New recruits at companies, public offices, and other organizations in Japan began work on Friday, the start of the fiscal year, with some firms reviving in-person ceremonies for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic more than two years ago.

Toyota Motor Corp., based in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and Osaka-based Kansai Electric Power Co. were among a number of major companies holding face-to-face entrance ceremonies again at their headquarters.

"Our country's economy and society are facing turbulent times. In order to overcome these changes, I want you to break your shells of common sense and stereotypes with flexible thinking," Kansai Electric President Takashi Morimoto said to around 270 new recruits.