List of selected articles by Japanese

After receiving its Business Registration Certificate from the Legal Affairs Bureau of Japan, GK officially became an independent legal entity with the following rights:

• Signing a commercial contract.
• Open a corporate bank account.
• Hire staff.
• Owning property.
• Conduct business activities in accordance with Japanese law.

At the same time, GK must fully comply with all tax, accounting, labor, and related legal obligations throughout its operation.

One of the outstanding advantages of GK is its simpler establishment process and shorter registration time compared to KK.

After preparing all the necessary documents, businesses typically take about 7–10 working days to complete the registration process at the Department of Legal Affairs. Meanwhile, KK (a type of business registration) usually requires about 14–21 working days, due to the additional step of notarizing the company's charter before submitting the registration application.

Note from GLA: The above timeframe only applies to the legal entity registration step. After the company is established, businesses still need an additional 2–6 weeks to complete the procedures for opening a corporate bank account. This step often takes longer than expected and can affect the progress of business operations.

According to Japan's Corporate Law, GK does not specify a minimum registered capital. Legally, a company can be established with a registered capital of as little as 1 yen. This regulation has also applied to Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) since the Corporate Law was amended in 2006.

However, the actual registered capital level should be considered based on business objectives rather than simply meeting legal requirements.

According to GLA experts, businesses should consider the following three factors when determining their charter capital:

• Ability to open a bank account: Many banks will view applications more favorably if businesses have a reasonable level of registered capital.
• Reputation with partners: Registered capital is publicly available information in a company's records and can affect the level of trust when working with clients or suppliers.
• Plan for applying for a Business Manager Visa: If the representative intends to apply for this type of visa, the registered capital is also a factor to consider because the Japanese government needs to assess whether the company owner is truly working and contributing to Japan, and capital is an initial scoring criterion.

One key difference of GK is that it does not require the representative or contributing member to reside in Japan.

As a result, foreign businesses can establish companies without needing to find a resident director just to meet legal requirements. This helps reduce costs and provides flexibility during the initial investment phase.

However, businesses should note that The fact that there is no requirement to have a resident representative in Japan does not mean that the representative can immediately travel to Japan to manage the business.

If the representative wishes to directly manage the company, sign contracts, work with partners, or supervise employees in Japan, They still need to have the appropriate visa or residence status as required by Japanese law.

Similar to other types of limited liability companies, members of GK are only liable to the extent of the capital they have contributed to the business.

This helps limit financial risks to personal assets should the company incur debt or other financial liabilities during its operation.

One of the prominent legal features of GK is that members can proactively negotiate many aspects of the company's charter.

Besides specifying management and voting rights, the charter may also stipulate a profit-sharing ratio different from the capital contribution ratio, if all members agree.

For example:

• Member A contributes 70% of the capital but receives 50% of the profits.
• Member B contributes 30% of the capital, directly manages the business, and also receives 50% of the profits.

This mechanism is particularly suitable for businesses with multiple founders or a collaborative model between investors and those directly operating the business.

Therefore, businesses should carefully draft their Articles of Association right from the start. Amendments are necessary.

GK is suitable for businesses that are in the startup phase or want to test the market before scaling up.

You should consider establishing Godo Kaisha (GK) if you fall into one of the following categories:

• You are investing or starting a business in Japan for the first time and want to reduce setup costs.
• You open restaurant, cafe, or retail store on a small or medium scale.
• You want to complete the company registration process quickly so you can get your business up and running as soon as possible.
• You do not plan to raise capital from investors or issue shares in the near future.
• You want to directly manage and run the business with a simple organizational structure.
• You prioritize optimizing operating costs in the initial phase rather than building a complex management system.

For many Vietnamese businesses new to the Japanese market, GK represents a balanced choice between cost, flexibility, and the ability to meet legal requirements for doing business.

GK might not be the right choice if your business is looking to scale up or needs to build brand image from the outset.

You should consider your options. Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) instead of GK if:

• Do you have a development plan? restaurant chain or multiple branches in Japan.
• You intend raising capital from investorsinvestment funds or strategic partners.
• You frequently work with large corporations, banks, or listed companieswhere a company's reputation can influence the collaboration process.
• You want to build a professional business image right from the start.
• Do you plan to expand your operations into more markets or transfer shares in the future?

In these cases, KK often offers advantages in terms of reputation, governance structure, and long-term growth potential.

Optional.

If a business is small, has few transactions, and its manager has knowledge of Japanese accounting, it can certainly handle bookkeeping and tax filing itself using popular accounting software.

Conversely, if a business is unfamiliar with accounting and tax regulations in Japan or wants to reduce the risk of errors, it should hire an accountant or service company for assistance.

• Record the accounting entries.
• Prepare financial statements.
• Tax settlement.
• Legal compliance advice.

Hiring an accountant saves businesses time and ensures that financial records are properly maintained.

The cost of establishing a Godo Kaisha (GK) will depend on whether the business handles it itself or uses a consulting service.

Typically, the cost includes:

• Business registration fees.
• Costs for engraving and registering a seal.
• Translation and notarization fees (if applicable).
• Legal or accounting consulting fees (if services are used).

In addition to the above fees, the registered capital is not considered a cost of establishment because this amount remains the property of the company and can be used for business operations after the business is registered.

Opening a bank account depends on each bank's credit assessment policy.

Some banks in Japan may require businesses to provide additional information about:

• Business model.
• Representative.
• Operating address.
• Customers and projected revenue streams.

For newly established businesses or those with foreign investment, the approval process may take longer. Therefore, businesses should prepare complete documentation and a clear business plan to increase their chances of approval.

While legally sound, it's not straightforward in practice. The process requires drafting new articles of association, notarization, updating tax registrations, and potentially renegotiating with banks or partners.

GLA recommends planning the type of legal entity with a 3–5 year roadmap from the outset.

According to the data of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)In 2025, Japan is expected to welcome 42,68 million international visitors, a 15,8% increase compared to 2024, and the first time the number has exceeded 40 million in a single year.

This is the highest number since Japan began tracking international visitors, demonstrating the country's growing appeal to tourists worldwide. The sharp increase in visitor numbers also translates into a greater demand for businesses providing travel services, tour bookings, guides, transportation, and specialized tourism products.

Not only did the number of visitors increase, but the total spending of international tourists in Japan also reached a new record high.

