Amid labor crunch, Japan firms seek to win over students' moms and dads.

Earlier this month, Copro-Engineered Co., a Nagoya-based firm specializing in the staffing of construction engineers, hosted a party at a Nagoya hotel for students who are expected to join the firm after graduating from university in spring - and their parents.

Seventy-six students in dark business suits and 88 parents attended the gathering, which opened with a video explaining the firm's business, followed by a speech by its president, Kosuke Kiyokawa. It was the sixth time for the firm to organize such an event.

The students and parents were seated at the same table as the company officials who will become their supervisors, and they talked over a full-course meal.

The students were also asked to read a letter of gratitude to their parents, thanking them for bringing them up, just like at wedding parties. At the end...