Reading Japan: A Market Built on Signals
These notes come from shop floors, distributor tables, and quiet conversations
The Definitive Roadmap for Global Companies Establishing in Japan (2026 Edition)
With its stable legal environment, world-class infrastructure, and strong domestic economy, the city offers a launchpad for startups and subsidiaries alike. But how much does it really cost to start a business in Tokyo as a foreigner? This 2026 guide consolidates every legal, financial, and operational consideration you need to know to successfully set up a company in Japan and secure the Business Manager Visa.
The SME 90-Day Plan: Minimal Resource, Maximum Efficiency Go/No-Go Execution Blueprint (2026)
For Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the goal of the first 90 days in the Japanese market is not sales, but Resource Loss Prevention. We need to use minimal cost investment and time to efficiently acquire the signal on whether long-term commitment to the market is warranted. This action blueprint focuses on critical data acquisition, risk minimization, and the decisive Go/No-Go commercial commitment verification, ensuring every step maximizes your efficiency.
Japan Business Manager Visa 2026: A Practical, Data-Backed Playbook for Serious Founders
Japan remains one of Asia’s most desirable yet structurally complex markets for foreign entrepreneurs. While the Business Manager Visa provides a direct legal path to operate a company inside Japan, the real challenge lies in building an application that doesn’t just meet formal requirements—but earns the confidence of Japanese immigration officers.
Why Tokyo Is the Ideal Base for Foreign Companies Entering Japan
When expanding into Japan, one of the first decisions global businesses must make is: Where should we establish our base? Among numerous options, Tokyo consistently stands out. As Japan’s capital and economic engine, Tokyo offers unmatched advantages in operations, talent access, logistics, policy support, and market credibility.
Choosing Between a Virtual Office and a Physical Office in Tokyo: Strategic Implications for Foreign SMEs Entering Japan
For foreign small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) entering the Japanese market, selecting the right type of office space in Tokyo is more than an operational decision — it’s a foundational move that directly influences company registration, visa approval, tax compliance, brand credibility, and customer trust.
This guide provides a comprehensive analysis of the differences between virtual offices and physical office setups in Japan, with practical insight across legal, financial, and operational dimensions. The goal is to help businesses make informed, forward-looking decisions in one of the world’s most structured and conservative markets.