My theory on the original of this practice comes from my grandpa-in-law. He talked about how after WW2 towns would pitch money together to buy tickets to send their young men to the big cities together.
His experience was they arrived at Ueno station, the traditional "entrance" to Tokyo, and businesses recruited in bulk. Which is to say "We'll hire 5". No interviews, and no skills. Considering we are talking about young men whose only skills are 1. Survived WW2, 2. Graduated High School, I can see business not seeing differentiators.
In Grandpa's case he survived the war by being sick. Thus he was a bit older on average than the cohort who survived by being too young. In turn he achieved CEO status of an off-shoot company of his company.
One can also see how the work-for-life system got such a strong start. Without merit based hiring the businesses truly were the source of anyone's career success. Any skills learned were taught on the job. Any raises or outward fame could only come with success of the company.
His experience was they arrived at Ueno station, the traditional "entrance" to Tokyo, and businesses recruited in bulk. Which is to say "We'll hire 5". No interviews, and no skills. Considering we are talking about young men whose only skills are 1. Survived WW2, 2. Graduated High School, I can see business not seeing differentiators.
In Grandpa's case he survived the war by being sick. Thus he was a bit older on average than the cohort who survived by being too young. In turn he achieved CEO status of an off-shoot company of his company.
One can also see how the work-for-life system got such a strong start. Without merit based hiring the businesses truly were the source of anyone's career success. Any skills learned were taught on the job. Any raises or outward fame could only come with success of the company.