The Importance of Cross-cultural Perspectives for Career Counseling in Japan

Abstract

Recently, needs for career counseling have been rapidly increasing in Japan, and various career services have been developing in different settings, including schools, colleges, companies, and community career centers. Due to the relatively short period of time since its introduction to Japan, however, it appears that various career theories and services have been directly imported from the U. S., and current career counseling services may or may not be culturally sensitive for the Japanese population. Thus, in this paper, the author first examines Western values and assumptions embedded in career counseling, and then more culturally sensitive career counseling practices for various clients in Japan are explored through analyzing career counseling scenarios. In addition, along with these scenarios, practical suggestions for culturally sensitive career counseling are offered.