Eng 
日本語 
Are you interested in starting a business in Japan? Is your dream to move to Tokyo and open a restaurant, shop, or an internet start-up?
After several of our students have asked us about finding information about this – we thought it was time to write our own article.
We hope that this guide is helpful to you and that it motivates you to continue learning Japanese and further your life in Japan.
Starting a business in Tokyo
In Japan starting a business can be confusing. Thinking about the idea – many questions come up.
Can you apply for a visa as a business owner? What are the requirements for incorporation? Do I need to hire a lawyer?
These are great questions.
The first and last step in starting a business in Tokyo
Many people do not know this – but actually – the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has a one-stop resource center for foreigners looking to open their businesses in Japan.
Located inside the ARK Hills building in Tameikesanno – and adjacent to the JETRO office. (There are also Shinjuku and Shibuya satellite offices!)
The TOSBEC or – “Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center” is a free-consultation desk that will help in-bound investors with the logistics of opening a business.
At this one location – they will guide you through all of the legal paperwork required to open your business – and they will even help you to apply for a business/investor visa.
Additionally, they also offer free seminars that you can attend and ask questions
The best part?
All of these services are provided FREE!
They cover the following:
- Help with creating the certificate of Articles of Incorporation (Providing access to notary assistance)
- Consultation related to company registrations (how to go about the process)
- Notification of National and Metropolitan Taxes (How to register and become compliant – they will guide you through the process.)
- Immigration Issues (They are capable of helping you to obtain a special “Start-up” visa!)
- Employment, Pension, and Health Insurances (They will help you to enroll in the employment insurance scheme and make sure that you are compliant.)
The best part is – all of these services are not just consultative – they actually help you to submit your documents!
You can see which booths they provide and a diagram of the center below:
The different services provided by the TOSBEC
You can call to schedule a consultation appointment with them. Phone is actually more responsive than email during business hours. 🙂
ARK Mori Building
- Consultation appointment:03-3582-4934
- Other inquiries: 03-3582-8352
- FAX: 03-5561-4123
Shibuya Satellite Center
- Consultation appointment: 03-5489-4630
Marunouchi Satellite Center
- For consultation appointment: 03-6259-1882
Location
ARK Mori Building
Shibuya Satellite Center
Marunouchi Satellite Center
Operating Hours
Morning: 9:30 am ~12:00 am
Afternoon: 13:00 pm ~ 17:30 pm
Operates Monday to Friday
If you are interested in learning business Japanese. Coto Japanese Academy offers a 4 week intensive business course designed to help you achieve cultural fluency.
This intensive course covers the basics of Japanese business communication.
You can learn more about it by clicking the link below:
Often times, it’s not just enough to have a high-level of Japanese communication skill to start and scale your business in Japan. You’ll need to get a deep understanding of Japanese culture and work etiquette.
This is where Coto Business Communication School — or CBCS — comes in. As our premier business Japanese communication class, we aim not to just teach you keigo (business Japanese), but help you navigate complex business scenarios in Japan.
If you are interested in growing your business with the right Japanese communication skill, learn more about CBCS and contact us today!
