Name: Aplash
Price range: $$

Question 1

Do I need to establish a Japanese company to start doing business in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Depending on your objective, you may be able to trade into Japan via IOR/ACP without a local entity, employ staff through an EOR arrangement, or test the market under a representative structure. Incorporation becomes necessary when you require a visa, want to open a corporate bank account in Japan, or are pursuing a long-term operational presence. We assess the right entry structure based on your timeline, sector, and capital position.

Question 2

What is the difference between a representative office, a branch office, and a subsidiary in Japan?

Accepted Answer

A representative office cannot engage in commercial transactions — it is for market research and liaison only, and offers no visa pathway. A branch office can conduct business but the parent company bears full legal liability. A subsidiary (KK or GK) is an independent Japanese legal entity, limits parent liability, and is the only structure that qualifies for the Business Manager Visa. Each has distinct tax and registration implications.

Question 3

Japan has a reputation for being difficult to enter as a foreign business. What are the most common failure points?

Accepted Answer

Japan has a reputation for being difficult to enter as a foreign business. What are the most common failure points?

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The three most consistent failure points we see are:

① Underestimating the documentation burden — Japanese authorities expect thorough, certified, and formally structured submissions.

② Incorrect entity structure for the intended visa or trade activity.

③ Non-compliance with post-registration obligations such as social insurance enrollment, tax filing deadlines, and employment contract requirements. Most failures are avoidable with proper preparation.

Question 4

How does Aplash coordinate across Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Japan?

Accepted Answer

Our engagement model is structured so that client-facing coordination happens from Hong Kong or remotely, while on-the-ground Japan execution is handled by our Japan-based operational teams. Legal filings are executed by our licensed professionals in Japan. This means you have a single English-language point of contact managing a multi-jurisdiction workflow — without needing to coordinate separate firms across each market yourself.

Question 5

Which professional licenses does Aplash hold or work with in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Japan-side services are executed in coordination with licensed administrative scriveners (行政書士) for visa and government applications, judicial scriveners (司法書士) for company registration and legal filings, certified public accountants (公認会計士) for audit and financial matters, and tax accountants (税理士) for ongoing tax compliance. We coordinate these professionals as part of a managed engagement rather than referring you to them independently.

Question 6

Can Aplash represent my company in communications with Japanese government agencies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, within the scope of the relevant licensed professional. Administrative scriveners can file and correspond with immigration authorities and other government offices on your behalf. Judicial scriveners handle court and registration bureau filings. All government communications are managed in Japanese by the appropriate licensed party, with translated summaries provided to you.

Question 7

What is the Aplash Privilege Program?

Accepted Answer

The Privilege Program is a tiered membership providing priority processing, a dedicated account manager, preferred pricing across all service lines, and access to Aplash's partner network — including introductions to Japanese regional banks, compliant office providers, and specialist legal and tax professionals. It is designed for clients with ongoing or multi-service engagements.

Question 8

How does Aplash handle client confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

All client information is subject to strict confidentiality obligations. We do not share client details, business plans, financial information, or transaction structures with third parties without explicit written consent. Where licensed professionals are involved, they are also bound by their respective professional confidentiality obligations under Japanese law.

Question 9

What is the realistic cost of entering Japan as a foreign company — all-in?

Accepted Answer

This varies significantly by structure. A Business Manager Visa via KK incorporation (¥30M capital, physical office, staff) involves Aplash professional fees from US$6,300, plus government registration fees, capital injection of ¥30M (which remains as working capital), physical office costs, and ongoing compliance costs. IOR/ACP for trade without incorporation starts significantly lower. We provide itemized cost estimates during the initial consultation so there are no structural surprises.

Question 10

How long does it typically take to be fully operational in Japan?

Accepted Answer

How long does it typically take to be fully operational in Japan?

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① Trade operation using IOR/ACP: 2–4 weeks.

② Company incorporation without visa: 4–8 weeks.

③ Full Business Manager Visa with incorporation: approximately 9 months end-to-end.

④ HSP or J-Skip Visa transitions for existing Japan residents: 2–4 months. Timelines are driven primarily by Japanese government processing, not by our preparation time.

