The associations of national universities and private universities will call on businesses to delay the start of their recruitment drives until students are well into their senior year, officials said.

The Japan Association of National Universities and the Federation of Japanese Private Colleges and Universities Associations believe the earlier start of recruitment has been harmful to students.

Currently, companies often begin their explanatory sessions for juniors around October, while the senior year doesn't start until the following April.

An increasing number of students are reportedly reluctant to engage in such academic activities as studying abroad because the job hunt takes priority. One area taking up time is meeting with alumni of their universities working at companies they wish to join.

According to the officials, the two organizations will ask business circles in writing to begin the recruiting process after August in the senior year and hold explanatory sessions after March of the junior year.

The Japan Foreign Trade Council, the Japan Association of Corporate Executives and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry have voiced their understanding of pushing back the selection process until after August of the fourth year.

The most powerful entity, the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren), decided that member companies should start advertising their recruiting in December or thereafter for juniors, though they will be allowed to begin explanatory sessions in April for seniors, as in the past.

Getting a passing grade at a Japanese university is relatively easier than other countries.