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.
Hiring in Japan in 2026: A Practical Guide for Foreign Business Owners (Compliance, Costs, and Culture)
Hiring in Japan is one of the fastest ways to move from a founder-operated business to a business-operated one. It is also one of the fastest ways to create avoidable risk if you treat it like a simple headcount increase.
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The First 12 Months After Starting a Business in Japan: What Breaks, What Stabilizes, and What to Fix Early (2026 Edition)
Starting a business in Japan? The first 12 months are critical. Learn what breaks, what stabilizes, and what to fix early for long-term success.
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Starting a Business in Japan: What Foreign Founders Need to Know Going into 2026
Japan is open for foreign founders — if you know the rules. A plain-English breakdown of structures, visas, banking, taxes, and culture for 2026.
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How to Buy a Heavily Discounted, Profitable Business in Japan
Guide to finding and buying profitable small businesses in Japan with low upfront costs, seller financing, government support, and visa guidance.
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Ultimate Guide to Owning A Franchise in Japan (from Visas to Company Culture)
Practical guide to starting a franchise in Japan: updated Business Manager visa rules, company setup (KK/GK), licenses, office, and cultural best practices.
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Forget 7-Eleven: These 3 Niche Franchises Are Taking Over Japan
Explore three niche franchise opportunities in Japan—game cafés, pet supply stores, and compact kitchen appliances—with startup costs, market trends, and investor tips.
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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 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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Japan’s Startup Ecosystem: A Thriving Landscape for Innovation
Japan’s government has set ambitious targets to foster its startup ecosystem. By 2027, the aim is to cultivate 10,000 startups and achieve 100 unicorns—startups valued at over one billion USD. To reach these goals, Japan has implemented various incentives and support initiatives, including the introduction of a “startup visa,” mentorship programs, and the establishment of incubation centers, particularly in key areas like Shibuya in Tokyo.
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