Question 11

Does Aplash have experience working with regulated industries in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have handled engagements across fintech, medical devices, food and beverage, IT/telecom, retail, and professional services. Regulated industries in Japan typically require sector-specific licensing (e.g., FEFTA notification for financial services, Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act compliance for healthcare products) in addition to standard incorporation or immigration procedures. We assess licensing requirements as part of the initial engagement scoping.

Question 12

Can Aplash assist with opening a corporate bank account in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Opening a Japanese corporate bank account as a foreign-owned entity is non-trivial — many regional and national banks decline newly incorporated foreign-owned companies without established relationships or trading history. We facilitate introductions to bank partners who are familiar with foreign-owned KK/GK structures and can navigate the documentation requirements.

Question 13

Does Aplash support post-setup compliance on an ongoing basis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Japan has ongoing compliance obligations that are more demanding than many other jurisdictions: annual tax filings, social and employment insurance obligations, visa renewal compliance checks, corporate registration updates, and — for certain structures — statutory audit requirements. We offer retainer-based compliance support so that post-setup obligations do not fall through the cracks.

Question 14

What is the minimum viable setup for a foreign company to have a legal presence in Japan?

Accepted Answer

The absolute minimum is a registered branch office with a Japan-based representative. However, this carries full parent liability and does not qualify for visa status. A GK (合同会社) with a single member-manager can be registered at lower cost and faster than a KK, and qualifies for Business Manager Visa purposes if all other criteria are met. We advise on the appropriate minimum structure based on your specific use case.

Question 15

Can Aplash help if we've already started the Japan process and run into problems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly engage with clients mid-process — including companies that have incorporated but have not yet achieved visa approval, businesses that received a rejection and need to understand why, and importers who have encountered customs compliance issues. We conduct a diagnostic review of the existing situation before advising on remediation.

Question 16

What due diligence does Aplash conduct on client engagements?

Accepted Answer

We conduct standard KYC (Know Your Customer) checks on all clients as part of our onboarding process. For immigration services, we review the factual basis of all claims made in applications before submission. For trade services, we conduct product compliance screening before proceeding with import documentation. We do not file applications or initiate processes we assess as materially misrepresented.

Question 17

How does Aplash price its services?

Accepted Answer

Fixed-fee project pricing for defined deliverables (incorporation, visa application, ACP registration), and monthly retainer pricing for ongoing advisory and compliance. All fees are quoted in writing before engagement. Japanese government fees are itemized separately and passed through at cost. There are no success fees on visa applications — we do not condition our fee on outcomes.

Question 18

What happens to my Japan entity if I decide to exit the market?

Accepted Answer

Company dissolution in Japan is a structured legal process — it cannot simply be abandoned. Dissolution requires a formal liquidation procedure, tax clearance, deregistration, and — if you hold a Business Manager Visa — notification to immigration authorities. We manage the dissolution process and advise on the implications for visa status and any residual Japanese tax obligations.

Question 19

Can Aplash handle the full workflow for a client who has never dealt with Japan before?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our engagement model is designed for clients who have no prior Japan experience, no existing Japanese contacts, and no Japanese language capability. We handle the full workflow from initial structuring advice through to operational setup, with translated documentation and English-language coordination throughout.

Question 20

What is the first step to engaging Aplash?

Accepted Answer

Contact us at support@aplash.io or through the Contact page on aplash.io. The initial consultation is complimentary and covers an assessment of your situation, a recommended service pathway, and a transparent fee estimate. No retainer or commitment is required before the consultation.

Question 21

Does Aplash work with early-stage startups as well as established corporations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our client base ranges from individual entrepreneurs applying for their first Japan visa to multinational corporations setting up regional subsidiaries or pursuing M&A. The documentation burden is the same regardless of company size — what differs is the complexity of the business plan, the staffing structure, and the capital position.

Question 22

Can I use a virtual office address for my Japanese company?

Accepted Answer

As of October 2025, virtual office addresses are no longer accepted for Business Manager Visa purposes. A physical commercial office — with a verifiable lease agreement and actual business activity — is mandatory. We work with compliant office providers across Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka for clients who need a solution quickly.

