No. 3 What do trading companies do? [Industry research for international students ②]
There are several major trading companies in Japan. However, many international students do not know what business these companies handle. This article will explain the work that trading companies handle and how they differ from manufacturers.
What is a trading company?
A trading company or trading firm is a company that works as an intermediary between sellers and buyers to establish a flow for commodity transactions.
In Japanese, these are referred to as “shosha.”
In recent years, trading companies have begun handling more diverse business. In addition to product trading, they are entering new fields such as information and logistics.
Therefore, trading companies exist in an evolving industry.
Difference between trading companies and manufacturers
The basic business of a trading company is to buy goods from sellers and to sell these to buyers.
On the other hand, as the name implies, manufacturers are companies that manufacture products.
However, in recent years, more manufactures are handling sales and purchasing themselves in addition to manufacturing.
Also, since the businesses of both manufacturers and trading companies have diversifies, it can be difficult to draw a clear line between manufacturers and trading companies.
The fact is that manufacturers and trading companies have strong connections and they need each other in order to exist.
Employment of international students at trading companies
For international students who can speak both their native language and Japanese, a job at a trading company where you can serve as a bridge between your native country and Japan.
Therefore, trading companies that handle overseas products are popular with international students.
However, the hiring rate for international students is surprisingly low.
According to a survey done by Mynavi, only 8% of trading companies are expected to hire international students who graduated in 2020, and 66% are not planning to hire anyone.
(Source: http://mcs.mynavi.jp/enq/naitei/data/naitei_2019_r.pdf)
Because of this, trading companies should be considered a highly competitive industry for international students.
Conclusion
This article explained about trading companies. Trading companies have close overseas relationships and it is a popular industry for international students. However, the fact is that there are surprisingly few opportunities. If you want to get a job at a trading company, it is important to conduct industry research and self-analysis in advance.
■The contents provided in these articles are for informational purposes only.
Therefore, the reader must use discretion and take responsibility when using the information in these articles.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the administrator, and the management office shall not be responsible for the results of applying the contents of the articles.
■The information in these articles is current as of January 2020. Keep in mind that there may be changes at the time it is used.
