What does Ikigai Connections do?

Ikigai Connections is a Michigan-based company founded by Kasia Lynch that assists students, recent graduates, JET/MEXT alumni, and mid-career professionals in finding Japanese-related jobs globally, especially in the US. The company connects job seekers with globally-minded employers through various educational and matchmaking resources, emphasizing the value of Japanese language and cultural skills. The company offers a variety of resources for job seekers and employers. Free resources include blog articles, podcast interviews, and a newsletter featuring job ads and events. Ikigai Connections operates a job board called Nihongo Jobs, which lists over 2,500 daily-updated job ads for Japanese-English bilingual roles. They also provide paid services such as one-on-one Zoom calls for job search preparation and employer support to help companies understand the benefits of hiring bilingual employees. Additionally, Ikigai Connections engages in community activities and advocacy for language learning, fostering connections between Japanese firms and local talent.