入社式(にゅうしゃしき)

A distinctly Japanese corporate tradition. Nearly all large companies hold this ceremony on April 1st, the start of the Japanese fiscal year. New employees typically wear dark suits and attend together as a cohort (同期(どうき)). The ceremony usually includes speeches by executives, an oath by a representative of the new hires, and group photos. Smaller companies may have simpler versions or skip the ceremony entirely.