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Japan · Rirekisho

Japanese Resume Format: The Rirekisho.

The rirekisho (履歴書) is Japan's standardized resume. It follows a fixed grid: personal details with a photo, education and employment history in chronological order, qualifications, and a section for your motivation and self-PR.

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Example Rirekisho made in CVHancer using the Japan format
Quick facts

The Rirekisho at a Glance.

Experienced candidates usually submit a second document too, the shokumu keirekisho (職務経歴書), which describes your work history and achievements in more detail. Many foreign-affiliated companies also accept an English resume.

Length
The standard form: usually two A4 pages (or one A3)
Photo
Yes, 3 × 4 cm, formal, taken recently
Personal details
Date of birth, address, nearest station; furigana for your name
Order
Education and work history, oldest first
Dates
Japanese era (令和) or Western years, used consistently
Companion document
Shokumu keirekisho for work details
Structure

Sections, in Order.

  1. 1

    基本情報 Personal details

    Name with furigana, date of birth, address, contact, photo.

  2. 2

    学歴 Education history

    Chronological, usually from high school onward.

  3. 3

    職歴 Employment history

    Each joining and leaving, ending with 以上.

  4. 4

    免許・資格 Qualifications

    Licences and certificates with the date obtained.

  5. 5

    志望動機・自己PR Motivation and self-PR

    Why this company, and what you bring.

  6. 6

    本人希望記入欄 Preferences

    Usually "follow company rules" unless there's a real constraint.

The sections of a Rirekisho, shown on an example resume
Example Rirekisho, made with CVHancer
Tips

Do This, Not That.

Do

  • Use a formal photo with a plain background.
  • Add furigana for your name.
  • Keep dates in one consistent system.
  • Write a specific, company-focused motivation.

Avoid

  • Using a casual photo or a selfie.
  • Mixing Japanese era years and Western years.
  • Leaving the motivation section generic.
  • Skipping the shokumu keirekisho when a company expects one.
Built into CVHancer

Pick the Country. We Handle the Rest.

  • Pick the Rirekisho format and the layout adapts for you
  • Photo, personal details and headings set the way employers expect
  • Live ATS checks while you write
  • A clean, text-based PDF ready to send
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FAQ

Rirekisho
Questions.

Still unsure? Our team answers every message, usually within one business day.

Contact Support

Do I need a photo on a Japanese resume?

Yes. A rirekisho traditionally includes a recent, formal 3 × 4 cm photo. Some companies are relaxing this, but most still expect one.

What is the difference between a rirekisho and a shokumu keirekisho?

The rirekisho is the standardized form with your personal details, education and history. The shokumu keirekisho is a freer document that explains your work experience, projects and results in detail.

Can I apply with an English resume in Japan?

Many foreign-affiliated and international companies accept English resumes. Traditional Japanese employers usually expect a rirekisho in Japanese.

Other resume formats

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Also useful: our free ATS resume checker, the resume templates and the AI resume builder.

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