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Have you ever received the job offer via Whatsapp? Is it common outside Japan?
Please tell me how you're dealing with headhunters from recruitment agencies who contact you via WhatsApp if you had the same experience.
I work in the IT industry, and I received messages… Hi, guys,
Please tell me how you're dealing with headhunters from recruitment agencies who contact you via WhatsApp if you had the same experience.
I work in the IT industry, and I received messages from international recruiting agencies via the WhatsApp app, rather than a mobile number. As this has been happening more frequently lately, and I would like to hear opinions from a third-party perspective, I have a question. Does that agent know about my profession and job search, or are they randomly sending messages to Japanese mobile numbers as WhatsApp users? It's a bit spooky to receive such out of the blue contacts.
I've been receiving messages on my personal smartphone via WhatsApp from recruiters claiming to be from overseas recruitment agencies, even though I haven't registered with them in the past. So far, I've received about more than 5 messages, and the country codes indicate they are from outside Japan, specifically from the United States, Indonesia, and Singapore.
The messages typically say something like,
"Hi, I'm ︎xx from ︎xxx ︎Agency. Our clients in Japan are urgently looking for staff. May I share some details with you?"
Or,
"Hello, I'm sorry to disturb you. I'm Ms. ︎xxxx, a staff member of ︎xxx INC Recruitment Company. Are you interested in working legally remotely? Our Japanese customers are urgently hiring for PT/FT/WFH positions in Japan. Can I please briefly introduce our company to you for a few minutes?'
...I'm ignoring these messages as I receive them unexpectedly from people I have never met before.
However, I'm curious about how they obtained my personal information.
Additionally, while it may be a preconception, I personally think what if the case of job introductions or registration requests, it is more appropriate to contact me through my mobile phone number rather than WhatsApp as a matter of business etiquette. I mean it skeptical that they don't call my mobile number directly.
I would like to ask a question here: has anyone been received a message by overseas job agents or recruitment agencies via WhatsApp?
If so, how do you interact? (Ignore or give them reply etc.)
I would appreciate hearing third-party opinions and would like to use them as a reference.
Thank you,
the country code thing is actually the biggest tell imo. if they were legit agencies with real japan offices they'd have a japanese number or at least a local rep who can call you. the whole whatsapp thing from overseas is just them avoiding japan's stricter telemarketing laws
one thing i haven't seen mentioned is that some of these are actually referral farming schemes. they get you to reply even once and then sell your number as a "warm lead" to another agency. so even saying "not interested" can put you on more lists
honestly just mark as spam and block. if they were serious about placing you in tokyo they'd find a way to reach you through proper channels like linkedin or bizreach where you actually have control over your visibility
You're not wrong to be skeptical. I've been on the other side of this working at a few IT recruitment agencies in Tokyo, and the way these people are contacting you is not how any reputable shop operates. Legit agencies pay for access to BizReach or LinkedIn Recruiter, and they'll send you a proper InMail or email through those platforms first. Getting a random WhatsApp from Indonesia means they bought a lead list that probably scraped your number from an old Doda or type profile you made years ago and forgot about.
What nobody tells you is that a lot of these overseas agencies are specifically targeting people with Japanese phone numbers because they assume you're bilingual talent they can place cheaply. The salary ranges they offer are often 20-30% below what you'd get through a local agent who actually knows the market. If you ever want to test them, ask them what specific Japanese company they're recruiting for and what the direct hire conversion policy is. Most of them can't answer that because they're just fishing for resumes to sell to other middlemen.
yeah, this is pretty common now in tokyo IT honestly. those recruiters are probably scraping linkedin or bizreach profiles and cross-referencing with leaked phone lists. i've gotten a few from singapore and indonesia too, same generic copy-paste stuff about "urgent clients in japan"
if they were legit they'd call you directly or at least email your work address. whatsapp cold messages from unknown country codes is a red flag, especially when they can't even mention what tech stack you work with. i just block and ignore
the weirdest one i got was from a "recruiter" who claimed to be in shinjuku but the area code was from the philippines. smh. just trust your gut on this, if it feels scammy it probably is
Things to Do in Tokyo (2026)
Start your Tokyo journey at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato), which offers panoramic views from its 150-meter observation deck for 1,200 yen. For a more modern perspec… 🗼 Iconic Landmarks
Start your Tokyo journey at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato), which offers panoramic views from its 150-meter observation deck for 1,200 yen. For a more modern perspective, head to the Shibuya Sky observation deck (2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya) for 2,000 yen, open until 10 PM. Both spots are less crowded on weekday mornings.
⛩️ Cultural Temples and Shrines
Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa (2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito), Tokyo's oldest temple, open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM. For a quieter experience, explore the Meiji Jingu Shrine (1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya), set in a large forested area and free to enter. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
🍜 Must-Try Food Experiences
Sample authentic ramen at Ichiran Shibuya (1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya), where individual booths let you focus on the tonkotsu broth, starting at 1,290 yen. For a unique twist, try conveyor-belt sushi at Uobei Shibuya (1-19-3 Jinnan, Shibuya), with plates from 100 yen. Reservations are not needed, but expect short queues.
🏯 Hidden Neighborhoods
Explore Yanaka, a district that survived WWII bombings, with narrow lanes and traditional shops like Yanaka Ginza shopping street (3-11-1 Yanaka, Taito). For a bohemian vibe, wander Shimokitazawa (Kitazawa, Setagaya), known for vintage stores and indie cafes. Both areas are best explored on foot in the afternoon.
🚇 Getting Around
Use the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks, with a 24-hour pass costing 800 yen for unlimited rides on most lines. The Suica or Pasmo IC cards are rechargeable and work on trains, buses, and even vending machines. Avoid rush hour (7:30-9 AM and 5-7 PM) to travel comfortably.
🌃 Best Evening Spots
Watch the sunset from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku), where the free observation deck is open until 10 PM. For nightlife, head to Golden Gai in Shinjuku (1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku), a maze of tiny bars with a cover charge of around 500 yen. Reservations are recommended for popular bars.
🌸 Seasonal Highlights
Cherry blossom season in late March to early April draws crowds to Ueno Park (5-20 Uenokoen, Taito), with over 1,000 cherry trees. For autumn foliage, visit Rikugien Garden (6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo) in November, lit up at night for 1,000 yen. Check the Japan Meteorological Corporation's forecast for peak dates.
🎁 Unique Souvenirs
Buy traditional crafts at Kappabashi Kitchen Town (3-18-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito), famous for realistic plastic food samples and kitchenware. For quirky gifts, explore Don Quijote stores, like the one in Shibuya (1-16-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya), open 24 hours and offering everything from electronics to snacks. Prices are reasonable, and tax-free shopping is available for tourists.
honestly this is a solid list, you've hit the major spots. one thing i'd add is that the Tsukiji Outer Market is worth a morning even if the inner market moved to Toyosu. the stalls there for tamagoyaki and fresh uni on skewers are unbeatable, and it gets packed by 9am so go early.
for a cheap meal that slaps, try CoCo Ichibanya for curry rice. there's one near basically every station and you can customize the spice level and toppings. it's not fancy but it's a real Tokyo staple that tourists often overlook.
also if you're into temples, the walk from Senso-ji down Nakamise-dori is fun but the side streets in Asakusa have smaller shrines and old-school snack shops that are way less crowded. i stumbled on a tiny place selling matcha soft serve for 350 yen last time and it was better than the touristy ones.