According to the Consumer trend research According to data released by the Japan Tourism Agency, total spending by international tourists in 2025 is expected to reach approximately 9.455,9 billion yen, a 16,4% increase compared to the previous year.

This shows that the Japanese tourism market is not only expanding in scale but also has increasing economic value. For newly established travel companies in Japan, this is a positive sign because tourists tend to be willing to pay more for quality services, experiential tours, and personalized travel products.

The growth of the tourism industry is not a short-term trend but is part of the Japanese government's long-term development strategy.

According to the National Tourism Promotion Basic Plan approved by the Japanese Cabinet in 2026, the government aims to achieve the following by 2030:

• Attract 60 million international visitors each year.
• Tourism revenue reached 15.000 trillion yen.

Compared to the 2025 figures, the number of international visitors is still approximately... 40% growth potential to achieve the target by 2030. This shows that the tourism industry will continue to receive investment and support from the Government for many years to come, creating more opportunities for new businesses to enter the market.

One notable aspect of Japan's tourism industry is the relatively diverse composition of its international visitors.

According to the JNTO statisticsIn 2025, the largest source markets for tourists to Japan will include:

• Korean
• Chinese
• Taiwan
• Mỹ
• Hong Kong

In addition, the number of visitors from many other countries is also growing strongly. By 2025, Uc surpassing the milestone for the first time. 1 million visitors, while Mỹ first time crossing 3 million visitors.

Not being overly dependent on a single market allows the Japanese tourism industry to be more resilient to economic fluctuations or policy changes in individual countries. At the same time, it also provides an opportunity for businesses to develop a wider range of products tailored to different international customer groups.

In addition to the goal of increasing the number of international visitors, the Japanese government is shifting its focus to Improving the quality of tourism industry growth.

According to the guidelines in the National Tourism Promotion Master Plan, policies in the coming period will focus on:

• Developing sustainable tourism.
• Increased spending by international tourists.
• Attracting tourists to areas outside of traditional tourist centers.

This orientation opens up many opportunities for businesses to establish travel companies in Japan, especially those developing experiential tourism products, community tourism, themed tours, or exploring new destinations in local areas.

Instead of competing directly with large businesses in Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, new businesses can choose niche segments with lower competition levels but still benefit from the government's tourism promotion policies.

This is the highest category, allowing for all types of business activities, including organizing all-inclusive tours abroad.

• Licensing authority: Minister of Tourism Department (観光庁長官)
• Limit: International package tours, domestic package tours, customized tours, tour arrangements.
• Margin (営業保証金): 70.000.000 yen, if joining a travel association (弁済業務保証金分担金): 14.000.000 yen
• Minimum benchmark assets (基準資産): 30.000.000¥
• Mandatory appointment of a travel operations manager.

Category 2 participants are not allowed to organize their own all-inclusive overseas tours, but they are free to organize all-inclusive domestic tours nationwide (without regional restrictions).

• Licensing authority: Governor of the province where the headquarters is located (主たる営業所の所在地を管轄する都道府県知事)
• Allowed: We organize and sell all-inclusive domestic tours (no regional restrictions, applicable nationwide); accept tour orders both domestically and internationally; and provide travel arrangement services both domestically and internationally.
• Deposit: 11.000.000 yen if you join the association: 2.200.000 yen
• Minimum benchmark assets: 7.000.000¥
• Mandatory appointment of a travel operations manager.

Tier 3 only allows organizing all-inclusive domestic tours within the vicinity of its office location (not nationwide like Tier 2), but customized tours and arranged services are not limited by region.

• Licensing authority: Governor of the province where the headquarters are located
• Allowed: The company organizes and sells all-inclusive domestic tours, but only within the city where its office is located and surrounding areas; it accepts tours on order and provides travel arrangement services without geographical limitations (both domestic and international).
• Licensing authority: Governor of the province where the headquarters are located
• Deposit: 3.000.000 yen if you join the association: 600.000 yen
• Minimum benchmark assets: 3.000.000¥
• Mandatory appointment of a travel operations manager.

This category has the lowest financial requirements, making it suitable for startups focusing on local experiential tourism. Unlike category 3, all three types of services (domestic package tours, customized tours, and arranged services) are limited to the area surrounding the office location.

• Allowed: They offer all-inclusive tour packages, accept tour orders, and provide travel arrangement services, but all three types of services are limited to the city where their office is located and surrounding areas.
• Licensing authority: Governor of the province where the headquarters are located
• Deposit: 150.000 yen if you join the association: 30.000 yen
• Minimum benchmark assets: 1.000.000¥
• Mandatory appointment of a travel operations manager.

Travel agencies do not organize tours themselves but only perform services authorized by another travel company (旅行業者から委託された業務).

• Allowed: Performing travel services as authorized by another travel company, not organizing tours independently.
• Licensing authority: Governor of the province where the headquarters are located
• Minimum margin/standard assets: Not required
• The appointment of a travel operations manager remains mandatory.

This applies to accommodation establishments (hotels, ryokan, etc.) that are recognized in the tourism development plan.

• Allowed: Performing services authorized by other travel companies, but limited to the recognized tourist area and only for guests staying at the establishment.
• Margin / Standard Assets: Not required
• Person in charge: They can be replaced by someone who has completed the training course; they do not necessarily have to be an official travel operations manager.

Before applying for a travel agency business registration, the company must have already established a company in Japan, usually a joint-stock company (株式会社) or a limited liability company (合同会社).

In the company's charter (定款) and legal entity registration certificate, the business purpose must clearly state whether it is tourism business or travel agency business in accordance with the Law on Travel Business. If this information is missing, the application will be rejected, and the business must amend its charter and re-register before submitting the application for a license.

This is the condition that the licensing authority checks most carefully, to ensure that the company has the capacity to compensate customers should any problems arise. It consists of two elements:

• Minimum required assets: calculated using the formula: total assets minus non-performing assets (bad debts, intangible assets such as trademarks), minus total liabilities, minus the deposit amount. The required amount varies depending on the registration category, from 1.000.000 yen to 30.000.000 yen;
• Business deposit or alternative contribution if joining a travel association (equal to 1/5 of the original deposit).

