Many new recruits at public offices, companies and other organizations in Japan started work Thursday, with events marking their first day at work largely held online amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year many entrance ceremonies marking the start of the new business year were canceled due to the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. But many employers resumed the seasonal events this year, while avoiding large-scale gatherings by downscaling them or adopting virtual participation.
Businesses hit hard by the pandemic have sharply cut the number of new recruits hired. According to the education ministry, the percentage of new university graduates who had secured jobs as of Feb. 1 stood at 89.5%, down 2.8 points from a year earlier.