Editorial: The 'harsh reality' of running a restaurant
There is a 'harsh reality' of running a restaurant. These are high break-even points and long depreciation.
Latest
For your business
Beyond the business plan: Essential steps for F&B success in Japan
Tokyo's JR Yoyogi Station's east exit leads to a block packed with izakayas, a diverse range of restaurants such as sushi and Korean BBQ, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Just a short stroll from this scene, you'll find yourself transported to Ireland.
Visa
PR application: Your spouse's tax & social insurance record also matters
Securing permanent residency in Japan requires more than just paying taxes and social insurance. Experts emphasise the importance of reviewing your employment contract and the spouse's tax payment history, as even minor discrepancies can derail your application
Visa
Key considerations after the 2024 Immigration Law amendments
Japanese government amended its immigration law in July 2024, imposing stricter requirements for permanent residency, including revoking it for intentional non-payment of taxes or social insurance. These changes take effect within three years.
Visa
Basic requirements for Permanent Residency
This series provides key considerations for applying for a Permanent Residency, or PR, in Japan. In the first article, we covered (1) the basic requirements, (2) the key changes introduced by the 2024 immigration law amendments, and (3) specific guidance for office workers and business owners.
Announcement
Coming soon: Small Business Japan, an online publication for the English-speaking community in Japan
Launching in mid-October, Small Business Japan is a new type of online publication for the English-speaking community in Japan, particularly those active in or wishing to do business here.
Meet Yumiko, the publisher
I am Yumiko Horie, the publisher of Small Business Japan. Let me tell you about my journey to starting the business, including my journalism background and business.
News Insights
The inevitable future? 'Japan's shrinking population: reimagining cities and society
I recently watched a Japanese news program on TBS titled 'Japan's shrinking population: Reimagining cities and society for a future with fewer people.' I found it very informative for anyone living in Japan now and in the future, and I translated and summarised it in English below.
Subsidies
Subsidies: Understanding the potential drawbacks
*This article was originally published on the website of Posse Nippon, the publisher of Small Business Japan, prior to the launch of Small Business Japan (October 2024). Articles published before September 2024 have been edited and transferred to this site.*
People
Unconscious bias: How Japanese people view foreigners
Yasuo Tachikawa, an immigration lawyer in Tokyo, has dealt with visa applications and issues foreigners may face in Japan. Based on his experience, we discussed Japanese views toward foreigners in the community.
Visa
Stricter scrutiny ahead for foreign restaurant owners in Japan
To ensure quality and compliance, the immigration office is implementing a new "Food Industry" qualification and will be conducting more thorough reviews of these cases, points out Tachikawa. Why and what are the potential implications?
For your business
Essential information for Business Manager and Startup Visas in Japan
If a non-Japanese person wants to start a business in Japan, what do they need to know first? Yasuo Tachikawa, an immigration lawyer familiar with visa applications, responded to our questions.