When establishing a travel company in Japan, businesses need to meet the requirements for personnel managing travel operations. According to Japanese law, each... business office Each travel company or travel agency must appoint a qualified Travel Operations Manager to oversee and manage its business operations.

Travel agency managers are responsible for ensuring that office operations are conducted in accordance with regulations, including explaining terms and conditions, providing necessary information to customers, processing travel service contracts, and controlling service quality.

The person appointed to this position must pass the national certification exam for travel industry professionals organized by the Japan Tourism Agency. Depending on the scope of operations, the company needs to select personnel with the appropriate certification:

• Comprehensive Travel Business Management Certificate (総合旅行業務取扱管理者): for businesses operating both international and domestic tours;
• Domestic Travel Agency Management Certificate (国内旅行業務取扱管理者): applicable to businesses that only operate tourism products within Japan;
• Regional Travel Service Management Certificate (地域限定旅行業務取扱管理者): suitable for businesses that only organize tours within a specific region, city, or locality.

Therefore, before establishing a travel company in Japan, businesses need to clearly define the type of tourism business they intend to operate—international, domestic, or regional—in order to select management personnel with appropriate certifications, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and legal operation in Japan.

Here are some points businesses should keep in mind:

• If the office handles international tours, the appointed person must possess a comprehensive certificate.
• A person can only be listed as the manager for one entity. a single office, not allowed to manage multiple branches simultaneously.
• Offices with 10 or more employees responsible for travel services must appoint at least two travel operations managers.
• After being appointed, the manager must attend a training course organized by the travel association every five years.

This is usually biggest barrier For newly established companies, especially those owned by foreigners, the exam is conducted entirely in Japanese and requires in-depth knowledge of travel law, geography, and transportation operations.

The Law on Travel Business stipulates 11 cases in which registration applications are subject to mandatory rejection, the most common of which include:

• Previously had their travel agency or tour operator license revoked, and less than 5 years have passed since the revocation date.
• Previously convicted of imprisonment or fined for violating the Travel Business Law, and less than 5 years have passed since completing the sentence.
• Being a member of a violent organization (according to the Law on Prevention of Unlawful Conduct by Members of Violent Organizations), or having left such an organization less than 5 years ago.
• Having committed fraudulent acts in the travel industry within the 5 years prior to submitting the application.
• Minors who lack full legal capacity may have legal representatives who fall into one of the above categories.
• Individuals with limited capacity due to mental/physical issues as defined by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, or individuals who have been declared bankrupt and have not yet had their rights restored.
• For legal entities: if any member of the management board falls under the above-mentioned categories.
• It is not possible to demonstrate that a valid Travel Operations Manager can be appointed to each office.

In addition to the legal, financial, personnel, and eligibility requirements mentioned above, businesses need to prepare the following practical conditions to ensure their application is approved and the company operates legally in Japan:

• Fixed business office (営業所): has a physical addressRegistration is not permitted at virtual addresses or regular residential apartments (depending on provincial regulations).
• Appropriate residency status If the representative is a foreigner: a valid Business/Management visa (経営・管理) is usually required, separate from the travel agency registration procedure, but mandatory for legally operating the company in Japan.
• Price list and terms and conditions of travel contracts (旅行業約款) The license must be publicly displayed at the office after it is granted.

For foreign investors wishing to directly manage businesses in Japan, a Business/Management Visa (経営・管理ビザ) is one of the most important requirements.

Since 16/10/2025The Japanese Immigration Bureau has implemented new standards to curb the practice of establishing businesses solely for the purpose of obtaining residency status. Compared to before, the requirements for this type of visa have been significantly tightened.

Of these changes, the requirement to raise the capital threshold from 5 million yen to 30 million yen is considered the most significant. Although the Travel Business Act only requires a lower standard asset level for some types of licenses, foreign investors must still meet the capital requirement if they need to apply for a Business-Management Visa to directly operate a business.

Therefore, many businesses choose to appoint a Japanese national or a long-term resident as their legal representative, while the foreign investor holds the role of shareholder or capital contributor.

According to regulations, each business office Travel agencies must have at least one full-time Travel Agency Operations Manager (旅行業務取扱管理者).

To obtain this certificate, candidates must pass a national examination conducted entirely in Japanese, covering travel law, tourism geography, transportation operations, and various other specialized knowledge areas.

For foreigners new to Japan, obtaining certifications on their own is often not feasible in a short period of time. Therefore, most businesses have to recruit personnel who already have certifications or collaborate with experienced professionals in the industry. This is one of the biggest challenges regarding personnel when establishing a travel company in Japan.

When applying for a travel agency business license, enterprises must demonstrate that they meet the required standard asset level (基準資産額).

Determining the standard asset value is not based solely on the registered capital but must also be reflected in the balance sheet prepared according to Japanese accounting standards. Certain types of assets or receivables may not be accepted by regulatory authorities when calculating financial capacity.

For newly established businesses or investors unfamiliar with the Japanese accounting system, preparing financial documents in accordance with regulations often requires the assistance of an accountant or local expert.

After establishing a company, businesses need to open a bank account to conduct financial transactions and complete various subsequent procedures.

However, Japanese banks typically conduct thorough due diligence on newly established businesses, especially those with foreign investment.

In addition to legal documents, banks also consider many other factors such as:

• The duration of residence of the representative in Japan.
• Physical office address
• Business plan
• The long-term viability of the business

If the account opening process is delayed, it can also affect the business's progress in depositing funds, paying fees, and completing the application for a travel business license.

One of the key requirements for establishing a travel company in Japan is that the business must have a physical business location.

And according to the official guidelines of the Japan Immigration Bureau on the revised Business-Management visa standards (effective from October 16, 2025), businesses must have suitable office Given the scale of operations, using a residential property as a business office is, in principle, not permitted.

Meanwhile, the commercial real estate market in Japan has many unique characteristics. Many landlords require businesses to have a guarantor who is a Japanese citizen or legal entity, and to demonstrate financial capability before signing a lease agreement.

For foreign investors unfamiliar with the local market, finding an office that meets legal requirements, is cost-effective, and conveniently located often takes considerable time.

Yes. Vietnamese citizens can establish and own travel companies in Japan without needing Japanese citizenship. The deciding factors are the residency status that allows for business operations and the completion of travel business registration. Those from Vietnam often also need a Business Manager Visa.

