Companies across Japan officially started holding job interviews for university seniors this month. The declining workforce means that potential recruits have lots of options. Among the many firms hiring, those that show concern about social and environmental issues are standing out from the competition.

Uchida Keigo has decided to join a Tokyo-based energy firm that promotes carbon neutrality. He turned down a provisional job offer from a major appliance manufacturer.

Uchida became interested in environmental issues in high school, when he saw damage from landslides triggered by heavy rains that devastated his home prefecture. He says global warming has made landslides more likely. Uchida believes the problem was created by humans, and he feels strongly that it should be solved by humans.

One of the key factors in his choice of company was the enthusiasm of the firm's employees.

The trend of "ethical job hunting" is spreading among Japanese students.

A recruitment consultant points out that university students are increasingly choosing companies with new values because they have grown up hearing about Sustainable Development Goals and volunteer activities.