Insights & Guides
Practical knowledge on Japan market entry — from company setup and visas to trade logistics and branding.
Do You Need a Fire Services Act (消防法) Permit to Import Flammable Liquids Into Japan? (2026)
Yes. Importing flammable liquids such as solvents, adhesives, paints, and alcohols into Japan can trigger a separate permit requirement under the Fire Services Act (消防法) once the material is...
How Do You Add a New Business Line to an Existing Japan KK or GK? (2026 目的 Amendment Guide)
Amending a Japan KK or GK's registered business purpose (目的) clause requires a shareholders' or members' resolution to change the Articles of Incorporation (定款), then a registration filing with...
HSP Visa or Management Visa: Which Should a Foreign Company Executive in Japan Apply For? (2026)
Neither is automatically the easier route. The Highly Skilled Professional visa (HSP, 高度専門職) has its own executive and management category, called 高度経営・管理活動, but it qualifies on a personal points...
Should Your Japan Contract Be Governed by Japanese Law or Hong Kong Law? (2026)
Pick Japanese law with the Tokyo District Court (東京地方裁判所) as exclusive court of first instance when the obligations, the counterparty, and any likely enforcement target sit inside Japan. Pick Hong...
What Is a Tax Agent (納税管理人) in Japan and Who Needs to Appoint One? (2026)
A Tax Agent (納税管理人) is a Japan-resident person or entity appointed under the Act on General Rules for National Taxes (国税通則法), Article 117, to act as a foreign taxpayer's domestic contact for the...
How Long Does It Take to Get an ACP Appointment Recorded with Japan Customs? (2026)
Once a complete document pack is ready, recording an Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP, 税関事務管理人) appointment with Japan Customs typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. That covers document-pack review, a...
Can You Use One Japan IOR Arrangement to Clear Shipments Through Multiple Ports? (2026)
Yes. A single Japan Importer of Record (IOR) engagement covers shipments arriving through any number of Japanese ports, because the arrangement is a buy-and-sell structure tied to the importer's...
Can Your Children Get Dependent Status Under Japan's HSP Visa?
Yes. Children accompanying a Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職) visa holder qualify for Dependent status (家族滞在), which permits residence and enrollment in Japanese schools. The HSP program also...
How Does Japan's HSP Visa Work for Academic Researchers?
Japan's Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職) visa has a dedicated track for researchers, category 1号イ (academic research activities, 高度学術研究活動), covering work at universities and research...
Why Do Japan HSP Visa Applications Get Rejected?
Most Japan Highly Skilled Professional (HSP, 高度専門職) visa rejections trace back to five recurring causes: points miscalculation (usually overclaimed experience years or a misread income-by-age...