Even after the Recruit scandal[1], Recruit still has pretty much an absolute monopoly on HR in Japan. Their massive recruiting events are the primary method of

Even after the Recruit scandal[1], Recruit still has pretty much an absolute monopoly on HR in Japan. Their massive recruiting events are the primary method of finding a job. At the events, applicants are commoditized by filling out forms with the same subset of credentials, everyone wears pretty much the same suit, and even those with naturally lighter hair dye it black. Recruiting events for students and recent grads are separate from those for the previously employed (which are not as well attended by major companies). They're a major contributor to the status quo in Japan where high school and college names are the most important credential (which makes entrance exam scores of the utmost importance), introductory pay is low, and where those who leave a previous job have a difficult time finding a new one. [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruit_scandal http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruit_scandal