About this template
The Japan Modern template is a contemporary Japanese CV in Noto Sans with an indigo accent — designed for Japanese market segments that accept Western-style CVs rather than the strict rirekisho/shokumu-keirekisho format. Photo placement, clean reverse-chronological structure, lines dedicated to JLPT level and visa status. Suits bilingual candidates targeting Tokyo.
Who is it for?
It fits bilingual profiles targeting Tokyo's international job market — engineers (Sony, Toyota R&D, SoftBank), data scientists, product managers and finance profiles applying to gaijin-friendly tech companies (Mercari, SmartNews, Rakuten english-track, Indeed Japan), foreign banks (Goldman Sachs Tokyo, Morgan Stanley MUFG), consulting firms (McKinsey Tokyo, BCG) and Japanese subsidiaries of multinationals. Not suited to traditional Japanese employers who still require a handwritten rirekisho.
How to use it
The header includes photo (3 × 4 cm passport format), name in romaji and in kanji if applicable, date of birth and nationality. Indicate JLPT level (N1, N2, N3) — top-priority data for any Tokyo recruiter. Current or desired visa status (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities visa, Highly Skilled Professional, Permanent Resident) sits under the languages block. Reverse chronology. For an engineer at Mercari or Rakuten, list the stack and specify familiarity with distributed collaboration tools and agile processes in a bilingual environment.
Frequently asked questions
Difference between rirekisho and Western CV?
The rirekisho is a traditional Japanese form to fill by hand, with pre-defined boxes (civil status, hobbies, reasons for application). The shokumu-keirekisho is the complement detailing experience. The Western CV is accepted at Mercari, Indeed Japan, Rakuten English Track, SmartNews and foreign subsidiaries, but not at Toyota Headquarters or classic Mitsubishi Group.
Is JLPT really decisive?
For an « english-track » role at a bilingual scale-up (Mercari, Rakuten Global), JLPT N3 or N2 is enough or can even be optional. For a role involving Japanese client meetings or Japanese hierarchical superiors, N1 or N2 is required. For 100% English tech roles (Mercari, SmartNews), the absence of JLPT is tolerated — but mentioning it remains an asset.
Is a photo needed?
Yes in most cases — the photo remains a strong Japanese convention. 3 × 4 cm passport format, plain background, business attire. International scale-ups (Mercari, SmartNews) tolerate omission, but keeping it is the safer option. Avoid casual photos that can be read as a lack of seriousness.
