CV conventions in Japan

These 1 country follows broadly the same CV conventions: a photo is optional, date of birth is optional, 1–3 pages, and referees are left off. The table below shows where individual countries differ.

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At a glance

CV conventions in Japan
What it is called	職務経歴書 (usually written in Japanese or English)
Length	1–3 pages for the career history (shokumu keirekisho), sent with a 2-page rirekisho form
Paper size	A4
Layout	Tabular, dates in a left column
Order	Most recent first
Dates	Numeric (MM/YYYY)
Photo	Optional
Date of birth	Optional
Nationality	Optional
Marital status	Usually left out
Right to work / visa status	Optional
References	Leave referees off the CV; have a list ready
Explain gaps longer than	6 months

Tips

This builder makes the shokumu keirekisho (職務経歴書): your work history in detail, usually newest first, with a short career summary at the top.
Japanese employers also expect a rirekisho (履歴書): a fixed form with a 3 × 4 cm photo, date of birth, and education and work history oldest first. Fill it in on the standard template.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s 2021 model rirekisho makes gender optional and drops spouse and dependants fields.
Date both documents at the top (年月日現在).

Countries in this group

Country	Called	Usual language	Paper	Local differences
Japan	職務経歴書	Japanese	A4

Other regions

Guidance checked October 2026. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.