Major Overhaul: Stricter Requirements and Clarified Standards for Japan’s Business Manager Visa

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has announced significant, sweeping changes and provided crucial clarifications regarding the requirements and operational standards for the Business Manager Status of Residence These amendments, aimed at ensuring the quality and viability of foreign-owned businesses in Japan, raise the bar for new and existing entrepreneurs. Read More …

Immigration Agency to Tighten Japanese Language Requirements for ‘Business Manager’ Visa

From Today’s News – September 11, 2025: Regarding the ‘Business Manager’ residence status for foreigners aiming to start a business in Japan, the Immigration Services Agency is finalising negotiations to tighten Japanese language proficiency requirements. This is in addition to a proposed revision to the ministerial ordinance that would increase the minimum capital requirement sixfold and require either the entrepreneur or a full-time employee to demonstrate “considerable Japanese language proficiency”. Read More …

Japan Considers Stricter Visa Rules for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency is planning to tighten the requirements for the “Business Manager” visa, a residency status designed for foreign entrepreneurs. This move is aimed at preventing individuals from obtaining the visa for the sole purpose of immigration, rather than for its intended use of starting a legitimate business. Read More …

What is the Highly-Skilled Professional Visa?

The Highly-Skilled Professional Visa is for foreigners with advanced skills that Japan is seeking. It is given preferential treatment compared to other visas. One of the main features of the Highly-Skilled Professional Visa is that it is assessed using a point system. Your skills and experience are quantified as points, and your visa application is approved or rejected based on the total number of points you have. Read More …

A thorough guide to the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa for foreigners who want to realize their dream of working in Japan

Hello to all of you living overseas who want to work in Japan! In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand way the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa, one of the typical visas for working in Japan, even for those who have no experience of living in Japan. Read More …

Making use of Kominka (Old Private Houses)

In Japan, where the population has been concentrated in metropolitan areas, the revitalization of rural areas is one of the most important policies.The goal is to restore vitality to rural areas where the population is declining and aging.In this context, the use of old houses remaining in rural areas has the potential to improve their attractiveness as tourism resources, revitalize local communities, and even promote immigration. Read More …

Operating Lodging Facilities in Japan

With the increasing number of tourists to Japan, investing in accommodations has become an attractive option.This guide explains how foreigners can operate a hotel, ryokan, minshuku (Vacation rental), or guesthouse in Japan in several steps.
Guide to Operating Accommodation Facilities for Foreign Investors: Hotels, Simple Accommodations, and Guest Houses Read More …

Starting a business in Japan while overseas.

The way foreigners can have an address in Japan to start a business is very simple. They can make a company with an address and bank account. They can then apply to change their residence status after making company and acquiring a license where required.

So, what kind of options do you have if you don’t have an address in Japan. You basically have two options. One of them is to make a company first and the other is applying for a visa before making the company. Read More …

Startup visa

Japan is actively attracting global entrepreneurial talent to fuel innovation and economic growth. The Startup Visa Program (also known as the “Business Manager Visa for Startup”) provides a route for foreign nationals with groundbreaking business concepts to secure a long-term visa. This allows them to establish and operate their companies within Japan. Read More …

A Guide to Investing in Japanese Condominiums for Foreign Investors

pan is an attractive investment destination for foreign investors, with its stable economy, high safety, and attractive culture. In particular, investing in condominiums has attracted attention in recent years as a stable source of income and a way to build long-term assets.

In this article, we will explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages, investment methods, and points to note for foreign investors investing in Japanese condominiums. Read More …