It's not advisable. Both the regulations for registering a tourism business and the regulations for Business-Management visas (after the 2025 amendments) require a physical, independent office location. Virtual offices often fail to meet this requirement and are likely to result in applications being rejected during the initial assessment phase.

There are no regulations regarding the minimum registered capital required to establish a travel company in Japan. However, to obtain a travel business license, businesses must meet standard asset and deposit requirements, with specific amounts varying depending on the license category, specifically:

If a foreign investor intends to apply for a Business Manager Visa to directly manage a company in Japan, it should be noted that the visa application may require the business to meet a minimum capital contribution requirement as stipulated by current regulations. This is a visa requirement and does not replace the standard asset and deposit requirements when applying for a travel agency business license.

In addition to financial requirements, businesses also need to budget for company formation, office rental, personnel recruitment, accounting, and operating expenses. Therefore, the total capital required will depend on the size and business model of each enterprise.

GLA assists businesses in consulting on financing options suitable for each type of travel license, helping them prepare the necessary financial resources and optimize costs right from the start.

Yes. Businesses typically need a clearly defined business location to register as a legal entity and meet operational requirements.

A company's address in Japan serves not only the purpose of business registration but also affects:

• Application for a license.
• Opening a bank account.
• Reputation with partners.
• The possibility of obtaining a business management visa.

Some newly established businesses may opt for small offices or shared offices (depending on the case), but they need to ensure compliance with legal regulations and tourism industry requirements.

Yes. Japan requires each business office Travel agencies must have a designated Travel Operations Manager responsible for overseeing tour business operations, ensuring compliance with legal regulations, managing contracts with customers, and handling any arising issues.

Businesses can utilize internal staff or recruit individuals with appropriate certifications in Japan.

Businesses can handle the procedures themselves if they have a good understanding of Japanese law and a local team. However, for foreign investors, using professional support services can help:

• Shorten the time it takes to set up a company.
• Minimize errors in documentation.
• Understand the licensing requirements for the tourism industry.
• Support is provided in accounting, tax, and operational matters after establishment.

Especially for industries with specific requirements, such as tourism, proper preparation from the outset will help businesses avoid incurring modification costs in the future.

With experience in supporting businesses to expand their international operations, GLA provides comprehensive consulting and support services for company formation in Japan, helping businesses optimize the process from initial preparation to actual operation.

Japan is currently the world's fourth-largest economy with a consumer market of over 120 million people and stable purchasing power.

According to data from the Japanese Cabinet Office, nominal GDP in 2025 is projected to reach approximately 662,79 trillion yen, a 4,5% increase from the previous year and marking the fifth consecutive year of growth.

The large scale of the economy means that businesses in Japan always have a need for support services such as marketing, management consulting, human resource recruitment, software development, digital transformation, and tourism services.

This foundation gives the agency model more opportunities for long-term growth instead of just following short-term trends.

Japan not only has a transparent business environment but also has many support programs for foreign investors.

Through the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Investment and Business Support Center (IBSC) system, businesses can access consulting services on company formation, investment, visas, and partner networking right from the initial stages.

These policies help reduce barriers to market entry and create favorable conditions for agencies providing consulting and support services to international businesses to expand their operations in Japan.

One of the biggest drivers behind the growth of the agency model in Japan is the strong digital transformation process coupled with a persistent labor shortage.

According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the number of job openings has consistently exceeded the number of job seekers for many years, reflecting the high demand for recruitment from businesses. In the information technology sector alone, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) forecasts a potential shortage of approximately 790.000 IT professionals by 2030.

In addition, online advertising budgets are also increasing rapidly. According to Dentsu (2025), internet advertising spending in Japan will for the first time account for more than 50% of total advertising spending in the entire market. These trends create significant demand for agencies in the fields of marketing and digital marketing, software development and IT outsourcing, recruitment, and digital transformation consulting.

Advertising costs in Japan (Source: Dentsu Report)

Following the post-pandemic recovery period, Japan's tourism industry continues to record strong growth.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of international visitors to Japan has consistently set new records in recent years. Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing source markets in Southeast Asia.

The development of the tourism industry not only creates opportunities for travel businesses but also boosts demand for many related services such as:

• Tourism marketing.
• Travel agency and tour operator.
• Translation and tour guide services.
• Event organization and MICE.
• Investment consulting in the tourism sector.

This is a potential market for agencies looking to target international clients and businesses operating in the tourism sector.

Vietnamese businesses have significant advantages when developing operations in Japan. According to the Japan Immigration Bureau (2025), by the end of 2025, the Vietnamese community in Japan will... reached 681.100 peopleThey rank second among foreign nationalities. This group represents both a source of human resources and a potential customer and partner group for newly established businesses.

In addition, Vietnamese businesses have many advantages such as:

• Understanding the culture and needs of both the Vietnamese and Japanese markets.
• It facilitates easy connection between customers, partners, and human resources in both countries.
• There are opportunities to develop specialized services for Vietnamese businesses and the Vietnamese community in Japan.

These advantages help businesses shorten the time to market entry and create a favorable foundation for expanding agency business operations in Japan.

According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), released by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, nearly 678.500 Vietnamese tourists will visit Japan in 2025, more than double the previous year and marking the third consecutive year of record-breaking numbers.

In the first six months of 2026, the number of Vietnamese tourists continued to reach approximately 396.500, an increase of 8,7% compared to the same period, making Vietnam the 9th largest source market for Japanese tourists and the 3rd largest in Southeast Asia.

The tourism market in Japan still has much room for growth. The majority of Vietnamese tourists visiting Japan for the first time still choose the familiar itinerary of Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Osaka. This presents an opportunity for businesses to develop specialized tourism products and explore new destinations.

In addition, the community of 681.100 Vietnamese people in Japan is also a target customer group for domestic tourism services and tours for visiting relatives, business trips, or a combination of study and work.

Depending on their development direction, businesses can choose from various business models, such as:

• Organizing and operating all-inclusive tour packages.
• Travel agency selling airline tickets, making hotel reservations, and providing other travel services.
• We provide land tour services for international groups visiting Japan.
• We provide tour guide services, transportation, and assistance for tourists.
• Engaging in specialized tourism products combined with study abroad programs, trade promotion, or labor export.