Question 23

Does Aplash offer services in Japanese to Japanese nationals or Japan-based foreign nationals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While much of our client communication occurs in English and Chinese, our Japan-based team operates fully in Japanese. Japanese nationals or long-term Japan residents who need immigration, legal, or corporate support are serviced directly in Japanese where preferred.

Question 24

How does Aplash stay current on Japan regulatory changes?

Accepted Answer

Japan's immigration, customs, and corporate regulations change with some regularity — the October 2025 Business Manager Visa reform being a recent example. We monitor Ministry of Justice, Japan Customs, and relevant agency publications on an ongoing basis and update our service procedures accordingly. Clients on active engagements are notified of changes that materially affect their situation.

Question 25

Is the initial consultation really free with no strings attached?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The initial consultation is complimentary regardless of whether you proceed. We use it to understand your situation and provide honest guidance — including cases where Japan entry may not be the right move at your current stage. We prefer to advise accurately upfront rather than over-promise at the consultation stage.

Question 26

Does Aplash work with companies outside Asia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Aplash serves businesses from over 30 countries across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Our primary operational offices are in Hong Kong, Osaka, and Shenzhen, with coordination available in English, Japanese, and Chinese. For IOR/ACP and trade compliance services, we work with companies regardless of their home country — the service is structured around your Japan import or export needs, not your location.

Question 27

The Business Manager Visa capital requirement was raised to ¥30M in October 2025. What else changed?

Accepted Answer

The October 16, 2025 revision introduced the following substantive changes: Minimum capital raised from ¥5M to ¥30M At least one full-time employee is now mandatory. The employee must hold a qualifying Japanese status: Japanese national, Special Permanent Resident, Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident (定住者), or Spouse/Child of a Japanese National or Permanent Resident Virtual office addresses are prohibited — a physical commercial office with a verifiable lease is required The business must operate in Japanese, either through the representative or an employee The applicant must demonstrate at least 3 years of business management experience, or alternatively hold a Master's degree or higher in a relevant field The business plan must be certified by a licensed Japanese professional (CPA / 公認会計士, tax accountant / 税理士, or SME management consultant / 中小企業診断士).

Existing visa holders have a 3-year transitional period until October 16, 2028 to meet the new requirements.

Question 28

I have ¥30M to inject, but I won't be running the business full-time initially. Does that disqualify me?

Accepted Answer

The Business Manager Visa requires that you are actively managing the company — it is not an investor visa. Passive capital injection without demonstrated management activity is grounds for rejection. The application requires a credible business plan, evidence of ongoing business operations, and your role as the active representative. If full-time management is not feasible at this stage, the Startup Visa or a phased approach may be more appropriate.

Question 29

What is the HSP Visa points system and how is 80+ points achieved?

Accepted Answer

Points are awarded across: academic background (PhD: 30 pts, Master's: 20 pts, Bachelor's: 10 pts), professional experience (10+ years: 20 pts), annual salary (¥10M: 40 pts; scale applies from ¥3M upward), age (under 30: 15 pts; under 35: 10 pts), and Japanese language ability (JLPT N1: 15 pts; N2: 10 pts). Bonus points apply for graduating from a designated top-tier university, working for a certified innovative company, or holding advanced research qualifications. 80 points unlocks the 1-year PR pathway.

Question 30

What exactly is the J-Skip Visa and who realistically qualifies?

Accepted Answer

The J-Skip Visa (特別高度人材 / Special Highly Skilled Professional) is Japan's elite professional visa, introduced in April 2023. Eligibility is binary — there is no points calculation — and is met through one of the following fixed pathways: Academic researcher or highly skilled specialist: a Master's degree or higher AND annual income of ¥20,000,000 or more; alternatively, at least 10 years of relevant professional experience AND annual income of ¥20,000,000 or more. Business manager: at least 5 years of business management or administration experience AND annual income of ¥40,000,000 or more.

PR eligibility opens after 1 year of residence. The income thresholds realistically limit J-Skip to senior executives, high-earning specialists, and established research and management professionals.

