[Follow-up Survey on Job Hunting Sexual Harassment] 41.0% of New Graduate Job Seekers Experience 'Clear Sexual Harassment,' and 62.6% Engage in 'Unauthorized Recording' During Interviews or Alumni Visits. 'Ban on Personal LINE/SNS' is the Most Requested Countermeasure.

KiteRa Inc. (CEO: Takashi Uematsu, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo), which provides the internal regulation DX service 'KiteRa Biz' for companies and 'KiteRa Pro' for labor and social security attorneys under the mission of 'creating a world where people can work with peace of mind,' is announcing follow-up results from its 'Survey on Job Hunting Sexual Harassment' released on February 26, 2026. This report presents findings categorized by 'new graduates vs. mid-career/experienced job seekers' based on a survey of 1,180 individuals who sought full-time employment within the past year.

The previous announcement (※1) provided results for all job seekers. Following significant feedback, we conducted a deeper analysis by attribute. This revealed that 'new graduate' job seekers exhibit more pronounced characteristics regarding harassment experiences, self-protective recording behaviors, and expectations for corporate systems compared to the overall average. As of October 1, 2026, employers are legally obligated to implement measures to prevent sexual harassment against job seekers. We believe these differences in results are crucial for accurately conveying the reality of job hunting sexual harassment to society.

This follow-up report clarifies that new graduate job seekers, in particular, are demanding clear rules regarding communication methods and contact points to prevent recruitment interactions from shifting to personal contact information or private exchanges.

In the digital age, where the boundaries between companies and individuals are easily blurred by tools like LINE and social media, relying solely on individual caution is insufficient. This highlights the challenge of 'recruitment contact governance'—how to design and manage the very points of contact in the hiring process.

Survey Summary

1. 41.0% of new graduate job seekers experienced 'clear sexual harassment' during interviews or alumni visits. 67.7% experienced either 'clear sexual harassment' or 'uncomfortable/inappropriate behavior' that left them unsure if it constituted harassment.
2. 62.6% of new graduate job seekers have recorded or documented interactions without permission during interviews or alumni visits.
3. 52.9% of new graduate job seekers stated that there was a consultation desk available for harassment occurring during the selection process.
4. 74.8% of new graduate job seekers received explanations or manuals regarding corporate compliance policies during the selection process.
5. The most requested measure by new graduate job seekers is the 'formalization of communication methods (banning personal LINE/SNS)' at 45.0%.

Survey Results

Job Seeker Perspective: Results for those who sought full-time employment within the past year

[Q1] 41.0% of new graduate job seekers experienced 'clear sexual harassment' during interviews or alumni visits. 67.7% experienced either 'clear sexual harassment' or 'uncomfortable/inappropriate behavior' that left them unsure if it constituted harassment.

When asked, 'During your job search, have you experienced any behavior from company representatives (interviewers, recruiters, etc.) that constitutes sexual harassment or that you felt was uncomfortable or inappropriate?' (single answer), 41.0% of new graduates responded they had experienced 'clear sexual harassment (physical contact, private invitations, etc.),' 26.7% experienced 'uncomfortable/inappropriate behavior (gray zone),' 29.8% reported 'nothing in particular,' and 2.5% chose not to answer.