Unlike many other agency fields, businesses wishing to operate travel services in Japan need more than just a few things. Establishing a travel company in Japan Furthermore, they must obtain a travel agency business license in accordance with the Japanese Travel Agency Law (旅行業法).

According to the Japan Tourism Agency, businesses that directly organize or sell tours, arrange transportation, accommodation, and other paid tourism services must complete registration procedures before operating. Some important conditions that businesses need to meet include:

• Choosing the right type of travel business license In accordance with the scope of operation, Japan currently has five types of travel agency business registration, including first-class, second-class, third-class travel agencies, regional travel agencies, and travel agents.
• Meeting financial requirementsThis includes standard asset requirements and security deposits or contributions specific to each license type.
• Appointment of Travel Operations Manager (旅行業務取扱管理者) Each business office has the appropriate certification.
• The business location meets the regulations., serving practical purposes and qualifying for inspection by regulatory authorities when necessary.

According to GLA experts' experience in assisting with the establishment of travel companies in Japan: "A common mistake made by Vietnamese travel businesses is establishing the company first and then researching the licensing requirements. In reality, choosing the right registration category from the start optimizes deposit costs and avoids the need for mid-way upgrades."

According to the report "Survey of IT workforce supply and demandAccording to a study conducted by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan could face a shortage of up to... Approximately 790.000 IT professionals by 2030. If labor productivity does not improve significantly, the reason stems from a declining working-age population, while the demand for digital transformation (DX), cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity among Japanese businesses is rapidly increasing.

In addition, the growth of e-commerce has also led to a significant demand for IT services. According to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI, 2025)In 2024, the retail e-commerce market (B2C-EC) in Japan reached 26,1 trillion yen, while the business-to-business (B2B-EC) market reached 514,4 trillion yen.

This growth has created demand for website development, store optimization on platforms like Amazon Japan and Rakuten, and cross-border sales solutions. In particular, cross-border e-commerce between Japan and other countries, including the sale of Japanese goods to Vietnam, opens up further opportunities for IT companies to support operations and system connectivity.

Beyond serving the domestic market, IT companies can also capitalize on the demand for cross-border e-commerce between Japan and international markets. For example, Japanese businesses selling products to Vietnam or other markets may need solutions for website development, order management, system integration, data management, and optimizing sales operations on international platforms such as Amazon, etc. This presents a significant opportunity for IT companies providing e-commerce solutions and cross-border operational support.

This supply-demand gap opens up huge opportunities for foreign IT companies, especially Vietnamese businesses, a country that has had a strong position in the field of software outsourcing (offshore development) for the Japanese market for more than a decade.

Opening a company directly in Japan, instead of just working remotely, allows businesses to get closer to customers, build trust, and bridge the cultural and language barriers that are major obstacles in business cooperation with Japanese companies.

When establishing an IT company in Japan, businesses can choose one or a combination of different business models depending on their resources and development goals.

• Software Outsourcing (IT Outsourcing/SES – System Engineering Service): Receiving software and system development projects from Japanese companies, implementing them using a team of engineers in Japan or in collaboration with a team in Vietnam (offshore/hybrid model).
• Develop your own SaaS/application products.: Develop and market the company's own software products, targeting the Japanese or international market.
• Digital transformation consulting (DX Consulting): To support Japanese businesses (especially SMEs) in the process of digitizing operations and integrating systems.
• IT Engineer Supply and CoordinationConnecting engineers (including foreign engineers) with Japanese projects/companies that are experiencing manpower shortages.

A major advantage of the IT/software sector is that it doesn't require a separate specialized business license like some other sectors in Japan.

Businesses only need to follow the company formation procedures stipulated by Japanese law, including registering the business with the Legal Affairs Bureau of Japan and fulfilling all related tax and labor obligations.

However, when opening an IT company in Japan, businesses need to pay special attention to several important legal issues:

• Visa for the engineering teamForeign engineers working at the company need a visa.Engineer/Humanities/International Services or Japanese Engineer Visa as per regulations Japan Immigration Bureau (ISA)This is the most common work visa for software engineers and systems engineers. This visa is separate from the Business/Management visa for company founders/executives.
• Obligations to employeesWhen recruiting personnel (including foreign engineers), businesses must fully comply with regulations regarding labor contracts, social insurance, health insurance, and pension insurance as stipulated by Japanese labor law.
• If a business owner plans to apply for a Business - Manager visa, the business must simultaneously meet the following conditions: Japan Business Registration OfficeThe registered capital and personnel have been mentioned in the legal conditions section above in this article.

Additionally, if a business owner wishes to live and operate a company in Japan through a Business-Management Visa, the business must meet the current regulations regarding business office, investment capital, and personnel structure.

The IT/software business in Japan is considered one of the industries with lower barriers to entry due to several advantages:

• No specialized licensing barriers For businesses like tourism (travel agency registration) or human resources (employment agency license), simply registering the company allows you to start implementing the project.
• Flexible startup is possible.Businesses can start with a small team in Japan, combining resources from Vietnam in the initial phase, before expanding and recruiting more local staff.
• Authentic, long-term market demandUnlike industries dependent on consumption cycles or trends, the IT workforce shortage in Japan is projected to last at least until 2030, according to METI data, ensuring stable market demand in the medium to long term.

This is also why IT/software is often the preferred "entry point" for many Vietnamese businesses when first expanding into the Japanese market, before considering investing in sectors requiring more complex licensing such as tourism or human resources.

According to the report "Advertising costs in Japan in 2025" According to Dentsu, a leading Japanese advertising group, total advertising spending in Japan reached... 8,0623 trillion yen, continued its growth for the fourth consecutive year and set a new record high.

Remarkable, Internet advertising spending reached 4,0459 trillion yen., up 10,8% year-on-year and for the first time accounting for over 50% of the total advertising budget of the entire market.

This figure also exceeds the combined cost of four traditional media outlets: newspapers, magazines, radio, and television.

Advertising costs in Japan are rising (Source: Report from Dentsu)

This shift reflects a key trend: Japanese businesses are increasingly prioritizing digital marketing channels to reach customers, measure effectiveness, and optimize advertising costs.

In particular, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Japan have a great need to find partners who can provide support:

• Develop an online marketing strategy.
• Increase your visibility in search engines.
• Reach customers through social media.
• Building a brand in the digital environment.