Question 31

What is the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and why does it take so long?

Accepted Answer

The COE (在留資格認定証明書) is issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan before you enter the country on a visa — it certifies that you meet the requirements for the requested status of residence. Processing takes 4–7 months because the Immigration Services Agency reviews the entire application on the merits, including the business plan, capital evidence, office documentation, and employment structure. It is the substantive gatekeeping step in the Business Manager Visa process.

Question 32

Can the Business Manager Visa be rejected even if all formal requirements are met?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Immigration Services Agency exercises discretionary judgment on the credibility and viability of the business. A technically compliant application can be rejected if the business plan is assessed as lacking credibility, if the capital structure raises concerns, or if the operational setup appears artificial. This is why preparation quality — particularly the certified business plan and the coherence of the overall application — materially affects outcome.

Question 33

What type of business qualifies for the Business Manager Visa? Are any sectors excluded?

Accepted Answer

Most legitimate commercial activities qualify. There are no categorical sector exclusions, but the business must be legal under Japanese law, must operate commercially (not as a shell or holding vehicle), and must have a credible revenue model. Immigration authorities scrutinize businesses that appear to exist solely for visa purposes. We review the business concept during the consultation and advise on how to present it appropriately.

Question 34

My business plan is primarily overseas-focused. Can I still get a Business Manager Visa?

Accepted Answer

Japan's Business Manager Visa requires that the Japanese company itself is the business — not a subsidiary of a foreign operation with no real Japan activities. The company must have Japanese operations, staff, and revenue activity. A holding company structure or a company that merely invoices through Japan is unlikely to qualify. We advise on how to structure Japan-based commercial activity appropriately for your situation.

Question 35

Can a spouse work in Japan under a dependent visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spouses of Business Manager, HSP, and J-Skip Visa holders may work in Japan without a separate work permit under their dependent visa status, up to 28 hours per week as a general rule (with exceptions). Children may attend Japanese public or private schools. We include family visa applications as part of our standard immigration service when required.

Question 36

What is the Startup Visa and is it a viable alternative to the Business Manager Visa?

Accepted Answer

Japan's Startup Visa (スタートアップビザ) is a 2-year preparatory visa available in specific designated municipalities for entrepreneurs who cannot yet meet the Business Manager Visa capital requirements. It is not issued nationally — availability depends on local government participation. It provides time to develop the business before transitioning to a full Business Manager Visa. Whether it is viable depends on your location preference, business type, and capital timeline.

Question 37

What are the most common reasons for Business Manager Visa rejection?

Accepted Answer

Based on our case experience: Insufficient business plan credibility — the plan lacks specificity, market analysis, or financial projections Capital injection irregularities — funds cannot be traced to a legitimate source Non-compliant office — virtual, shared-coworking, or residential addresses Absence of verifiable full-time Japanese staff The applicant's role as manager is not clearly demonstrated.

Each of these is preventable with thorough preparation.

Question 38

Does the ¥30M capital stay locked in the company?

Accepted Answer

The ¥30M registered capital is working capital in the Japanese company — it is not locked in a segregated account and can be used for legitimate business expenses (office rent, salaries, operations). However, it must be demonstrably present in the company bank account at the time of the COE application. Using the capital before the visa is approved — leaving the account balance materially below the registered capital — creates a compliance risk.

Question 39

Can I apply for the Business Manager Visa while already in Japan on a different status?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Status-of-residence changes can be filed from within Japan at the local immigration office. The key difference from the COE process is that you do not leave Japan — you apply directly for a status change. Processing timelines are broadly similar. You must maintain legal status throughout the process and cannot begin paid business activities under the new status until it is granted.

Question 40

What is the visa renewal process and what causes renewals to be denied?

Accepted Answer

Renewal requires demonstrating that the business has been operating in compliance with all requirements: tax filings must be current, social and employment insurance must be enrolled, the office must still be a qualifying physical location, and the full-time staffing requirement must be maintained. Renewals are denied most commonly due to: lapsed tax filing, lapsed social insurance, or the business having ceased actual operations. We provide pre-renewal compliance checks as part of our ongoing support.

