Current Students

"Job-hunting harassment," in which students experience sexual harassment, power harassment, and other forms of harassment from company employees during job-hunting activities, internships, and visits with alumni, has become a problem.

From October 1, 2026, the revised Equal Employment Opportunity Act will require employers, such as companies, to take necessary measures to prevent sexual harassment against job seekers.

During job hunting, there is a difference in position between companies and students, which can lead to concerns such as "Will this affect the selection process?" or "Will refusing put me at a disadvantage?" This can cause students to hesitate to refuse or seek advice even when they encounter unpleasant behavior.

If you feel even slightly that something is "wrong," "uncomfortable," "scary," or "you don't know how to deal with it," please don't keep it to yourself, but consult the university's counseling service.

Even if you're unsure whether something constitutes harassment, you can still seek advice.

■ What is "sexual harassment against job seekers, etc."?

In legal terms, "sexual harassment against job seekers, etc." refers to sexual conduct by employees of companies, etc., that hinders job seekers' job-seeking activities.

The "job seekers, etc." who are included in this category include not only those who apply for jobs at companies, but also those who participate in companies' recruitment activities, as well as those undergoing practical training such as teaching practice or nursing practice.

Furthermore, the situations covered include job interviews, company information sessions, internships, and visits with alumni, as well as interactions conducted on social media and online.

For example, the following actions may constitute sexual harassment against job seekers or other individuals, or may be considered problematic as job-hunting harassment.

1. Being subjected to sexual jokes, teasing, or sexually suggestive remarks.
2. Applicants are asked about sexual and private matters unrelated to the hiring or selection process, such as whether or not they have a romantic partner.
3. Unnecessary physical contact
4. Asked for sexual relations
5. I was repeatedly invited out for private meals, drinks, dates, etc., by recruiters and other employees.
6. You may be asked to meet with employees one-on-one in a private room or similar setting.
7. They keep asking to be contacted on an ongoing basis via personal LINE, social media, or private email addresses.
8. They make inappropriate demands while hinting at employment or job offers.
9. During interviews, internships, etc., I have experienced arrogant behavior and remarks that deny my character.
10. In exchange for a job offer, some individuals are pressured against their will to withdraw from other companies' selection processes or end their job search, a practice known as "owahara" (job offer harassment).

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare cites as examples of sexual harassment against job seekers that continuous sexual teasing during internships, soliciting sexual relationships during visits with alumni, and persistently inviting interns to private meals during internships.

While the measures that companies will be required to take from October 2026 are those against "sexual harassment of job seekers," the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also indicates that it is desirable for companies to similarly establish prevention policies and respond appropriately to consultations regarding acts similar to power harassment in job-seeking activities.

■Things to be careful about during job hunting

During the job search process, you will have opportunities to interact with company employees on an individual basis, but you are not required to comply with inappropriate requests from recruiters or employees.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also advises that, in order to protect oneself from job-hunting harassment, one-on-one meals and drinks with recruiters, one-on-one meetings in private rooms, and communication via personal mobile phone email or LINE.

When contacting companies, it is recommended to use their official email addresses or recruitment systems whenever possible. For alumni visits, it is also advisable to confirm details such as location, time, and the name and affiliation of the person you are meeting in advance.

If you find yourself in a situation that makes you feel uneasy, do not force yourself to stay there or comply with any demands; prioritize your own safety.

If you feel something is wrong, please keep a record of it.

To help us understand the situation better when you contact us, please leave the following information if possible.

It is recommended that you make a note of when, where, from whom, and what kind of words or actions you received, and that you save any emails or social media messages you received from companies instead of deleting them.

You don't need to organize everything before consulting us. You can consult us even if your records are insufficient.

Don't try to handle this alone; please consult with the university.

If you're unsure whether something constitutes harassment, or if you're worried about damaging your relationship with the company or affecting your chances of being selected, please first consult with the university's counseling service.

At the university, we will consider how to proceed, taking into account the content of the consultation and the individual's wishes, and, if necessary, verifying the facts with the company or providing information to relevant organizations.

We fully respect the privacy of clients and respect their wishes when responding.

[On-campus Consultation Desk]
Soka University Career Center
Location: Soka University Global Square, 1st Floor
Phone: 042-691-3523
E-mail：careercenter@soka.ac.jp
Reception hours: Weekdays 9:30~17:00
※ In emergencies or personal safety concerns, in addition to consulting the university, please consider consulting the police or other specialized agencies.
* Additionally, our university has a Campus Harassment Countermeasures Office that can be used as needed.

■ External consultation desks and reference sites
・Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: "Measures against Sexual Harassment of Job Seekers, etc."
You can check the system effective October 1, 2026, the eligible job seekers and activities, and the measures companies should take.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: "To Ensure Equal Opportunities and Treatment for Men and Women in Employment"

- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Bright Workplace Support Group" - What constitutes sexual harassment against job seekers, etc.?
This resource clearly explains the definition and specific examples of sexual harassment against job seekers, as well as the responses expected of companies.
What constitutes sexual harassment against job seekers, etc.?

- Download materials from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Bright Workplace Support Group"
You can view leaflets such as the "Job Hunting Harassment Prevention Leaflet" for students.
Download harassment prevention materials.

- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare "Comprehensive Labour Consultation Corner"
You can consult about a wide range of labor issues, including recruitment and hiring, bullying and harassment, and sexual harassment. Consultations from students and job seekers are also accepted, and are free of charge. (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
Information about the General Labor Consultation Corner

- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Bright Workplace Support Group" special page for the revised law
This document compiles the revised law, guidelines, Q&A, leaflets, training materials, and more.
Special page for the revised Comprehensive Law for the Promotion of Labor Policies, etc.