From the desk
日本からの実践的な洞察。
Business, investment and relocation guidance grounded in real work on the ground.
How Foreign Investors Can Buy a Japanese Franchise in 2026
Discover how foreign investors can buy and manage a Japanese franchise in 2026, including real costs, visa updates, and portfolio management strategies.
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How to Work With Japanese Vendors (Without Friction or Misunderstanding)
Working with Japanese vendors isn’t about pushing harder. Learn to navigate indirect communication, build trust, and eliminate business friction.
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Spring in Japan: Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026
Warmer temperatures are shifting Japan’s 2026 cherry blossom season earlier, narrowing peak viewing windows and making flexible travel plans essential.
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3 Emerging Japanese Investment Sectors Beyond Traditional Tech
Japan’s economy is evolving beyond traditional tech. Discover three high-growth investment sectors—medical devices, digital infrastructure, and NFT/DeFi—reshaping the market.
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Do You Really Need to Rent an Office for a Japan Business Manager Visa?
The Japan Business Manager Visa requires a fixed office space, but you don’t necessarily need an expensive traditional lease. Explore creative alternatives including home offices with separate entrances, cheap secondary properties, Airbnb-style businesses, and Startup Visas that delay office requirements.
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Japan to Revise Ecotourism Policy
Japan’s Environment Ministry has proposed the first revision to its ecotourism policy since 2008 to address the ecological impact of surging inbound tourism. The draft emphasizes balancing conservation with visitor experiences through continuous monitoring, community-consulted usage rules, and enhanced guide training.
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Japan Updates Business Manager Visa Criteria
Japan has announced tightened requirements for the “Business Manager” visa, taking effect October 16, 2025. Key changes include a capital requirement increase to ¥30 million, new language proficiency standards, and stricter rules regarding business plans and office setups.
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Japanese Summer Festivals 2025: The Expat Guide to Fireworks, Food & Fun
Discover the top Japanese summer festivals in 2025 with our expat-friendly guide! From Tokyo’s Sumidagawa Fireworks to Kyoto’s historic Gion Matsuri, find out where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of Japanese summer festivals in2025.
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Holidays in Japan: An Expat’s Guide to Public Holidays, Peak Seasons, and Smart Leave Planning (2025)
Holidays in Japan are vastly different from those across the pond – not only are holidays thoroughly planned in advance, the peak seasons of both Japanese and international travellers can make any journey unpleasant, inconvenient, or nigh impossible.
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