Question 41

How long is the Business Manager Visa granted for initially, and how does it extend?

Accepted Answer

The initial grant is typically 4 months (allowing entry and initial business setup), 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years depending on the immigration officer's assessment of the business at the time of application. Subsequent renewals generally increase in duration as the business demonstrates stability. A well-documented, compliant business with consistent tax records tends to receive longer renewal terms.

Question 42

Is there a pathway from Business Manager Visa to Permanent Residency?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it is longer than the HSP/J-Skip pathway. Standard PR eligibility requires 10 years of continuous Japan residence, with at least the most recent 5 of those years held under a work-type status of residence (the Business Manager Visa qualifies as a work-type status). Business Manager Visa holders applying on the standard pathway must therefore accumulate 10 years of continuous residence before filing, and additionally must have held a 3-year or 5-year period of stay at the time of application. There is no points-based accelerated pathway specific to Business Manager Visa holders — for faster PR, the HSP or J-Skip route is preferable if you qualify.

Question 43

What documents are required for the Business Manager Visa application?

Accepted Answer

Core documentation includes: passport and identification, Articles of Incorporation and registration certificate, capital injection evidence (certified bank statements), physical office lease agreement, certified business plan, employment contract for the full-time Japanese staff member, and financial projections. All documents in foreign languages require certified Japanese translation. We prepare, review, and certify the complete documentation package.

Question 44

Can Aplash guarantee visa approval?

Accepted Answer

No. Visa approval is determined by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, which exercises independent discretionary judgment. We do not, and would not, represent any guarantee of outcome. What we can represent is that applications prepared through our process are thoroughly reviewed for compliance before submission, and that our preparation materially reduces the risk of rejection due to documentation deficiencies.

Question 45

My company is in the tech sector and my salary is ¥8M. Can I qualify for the HSP Visa?

Accepted Answer

At ¥8M annual salary, the points from income alone are approximately 25 points. To reach 70 points, you would need to compensate with academic background (PhD adds 30 pts, Master's adds 20), work experience, age, and Japanese language ability. A ¥8M salary with a Master's degree, 7+ years of experience, and JLPT N2 can reach 70+ depending on age. We run a precise points calculation during the initial consultation.

Question 46

Does Japan have a digital nomad visa?

Accepted Answer

Japan introduced a Digital Nomad Visa (デジタルノマドビザ) in 2024, allowing remote workers employed by overseas companies to stay in Japan for up to 6 months. Requirements include: income of ¥10M+ per year, a valid contract with an overseas employer, health insurance coverage, and residence in one of the eligible countries with which Japan has a relevant agreement. It does not allow work for Japanese companies or self-employment within Japan.

Question 47

Can I incorporate a company in Japan and apply for a Business Manager Visa if I am currently overseas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The entire process up to and including the COE application can be completed remotely — company registration, capital injection, office setup, and government filing. You only need to be physically present in Japan after the visa is issued, when you enter the country for the first time under the new status.

Question 48

What happens to my visa status if my Japanese company goes dormant or ceases operations?

Accepted Answer

If the business ceases operations, your Business Manager Visa basis is materially compromised. Immigration authorities expect active business activity to continue throughout the visa period. Voluntary dormancy without notification, lapsed tax filings, or visible cessation of business activity are grounds for renewal denial or revocation. If you are considering winding down, we advise on the proper exit procedure, including visa status implications and dissolution process.

Question 49

Can a foreign national hold 100% of shares in a Japanese KK or GK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Japan imposes no nationality restrictions on share ownership in a KK (株式会社) or GK (合同会社). A foreign national can be the sole shareholder and director of a Japanese company. The Business Manager Visa requires, however, that the representative is actively managing the business and that there is a full-time Japanese-qualified employee — the 100% foreign ownership itself is not a disqualifying factor.

Question 50

What is the difference between a KK (株式会社) and a GK (合同会社) for visa purposes?