Besides domestic demand, the increase in cross-border business activity also creates more opportunities for international digital agencies. Japanese businesses expanding into Southeast Asian markets need partners who understand the local market, while foreign businesses (including those in Vietnam) wanting to reach Japanese customers also need agencies capable of bridging the gap in language, culture, and consumer behavior.

When establishing a Marketing Agency in Japan, businesses can implement various service models depending on their strengths and development direction, including:

• SEO / SEMSearch engine optimization (SEO) and keyword advertising for Japanese businesses or foreign businesses wanting to reach Japanese consumers.
• Optimizing display using AI tools (GEO)Optimizing content so that the brand is mentioned and cited in AI search engine results is crucial. As users increasingly search using AI assistants, the demand for this service is rapidly growing and represents a significant area of ​​growth.
• Social Media MarketingContent management and advertising on social media platforms are areas experiencing double-digit growth, according to the Dentsu figures mentioned above.
• Multilingual content productionVideos, images, and articles serving both the Japanese domestic market and cross-border communication needs (inbound tourism, trade promotion).
• Multilingual advertising and PR: To assist foreign businesses in building their brand image when entering the Japanese market, or vice versa.

Marketing - Digital is also a field No specialized business license required. To begin operations, businesses only need to complete the standard company registration procedures. However, there are two important legal frameworks governing advertising content that agencies must understand to avoid violations when providing services to clients:

• Law on Prevention of Illicit Labeling and Gifting (Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading RepresentationsThis law is administered by the Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency. It strictly prohibits exaggerated or misleading advertising regarding product quality/price ("misleading advertising"), and limits the value of promotional gifts included with products. This is a regulation that agencies need to pay particular attention to when advertising in sensitive sectors such as cosmetics, dietary supplements, and medical/beauty services.
• Law on Protection of Personal Information (Privacy Policy), is overseen by the Personal Information Protection Commission. When an agency collects and processes client data from its partners (email marketing, targeted advertising, CRM management), it must comply with regulations regarding the lawful collection, storage, and transfer of personal data.

Violating these two legal frameworks not only affects the clients the agency serves, but the agency itself, as the advertising entity, may also be held jointly liable. Therefore, this is a point that needs to be included in the internal content review process from the outset.

Compared to local Japanese agencies, Vietnamese marketing agencies have several significant advantages when entering this market:

• Bilingual, multicultural services: The ability to simultaneously serve Japanese clients looking to expand into Southeast Asia and Vietnamese/international clients seeking access to the Japanese market.
• More competitive operating costsIf a company organizes its content production and design team using a hybrid model (partially in Japan, partially in Vietnam), it can optimize costs compared to a purely Japanese agency.
• Understanding Vietnamese consumer behavior: A clear advantage is serving Japanese businesses exploring the Vietnamese market, or businesses wanting to reach the community of over 630.000 Vietnamese people living in Japan.

Overall, this industry has similarly low barriers to entry to IT, but requires agencies to invest more in building portfolios, brand reputation, and networks with Japanese businesses—factors that take time to accumulate in a market that values ​​stability and long-term security like Japan.

According to the report "Overall job placement situationAccording to data periodically released by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the labor supply-demand ratio (有効求人倍率 - the ratio of job openings to job seekers) in Japan has remained above 1,0 for many consecutive years.

This means that the number of job openings is consistently higher than the number of job seekers, reflecting a persistent labor shortage across the market.

This situation is particularly evident in manufacturing, construction, nursing care, information technology, specialized engineering, and industries employing skilled workers (Tokutei Ginou).

With Japan's population continuing to age and its domestic workforce shrinking, the demand for foreign workers is projected to continue increasing in the long term.

The groups of foreign personnel with high recruitment demand in Japan include:

• Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能 - Tokutei Ginou)
• Thực tập sinh kỹ năng (technical training)
• Foreign engineers are eligible for the Technical - Humanities - International Professional visa category.
• Highly skilled professionals in the fields of technology, engineering, and management.

This presents a great opportunity for international recruitment agencies, especially Vietnamese businesses, as Vietnam currently has one of the largest numbers of workers living and working in Japan.

Establishing a recruitment agency in Japan not only helps businesses connect directly with Japanese employers but also creates an advantage in building recruitment, training, and support processes for employees throughout their employment.

When opening a human resources agency in Japan, businesses can choose one or a combination of the following business models:

• Paid job placement services: Connecting candidates with businesses that need to hire, charging a service fee when the candidate is successfully hired.
• Labor dispatch: The business signs a labor contract directly with the employee, then sends them to work at the partner business (the client hiring the labor).
• Headhunting/Senior Recruitment: Searching for and introducing management personnel and experts to Japanese companies or foreign companies in Japan.
• Human resources consulting for foreign companies newly entering Japan.: Assisting in developing human resource policies and initial recruitment for newly established foreign companies (including Vietnamese businesses) in Japan.

This is the biggest difference in the HR industry: businesses Simply registering a company is not enough.. According to Employment Stability Act (職業安定法) and procedural guidelines published by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in "Handbook of procedures for obtaining a business license for employment agencies."Businesses wishing to operate paid job placement services must obtain prior permission, subject to the following main conditions:

• Basic asset requirementsminimum net assets (total assets minus total liabilities) 5.000.000 JPY per office.
• Cash/Deposit Request: businesses must own at least 1.500.000 JPY in cash or bank deposits in the company's name. (plus 600.000 JPY for each additional office).
• Mandatory appointment of a Job Placement Officer (Job referral officer), a person who has completed the mandatory training course organized by the designated agency, with a minimum ratio of 1 officer for every 50 employees engaged in job referral services.
• Office requirementsPrivacy must be ensured during candidate/client interviews, and clear policies for managing personal information must be in place.

Minimum net assets of 5.000.000 JPY per office.

Job placement officer: 1 person/50 operational staff

Businesses need to clearly define their business model before implementation because these two activities require two completely different types of licenses.

If a business wants to implement both models in parallel, it needs to apply for both types of licenses separately and comply with the requirements for separate data management between the two business areas.

