Nintendo ranks as the top game company for Japanese college graduate employment, according to a new survey.
A new employment preference survey (via ninpatentswatch on Blue Sky) conducted by Gakujo Co., Ltd reveals that Nintendo continues to stand as one of the most important options for Japanese college graduate employment in 2027. The survey, which gathered responses from 15,492 third-year undergraduates and first-year graduate students, highlighted evolving trends across industries, yet entertainment giants, especially Nintendo, remain firmly in demand.
Top Game Development Employers For Japanese College Graduates
- Nintendo (#1 for men, #21 for women, #4 overall)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment (#10 men, #21 overall)
- Konami (#6 men, #24 overall)
- Sega (#15 men, #30 overall)
- Capcom (#11 men, #39 overall)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment (#110 overall)
- Square Enix (#125 overall)
Based on the survey results, aside from Nintendo, women in Japan aren’t interested in game companies as employers. Meanwhile, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Square Enix’s status has declined considerably as a worthwhile employment option in the country.
Although trading conglomerate Itochu Corporation secured the overall top position for the eighth consecutive year, Nintendo’s placement at #4 puts it at the top spot for those looking to make a career in the field of game development. The ongoing success of the Nintendo Switch 2, which has enjoyed strong momentum throughout 2025, has further solidified the company’s reputation as a stable yet innovative workplace.
Nintendo’s popularity also reflects that entertainment companies continue to remain in demand for young jobseekers. Students increasingly gravitate toward employers who create culturally influential content, and Nintendo is at the forefront of that movement. With a long history of shaping worldwide gaming culture through iconic franchises such as Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon, the company represents both creative fulfillment and long-term stability, qualities highly valued by future graduates.
Other entertainment-related firms also performed strongly. Toho rose to #3rd thanks to major box-office hits such as Demon Slayer: Mugen Castle – Chapter 1 and National Treasure, while publishers like Shueisha and Kadokawa similarly maintained high rankings thanks to their powerful IP portfolios.
