How to Make a Japanese Resume (Rirekisho)

Applying for a job or part-time work in Japan? You cannot simply translate your English CV. You need a Rirekisho (履歴書), the highly standardized traditional Japanese resume. Unlike Western resumes that highlight personal flair, a Rirekisho is a strict, structured form where conformity and precision are valued above all else. This guide will walk you through exactly how to fill out every single section.

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The Golden Rules of Rirekisho

1. No mistakes allowed: If writing by hand, you cannot use correction fluid. One mistake means you must start a new form from scratch.
2. Use black ink only: Blue ink or pencil is strictly forbidden.
3. Chronological order: Dates must be written starting from the oldest (unlike Western resumes which start with the newest).

The Structure of a Rirekisho

A standard Rirekisho is divided into specific blocks. Do not alter the structure of these blocks. Here is exactly how to fill them out.

Step-by-Step Rirekisho Completion

Basic Info & Photo (基本情報・写真)

Write your name exactly as it appears on your Residence Card. Include Furigana above it. You MUST attach a professional passport-style photo (3cm x 4cm) taken within the last 3 months. Wearing a black or navy suit in the photo is mandatory.

Education History (学歴)

List your education starting from Junior High School graduation. Include the exact year and month of enrollment and graduation for each school. Do not mix Japanese era years (Reiwa/Heisei) with Western years; pick one and stick to it.

Work History (職歴)

Leave one blank line after Education, write '職歴' in the center, and begin your work history. Write the exact dates you joined (入社) and left (退社) a company. If you are still working there, write '現在に至る' (Up to present).

Licenses & Qualifications (免許・資格)

List your JLPT score first, followed by driver's licenses or technical certifications. Write the exact official name of the qualification, not an abbreviation.

Motivation & Special Skills (志望動機・特技)

This is the only section where you can show personality. Write exactly why you want to work for THIS specific company (not just any company). Keep it polite and enthusiastic (using Desu/Masu form).

Understanding the Date System

In Japan, dates on official documents can be written in the Western calendar (2026, 2027) or the Japanese Era calendar (Reiwa, Heisei, Showa). While many modern companies accept Western dates, traditional companies heavily prefer the Japanese Era system.

Western Year	Japanese Era (Gengo)
1989 - 2019	Heisei (平成) 1 - 31
2019 (from May)	Reiwa (令和) 1
2020	Reiwa 2
2024	Reiwa 6
2025	Reiwa 7
2026	Reiwa 8

Handwritten vs. Digital: Which is Better?

Traditionally, Japanese resumes had to be handwritten. Employers believed that beautiful handwriting showed a diligent and careful personality.

Today, things have changed:

Part-time jobs (Arubaito) & Traditional Companies: Many still prefer or expect handwritten resumes purchased from a convenience store.
IT Companies, Startups, & Foreign Firms: Digital (Excel/Word/PDF) is universally preferred and expected.

When in doubt, if you are an international student applying for a part-time job at a local store, handwritten is safer. If applying for a corporate IT role, digital is mandatory.

The Shokumukeirekisho (職務経歴書)

If you are applying for a full-time, professional job (not a part-time student job), the Rirekisho alone is not enough. You must also submit a Shokumukeirekisho (Work Experience Resume).

While the Rirekisho is a strict timeline form, the Shokumukeirekisho is a 1-3 page typed document detailing your specific projects, skills, and achievements. It is closer in function to a Western CV, but still highly structured.

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Your Rirekisho gets you the interview, but your spoken Japanese gets you the job. LenGaki's Business Japanese and Keigo modules teach you exactly how to speak respectfully to Japanese hiring managers.

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