One of the clearest examples of the need for support for foreign businesses in Japan is the existence and scale of operations of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

This is a Japanese government agency established to promote international trade and investment. JETRO currently operates a system of Invest Japan Business Support Centers (“IBSC”) in several major cities, including:

• Tokyo
• Osaka
• Nagoya
• Yokohama
• Kobe
• Fukuoka

In addition to providing market information, JETRO also supports foreign businesses in issues such as:

• Learn about the business environment in Japan.
• Guide to business registration procedures
• Provide information about visas.
• Connect with local partners

The fact that the Japanese government is building a dedicated investment support ecosystem for foreign businesses shows that there is a huge need for access to information, advice, and support for entering the Japanese market.

However, JETRO's support programs are mainly general in nature, providing basic information and guidance, and are not yet able to delve into solving the specific problems of each business.

This is precisely the gap that private enterprise consulting agencies, especially those with the expertise to understand:

• Japanese business culture
• Challenges faced by foreign businesses when entering the market.
• Characteristics of each profession
• The specific needs of Vietnamese businesses

Instead of simply providing information, business consulting agencies can create value by partnering throughout the entire process, from strategy development to connecting businesses with the necessary resources to implement their operations in Japan.

When opening a business consulting firm in Japan, an agency can build its services in various directions based on its expertise and partner network, including:

• Comprehensive business establishment consulting servicesWe provide support from the planning stage, selecting the type of company, to connecting you with specialized units to handle the procedures.
• Market expansion strategy consultingMarket research, business plan development, connecting with partners/distributors in Japan.
• M&A and investment partnership consulting.: Assisting foreign businesses in finding opportunities for mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships with Japanese businesses.
• Operations and Human Resources Consulting: To assist foreign businesses in establishing operational structures that align with Japanese business culture during their initial stages of operation.

Compared to the human resources or tourism sectors, Business Consulting does not require a general type of consulting business license to begin operations in Japan.

However, this is an industry with very important legal boundaries, because some specialized practices in Japan are under the exclusive right of certified professionals.

Therefore, when opening a business consulting agency in Japan, businesses need to clearly distinguish the scope of services they are permitted to provide.

• Drafting and submitting administrative documents on behalf of clients. (Company registration, visa applications, business license applications, etc.) are the exclusive services of Administrative Clerks (行政書士) - individuals holding professional certifications as prescribed by regulations.
• Providing advice and representation in handling legal disputes and negotiating dispute-related matters. is a proprietary business of LawyerAccording to the provisions on illegal legal practice (非弁行為) in the Japanese Lawyers Act, individuals/organizations without a lawyer's license who engage in dispute-related legal activities for the purpose of remuneration may be considered to be in violation of the law.
• Auditing and verifying financial statements. This is the exclusive service of certified public accountants (公認会計士).
• Tax filing and consulting This is the exclusive service of Tax Consultants (税理士).

In other words, a foreign business consulting agency, even without personnel holding the aforementioned certifications, can still provide strategic consulting, business networking, and market research services, but is not permitted to directly draft legal documents, represent clients in administrative filings, handle disputes, conduct audits, or file taxes on their behalf. This is a clear distinction that businesses need to understand from the outset to avoid legal risks when expanding their service scope.

To find their first customers or partners in Japan, businesses should combine networking channels supported by reputable organizations with face-to-face meetings at industry events and trade fairs.

Leverage business networking organizations and platforms:

• Connect through JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and the J-Bridge program to access Japanese businesses that match your business field.
• Leveraging J-GoodTech, a platform connecting Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international partners.
• Join chambers of commerce and foreign business associations in Japan, such as ACCJ or EBC, to expand your network and seek opportunities for collaboration.

Actively participate in trade fairs and business events:

• Attend specialized trade fairs such as CEATEC, FOODEX JAPAN, etc., to meet potential customers and partners in person. For the Japanese market, face-to-face meetings can help businesses build credibility and trust more effectively than simply contacting them via email.
• Attending just once isn't enough. Maintain a presence at events, proactively follow up, and build long-term relationships to gradually establish a business network in Japan.

Not mandatory. According to current regulations of the Japanese Ministry of Justice (as of 2015), foreigners can hold the position of Representative Director (代表取締役 – Daihyō Torishimariyaku) of a Japanese company of the Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or Godo Kaisha (GK) type without residing in Japan or holding Japanese citizenship.

However, businesses need to be aware of two points:

• If opened as a branch office instead of establishing a legally registered entity (KK/GK), the aforementioned exemption does not apply; in this case, at least one representative residing in Japan is still required.
• In fact, although not legally required, many businesses still need someone present in Japan to facilitate practical operational procedures such as opening bank accounts and signing office lease agreements, as banks/landlords in Japan often prefer working with representatives residing in the country.

If the representative wishes to live and manage the company directly in Japan, the representative needs to apply for a Business Manager Visa in Japan.

Typically, the process of registering a company in Japan takes about 3-6 weeks, depending on:

• Choose your preferred business type (KK or GK).
• Level of completeness of the application.
• Preparing the office address.
• The process of opening a bank account.
• The specific legal requirements of each profession.

For agencies operating in fields that don't require specialized licenses, such as IT, Marketing, or Consulting, the implementation time is usually faster.

Meanwhile, sectors such as tourism or human resources may take longer due to the need to go through separate business licensing procedures after company formation.

No single profession is prioritized for Business/Management visas over others.

Japanese regulatory agencies primarily base their assessments on: feasibility of the business planpractical operational capabilities and the extent to which visa requirements are met.

However, in reality, fields such as IT/software, digital marketing, and business consulting often make it easier to build a business profile because:

• Initial operating costs are relatively flexible.
• It doesn't require many specialized licenses.
• A clear revenue model can be demonstrated.

The important thing is not the industry name, but what the business needs to demonstrate:

• They have a physical business office.
• There is a viable business plan.
• There is sufficient funding.
• It has the potential to generate revenue in Japan.

To operate a paid job placement service in Japan (有料職業紹介事業), businesses need to meet the financial requirements as stipulated by regulations.

Some basic requirements include:

• Minimum net worth of 5 million yen per office.
• There must be a minimum of 1,5 million yen in cash or bank deposits in the company's name.
• An additional 600.000 yen will be added for each additional office.

In addition to capital requirements, businesses also need:

• Applying for a business license to operate an employment agency.
• Appointing a person in charge of job placement (職業紹介責任者).
• Meets standards for office operations and candidate information management.

If a business wants to implement a labor dispatch model (労働者派遣), it needs to apply for a separate license as required by regulations.