Accepted Answer

Both qualify for the Business Manager Visa. The KK is Japan's equivalent of a joint stock company — more recognized internationally, with greater administrative requirements and higher registration costs. The GK is structurally simpler and less expensive to register, but may carry less institutional credibility in certain contexts (banking, enterprise contracts). For visa-only purposes, both are equally valid. We advise on the appropriate choice based on your commercial context, not just the visa application.

Question 51

After getting the Business Manager Visa, what are the ongoing compliance obligations I need to know about?

Accepted Answer

Ongoing obligations include: corporate income tax filing (annually), consumption tax filing (quarterly or annually depending on turnover), social insurance enrollment and contributions for employees, employment insurance, annual changes to company registration if directors or addresses change, and maintenance of the physical office. Any material changes to the business structure — capital reduction, change of representative, or cessation of the full-time staff requirement — must be managed carefully to preserve visa renewal eligibility.

Question 52

What changed with Japan's Business Manager Visa in October 2025?

Accepted Answer

The October 16, 2025 revision introduced the following mandatory requirements, all of which must be met simultaneously: Minimum company capital of ¥30,000,000 At least one full-time employee holding a qualifying Japanese status — Japanese national, Special Permanent Resident, Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident (定住者), or Spouse/Child of a Japanese National or Permanent Resident A business plan certified by a licensed professional (中小企業診断士, 公認会計士, or 税理士) An independent commercial office with a verifiable lease — no home offices or virtual addresses The applicant must have at least 3 years of business management experience, or alternatively a Master's degree or higher in a relevant field The business must be capable of operating in Japanese, either through the representative or an employee.

Existing visa holders have a 3-year transitional period until October 16, 2028 to achieve full compliance.

Question 53

What is the difference between J-SKIP, HSP, and Business Manager Visa?

Accepted Answer

J-SKIP (Special Highly Skilled Professional) has two binary pathways: (i) Master's degree or higher (or 10+ years' experience) with ¥20M+ annual income for researchers and highly skilled specialists, or (ii) 5+ years of business management experience with ¥40M+ annual income for managers — no point system, PR eligible after 1 year. HSP (Highly Skilled Professional) uses a points-based system requiring 70+ points — PR eligible in 1 year (80+ points) or 3 years (70–79 points); a salary of approximately ¥10M typically unlocks 40 salary points but is not a formal minimum across all HSP categories. Business Manager Visa (2025 revision) requires ¥30M capital, a physical commercial office, a qualifying full-time local employee, management experience or a Master's degree, and a certified business plan — standard PR eligibility after 10 years of residence (with 5 years on a work-type status). All three allow spouse work rights and dependent visas.

Question 54

Can I get Japan Permanent Residency in 1 year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through either the J-SKIP visa or the HSP visa with 80+ points. J-SKIP holders are eligible to apply for Permanent Residency after 1 year of residence in Japan, with processing times of approximately 2–10 months. HSP holders who score 80 or more points are also eligible after 1 year. The average PR success ratio is approximately 60%. Aplash manages the entire process from visa application through PR filing.

Question 55

What is ACP (Attorney for Customs Procedures) and why is it uniquely important in Japan?

Accepted Answer

ACP (税関事務管理人), appointed under Article 95 of Japan's Customs Act (関税法), is the Japan-resident representative that a non-resident foreign company must formally designate in order to be recognised as the Importer of Record. Without an ACP appointment, a foreign company with no Japanese residence or office cannot be listed on a Japanese customs declaration as the importer. Note that the ACP is distinct from a customs broker (通関業者), which is a licensed filing agent; the ACP is a legal representative for customs and tax matters, not a broker.

Question 56

Can we import into Japan under our foreign company name without a Japanese entity or ACP?

Accepted Answer

No. Under Japanese Customs Law, the Importer of Record must have either a Japanese address or an appointed ACP. A foreign company without a Japanese entity cannot be listed as the IOR on customs declarations without first completing the ACP registration process. Attempts to import without this structure result in customs clearance failure and goods being held or returned.

Question 57

How long does ACP registration take, and what is involved?

