The transition system in Japan traditionally sets the course for Japanese students for the rest of their (working) lives, which means that the transition to employment in Japan is of great social and personal importance. It has long been known that the transition from the education to the employment system in Japan is highly structured and characterised by unique features as well as institutional linkages and logics. Although these are still firmly rooted in the tradition of transition, massive developments in the transition process can be observed – not least due to the impact of demographic change on the transition system in Japan.

These current changes have a significant impact on the stakeholders involved. Students in particular are a highly relevant stakeholder group in the transition system due to their direct involvement and direct perspective on the transition process. Additionally, human resources are gaining increasing relevance in times of demographic change – especially in Japan.

Based on qualitative interviews, this study examines how Japanese students in Japan experience the transition from university to employment. The focus is on factors influencing the students' self-efficacy and outcome expectations with regard to the successful completion of the transition process.