directly with global talent. Companies interested in joining are encouraged to reach out to us directly here for more information.
