Michael Page goes to Tokyo

Recruitment firm Michael Page International has opened a new office in Tokyo, following demand from Japanese firms.

Michael Page veteran Hugh Everard will head the new branch. He has been with the company 17 years, five of those spent in Asia. Simon Lewis who spent the last three years with the Michael Page Hong Kong office will assist him.  

Whereas Japanese firms once took care of their own hirings, this practice is now changing, Everard said. “Firms in Tokyo traditionally preferred to recruit for themselves,” he says "That is changing now and we expect companies there …[will] increasingly use the services of executive recruitment consultancies."

Everard expects the greatest demand from employers will be to find bi-lingual staff who have had exposure to western management practices. "Professionals who can demonstrate the ability to adopt international corporate culture will be highly regarded by foreign-based organizations who are moving to a more global multicultural workplace," Everard comments.

The "job for life" scenario previously common in Japan is also changing. Employees are now attracted to working for international companies who can offer dynamic career paths, Everard says.

The new office is located in the Minato-ku area of Tokyo's CBD.