Accepted Answer

ACP registration typically takes approximately 2 weeks from complete document submission. Required documents include: Power of Attorney from the foreign company, company registry extract, a declaration of the customs valuation methodology, a catalog or description of the import goods, and a logistics/trade flow document. Aplash prepares and reviews all documentation before submission to Japan Customs.

Question 58

Once ACP is registered, can we import any product category, or does registration need to be renewed per product?

Accepted Answer

ACP registration covers the importing entity, not individual product lines. Once registered, your company can import across product categories — subject to any product-specific licensing or certification requirements that apply independently under Japanese law (e.g., PSE certification for electronics, FOSHU approval for functional foods). The ACP registration does not need to be renewed per shipment or per product category.

Question 59

What is the Japan Customs valuation methodology and why does it matter for IOR?

Accepted Answer

Japan Customs uses the transaction value method as the primary basis for customs valuation — the price actually paid or payable for the goods in a sale for export to Japan. However, transfer pricing between related parties (e.g., a parent company shipping to its own Japanese subsidiary or IOR) receives heightened scrutiny. Declaring an artificially low transfer price to reduce customs duties is a compliance risk. We advise on appropriate customs valuation documentation as part of the IOR setup.

Question 60

What is the difference between customs duties and consumption tax at import, and who pays them?

Accepted Answer

Customs duties are applied at rates determined by the product's HS (Harmonized System) code and are payable at the time of import. Consumption tax at 10% is applied on top of the customs value plus duties and is also payable at import. As your IOR, Aplash pays both at import and invoices these costs back to your company. Japan has multiple EPA/FTA agreements (with ASEAN, Australia, EU, UK, and others) that may reduce or eliminate applicable duties depending on your goods' country of origin.

Question 61

We ship goods from China. Do Japan-China FTA rules apply to reduce our customs duties?

Accepted Answer

Japan and China do not have a bilateral FTA. Goods of Chinese origin are subject to Japan's standard MFN (Most Favoured Nation) tariff rates unless a regional agreement applies (e.g., RCEP, which includes both Japan and China, applies reduced rates for eligible goods with appropriate certificates of origin). We assess applicable duty rates and preferential tariff eligibility for your specific HS codes during onboarding.

Question 62

What Japanese product certifications are required before importing electronics?

Accepted Answer

Electronics and electrical appliances must comply with Japan's PSE (Product Safety of Electrical Appliance and Material) law. Products are divided into two categories: Specified (菱形PSE mark) — requiring third-party testing and certification Non-specified (丸形PSE mark) — permitting self-declaration after internal testing.

Importing non-compliant electronics without the appropriate PSE mark is a violation of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act and exposes the IOR to liability. We review certification requirements for your product category before proceeding.

Question 63

Can we import food and beverages into Japan using IOR? What are the main compliance hurdles?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but food imports are subject to inspection by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) under the Food Sanitation Act. Every shipment must be accompanied by a notification of import (食品等輸入届出), and goods may be subject to random or targeted inspection. Certain additives, pesticide residues, and packaging materials must comply with Japan-specific standards that differ from Codex or EU/US norms. We assess food category compliance requirements before import commences.

Question 64

What happens if a shipment is detained or rejected by Japan Customs?

Accepted Answer

Japan Customs may detain shipments for physical inspection, documentation deficiencies, or suspected non-compliance. In the event of detention, we coordinate directly with the customs office, provide required supplementary documentation, and manage the resolution process. If goods are ultimately rejected for non-compliance (e.g., missing certification, prohibited item), they must be re-exported or destroyed. We conduct pre-shipment compliance screening to minimize this risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to establish a Japanese company to start doing business in Japan?

What is the difference between a representative office, a branch office, and a subsidiary in Japan?

Japan has a reputation for being difficult to enter as a foreign business. What are the most common failure points?

How does Aplash coordinate across Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Japan?

Which professional licenses does Aplash hold or work with in Japan?

Can Aplash represent my company in communications with Japanese government agencies?

What is the Aplash Privilege Program?

How does Aplash handle client confidentiality?

What is the realistic cost of entering Japan as a foreign company — all-in?

How long does it typically take to be fully operational in Japan?

Still have questions?