Since job openings continue to outnumber job seekers, parents are increasingly pushing their children to choose big-name companies. It is important for small and mid-sized firms to gain parents' understanding when recruiting graduates.

Isn't it passive-aggressive to blame parents and their "understanding" for the woes of SMEs with no evidence provided? It's like car companies or failing resorts blaming poor sales to young people on smartphones. It's always someone or something else's fault.

In the big picture, the declining number of young people means there is more competition for them from jobs and schools, or easier for the kids to get something good if you prefer. My wife showed me a newspaper article the other day with senior high schools' applications listed for Nagano where we live. Even the top schools had successful entry rates of over 95%. Students will be self-selecting with their academic level of course, but I have come to the conclusion that all the "so hard to get into" type comments I hear from other parents are just them living in the past and/or being melodramatic. The top school in Nagano had nearly 300 applicants but only 10 didn't get in. Compared to Oxford/Cambridge and Ivy League (the way people make them sound), that is absolutely nothing. In Nagano at least, the data says almost all entrance exams are passed.

it really bothers me that parents brain wash their kids to choose big-name companies when looking for jobs, it just goes to show that these companies' advertising works very well. Sure, big companies are more stable but they're also more likely to work their employees to the bone and replace them at a whim. I personally prefer working for SMEs since the work culture is more laid back and people actually do care for their workers

Well then smaller businesses need to up their game in recruiting. Like in most issues far too much moaning and whining and not enough work to solve the problem.

While parents can offer good advice, if what they want is the deciding factor in what is a pretty important life decision, then I think you are probably better off at a big Japanese company that will slot you comfortably at the bottom of a controlling hierarchy. SMEs would be better off targeting candidates who are capable of making their own decisions.

If not satisfy with a big company, suit to try a SME, or conversely. No shame to change job.

People can choose what they want. Some small and mid-sized firms are even less flexible than the big ones. Maybe Hirahara should be urging the former to offer competitive conditions, like extended maternity leave or paternity leave, as well as regular/defined hours with guaranteed paid overtime. Not that the big firms have these things, but it could help the smaller ones get a leg up.

Pay them a competitive wage, give generous holidays and promise civilized office hours.... and then watch your recruitment problems go away.

Again with the trite phrase, "gain X's understanding". What does this even mean?