In Japan nearly half of high school graduates choose to continue their educational careers by going to university. Of which nearly three quarters of college students graduate from university. So most Japanese young adults get their first job after college graduation. Of which over 90% of them have a job within months of graduation. For those who do not start or complete higher education, they begin the job search immediately and while there are fewer option, it stills holds a high employment rate. But while it is possible to get a job at 16, 18 is a more normal age to get one for most jobs in shops, conveniences stores, and restaurants need employees to be 18 or older to sell cigarettes and alcohol.
Also in Japan, most Japanese University graduates have a job in about a month after graduation. The reason being starting in the fall or second semester of junior year, Japanese students begin crafting documents, comparable to our resumes and cover letters, and going through the hiring process throughout Senior year. During the hiring process you give your documents to a document judge and then you begin the interview process. Most college graduates are hired right out the door and being work as soon after. This is full of myths being told as you are prepare and go through the process of getting hired.
The most important symbol is the first paycheck. It signifies your independence from your family and school. In response of this moment you send a portion back to your parents to show them thanks for the help in getting to where you are today. Another important symbol is a business card (meishi) which is a common portion of introductions in the Japanese Business world.
The three stages of this rite of passage are the Separation Stage which is leaving and separating yourself from your college/high school and also your family. Then your transition is through the job search process. From interviews and documents to being hired. And finally you are aggregated to your new job and reaggregated into your society in your new role. It is also more of a ritualizations for it has no set of rules and is unique for each person.
Interview with Sakaki, Hiroto
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/05/18/business/employment-rate-for-college-grads-hits-93-9/#.UlthxI6pUfc