The HR view
Objective advice from someone who has sat on the hiring side.
Japan Career Coaching
Build your career in Japan
1:1 coaching from a former international recruiter at a listed Japanese tech company. Get clear on your goals, sharpen your application, and walk into interviews prepared.
Who this is for
Is this plan right for you?
- You are preparing to job hunt in Japan
- You are applying but not getting offers
- You are curious about working in Japan
- You find it hard to put your strengths into words
- You are unsure about your next career step
- You moved to Japan with your partner and want to rebuild your career
Meet your coach
Takaya Igarashi
I’ve been on the hiring side. Now I’m on yours.
8+years in HR
2,000+coaching sessions
6partner coaching firms in Japan and abroad
- Led international recruitment at Money Forward, a listed Japanese tech company, hiring 30+ engineers a year
- Designed and managed relocation, visa and onboarding support for 100+ international hires a year
- Former HR Manager at a Japanese fintech company, recruiting across engineering, finance and corporate roles
- Now a career and relocation coach for professionals moving to Japan, from early career to executive level
Coaching international professionals since 2019 · Certified coach, Ginza Coaching School (GCS) · Waseda University, Faculty of Law
Why work with me
An insider’s view, with a coach’s care
Real strategy
Practical tactics from a former international recruiter at leading Japanese firms.
Better decisions
Coaching that builds your confidence to grow and choose well.
Your true goals
Deep guidance to uncover what you want and where your strengths lie.
How coaching works
Clarity through conversation
Coaching helps you clarify your ideals and challenges through dialogue. You move through a cycle of conversation and action, and each step brings you closer to your goal.
Your coach
Asks questions, listens closely and offers ideas.
You
Reflect, discover and put your thoughts into words.
Results
New insight, a fresh perspective and clear next actions.
- More motivation
- Behavior change
- Faster growth
- Self-awareness
- Better decisions
- Goals achieved
- Deep focus
What you get
Support in three areas
Job search
- Resume and CV improvement
- Job search strategy from a former HR insider
- Mock interviews and interview preparation
- Ongoing advice and support as you apply
Career direction
- Reflect on yourself and set your priorities
- Career and life direction counseling
- Emotional and mental support
Life in Japan
- Japanese language and interview practice
- Understanding Japanese work culture
- Preparing for your new workplace
Beyond the job search
Support for life and work in Japan
Finding the job is one part. Settling in, staying well and growing at work matter just as much.
Expat partners and spouses
Rebuild your career and sense of identity after moving for your partner’s job.
Stress and struggles at work
Talk through difficult relationships, pressure or feeling stuck, and find a way forward.
Adapting to Japanese work culture
Understand the unwritten rules, communication styles and expectations of a Japanese workplace.
I’m in an international marriage myself, so I know how a move can reshape a career and a life.
Our sessions
A calm space to think clearly
Relaxed
A space where you can talk openly and feel at ease.
At your own pace
A natural process that never feels rushed.
Focused on action
Insights that move your job search and your life forward.
Pricing
One simple monthly plan
Standard plan
From$140USD / month
- 120-minute coaching sessions
- Chat support between sessions
- CV review and job search strategy
- Help finding roles that fit your background
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No. Coaching is in English. If you want to improve your Japanese for interviews or the workplace, we can make that part of your sessions.
Are sessions online?
Yes. Sessions take place by video call, so you can join from anywhere, whether you already live in Japan or are planning a move.
What is included in the monthly plan?
The Standard Plan (from USD 140 per month) includes 120-minute coaching sessions, chat support between sessions, CV review and job search strategy, and help finding roles that fit your background.
Are you a recruiter? Will you find me a job?
I’m a coach, not a recruitment agency, so I work for you rather than for employers. I help you find roles that fit, improve your application and prepare for interviews. The job search itself stays in your hands, with my support at every step.
Can you help with my visa?
Yes, with general guidance. From my HR experience, I can share how Japanese employers usually approach visa sponsorship, common tendencies, and what to ask during the hiring process. For official decisions, the immigration authorities and your employer have the final word.
I’m not sure what career I want. Is coaching still for me?
Yes. Many clients start there. We begin by reflecting on your experience, values and strengths, and then turn that into a clear direction and a plan.
How do I get started?
Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram with a short note about your background and what you want to achieve. It doesn’t need to be perfect. I’ll reply personally to arrange a time to talk.
Next step
Let’s start your career in Japan
Send me a message about your goals. You don’t need a perfect message. Just share what feels unclear, and we’ll see if this plan is right for you.
Prefer email? igarashi.coachmentor@gmail.com
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