Timing is very important in finding the right job and some jobs can be very “seasonal” meaning the requested start date and finish date (in case of a set contract) are very much set, an example of this is working in resorts during the snow season. It is a popular pastime for people from many countries to follow the winter and partake in some of the many activities available on the snow while casually working in the area.
Most jobs follow the standard working season in Japan that is referred to in Japan as Kamiki which starts in April and goes through to the end of September as the first financial half of the year. The second half of the year is referred to as Shimoki; it starts at the beginning of October and ends in March the following year.
Many jobs become available for an immediate start at the beginning of the financial year or Kamiki, and or at the start of the second half of the year, Shimoki, as is always the way in any work environment, people come and go and in most human resource or recruitment based companies, the majority of the hiring takes place to prepare for these seasonal starts.
When looking for work in Japan it is always good to keep these seasonal periods in mind, but it always necessary to remember that people do come and go in all sectors so it is wise to forward your information in advance. You never know what might come up!