Japan is facing one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century: a rapidly aging population and a shrinking workforce. This is a national problem that Japanese businesses, government and society must find a way to solve.

In that context, AI has become a strategic solution to automate, optimize processes and reduce dependence on traditional human resources. This urgent need has opened up a large market for international technology companies.

Japan is globally renowned for its strengths in robotics, IoT, and smart manufacturing. Its tech ecosystem is increasingly integrating AI into areas such as manufacturing, finance, logistics, healthcare, and self-driving cars.

This is a favorable platform for international AI companies to cooperate, test and deploy products right in a highly applicable market.

The Japanese government has placed innovation and digital transformation at the heart of its economic development strategy. Many preferential policies, support funds and international cooperation programs have been implemented to attract foreign technology enterprises, especially in the field of AI. 

This helps international companies when opening branches or subsidiaries in Japan not only be welcomed but also have access to financial and research resources.

Japan is home to many of the world's leading corporations such as Panasonic, Rakuten, SoftBank, Toyota, Honda, etc. These are all business-to-business (B2B) customers with strong demand for AI applications in manufacturing, e-commerce, telecommunications, and financial services. 

For international AI companies, having a presence in Japan makes it easier to access global partners, expand business scale and affirm prestige in the Asian market.

anthropic, the famous American AI company with the Claude app, has officially announce plans opened its first Asian branch in Tokyo. The new office focuses on serving Japanese corporate customers and also cooperates with large corporations such as Panasonic and Rakuten Group to deploy products.

It can be said that this move not only helps Anthropic get closer to Japanese customers, but also affirms that Tokyo is becoming Anthropic's strategic "gateway" to penetrate deeper into the Asian market.

Before Anthropic, OpenAI – the name associated with ChatGPT – also took a similar step. In April 2024, OpenAI chose Tokyo as the location for its first office in Asia. Not only simply expanding its presence, OpenAI also revealed plans to “localize” the GPT model for Japanese – a move that shows its seriousness in this market.

Not staying out of the game, Microsoft – the American technology giant – also stepped up its investment with a $2,9 billion package in cloud computing infrastructure and GPUs in Japan. At the same time, the company also established the Microsoft Research Asia research center in Tokyo, focusing on pioneering areas such as embodied AI, social AI and neuroscience.

Microsoft's goal is clear: to bring AI from the lab into practice, accompanying Japanese businesses on their digital transformation journey.

Another bright spot is the SB OpenAI Japan joint venture, a collaboration between SoftBank and OpenAI. With an investment budget of up to billions of dollars per year, this joint venture not only provides AI solutions for the Japanese market, but also sends a strong message: Japan wants to play a central role in the Asian AI map.

Not only is Japan riding the international wave, it is also witnessing its own rise. Sakana AI, a startup founded by two former Google engineers in Tokyo, has reached a valuation of $1,5 billion just one year after its launch.

Sakana AI focuses on collective intelligence research, a different direction that demonstrates a very "Japanese" creative spirit: when AI is not just technology, but also a philosophy of connecting people.

Besides global corporations, Vietnamese enterprises are also asserting their position in the Japanese market:

• FPT Software: more than 20 years of presence, with thousands of employees and many AI projects for Japanese corporations.
• CMC Technology: open an office Third in Tokyo (2024), becoming a member of Keidanren – Japan’s leading economic organization.

Additionally, companies like NashTech, VSII are also entering the market with AI and digital transformation services.

Japan is one of the countries investing heavily in AI with many application areas: healthcare, automated manufacturing, finance, logistics, retail. The Japanese government and businesses are willing to spend large budgets to deploy AI solutions, opening up abundant cooperation opportunities for startups and international companies.

Big names like Sony, SoftBank, Rakuten, and Panasonic are always looking for technology partners to increase their competitiveness. New businesses can take advantage of this ecosystem to collaborate on research, product development, or expand distribution channels.

The Japanese government is promoting Digital Transformation (DX) and Society 5.0, with AI as the focus. Preferential policies on tax, research funds, and support for international startups help foreign businesses reduce risks and accelerate development.

Owning an office in Tokyo or Osaka – the two largest economic and technological centers in Japan – helps businesses enhance their reputation in the eyes of international partners, while easily attracting high-quality human resources in the technology industry.

A branch is a direct extension of a parent company overseas. Businesses can use the branch to conduct business, sign contracts, and provide AI services right in Japan.

• Advantages: Quick establishment procedures, lower operating costs compared to subsidiaries.
• Limitations: The parent company is directly legally and financially responsible for all activities of the branch.

A subsidiary is an independent legal entity, usually established as a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or Godo Kaisha (GK) in Japan. This is the form chosen by many large corporations in the AI ​​field for long-term development.

• Advantages: Independent legal entity, increased reputation with Japanese customers, easy to sign large contracts.
• Disadvantages: Requires charter capital, more complicated establishment and maintenance procedures.

Representative offices are suitable for new businesses exploring the market. These offices are not allowed to conduct revenue-generating business activities but only focus on research, surveys, marketing or communications.

• Advantages: Easy to set up, low cost.
• Restriction: No direct revenue generation in Japan.

This is a form of cooperation with a Japanese partner to establish a joint venture company. This model is suitable for AI businesses that want to take advantage of the resources, available customers, and local knowledge of the Japanese partner.

• Advantages: Cost savings, risk reduction, easy access to Japanese customer network.
• Limitations: Clear agreement on equity ratio, control rights and development strategy is required.

Yes. Japan allows foreign investors to own 100% of the company's capital. You can choose to establish Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or Godo Kaisha (GK) without having to have Japanese shareholders or members.

AI companies often choose Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) because this type is highly regarded for its reputation, easy fundraising, and cooperation with large corporations. If you want simpler procedures and lower costs, Godo Kaisha (GK) is also a suitable choice.

Yes. The Japanese government and local governments such as Tokyo and Osaka often have programs to support AI and high-tech startups through:

• Tax breaks and financial assistance.
• Connect with venture capital funds and R&D centers.
• Business Manager Visa for foreign founders.

Contact GLA for advice and support on policies to support your business when establishing a company in Japan. 

Not required. Foreign companies can open branches or subsidiaries in Japan without a local partner. However, having a Japanese partner will help facilitate access to the local market, customers, and business networks.