For your business
While Small Business Japan has typically focused on subsidies from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), this article introduces those provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), which promote the improvement of the working environment and conditions at companies.
For your business
Its distinctive feature is the broader range of eligible uses compared to other general subsidies. However, it is also competitive, and the application process is time-consuming, making it hard to justify the time and effort. To gauge its competitiveness, I reviewed the data.
This week in Small Business Japan
My client received full approval for their subsidy application of ¥11m when the government accepted the activity report! It was such a long journey. While it has been a long process, I am delighted that my client's project is progressing with the support of the subsidy.
In the previous article, we introduced an MHLW grant available to companies that employ single mothers and people with disabilities, which can be used for HR purposes. This article explains the grants available to companies that convert fixed-term employees to full-time status.
While Small Business Japan has typically focused on subsidies from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), this article introduces those provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), which promote the improvement of the working environment and conditions at companies.
Its distinctive feature is the broader range of eligible uses compared to other general subsidies. However, it is also competitive, and the application process is time-consuming, making it hard to justify the time and effort. To gauge its competitiveness, I reviewed the data.
The Tokyo Startup Subsidy offers up to ¥4 million to eligible companies. Applications for the spring 2025 round are open until 17 April. However, due to its specific requirements, starting preparations this week is crucial.
Opening a corporate bank account is highly recommended when doing business in Japan as it will enhance your company's credibility. We have summarised the types and characteristics of financial institutions in Japan with a list of required documents and conditions.
Can you really be refused a corporate bank account just because you are a foreigner? To find out, we interviewed an immigration lawyer who has helped foreign business owners open corporate bank accounts in Japan for years.
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The Tokyo Startup Subsidy offers up to ¥4 million to eligible companies. Applications for the spring 2025 round are open until 17 April. However, due to its specific requirements, starting preparations this week is crucial.
My interview with Makoto Yamada, the founder and representative of SEIBO Japan, a Japanese non-profit, brought back memories of my time working at an international NGO in Tokyo.
Opening a corporate bank account is highly recommended when doing business in Japan as it will enhance your company's credibility. We have summarised the types and characteristics of financial institutions in Japan with a list of required documents and conditions.
The Tokyo-based non-profit SEIBO Japan is making a difference in Malawi, Africa, through its school lunch programme feeding local children. This initiative is driven by the ‘Doing charity by doing business’ concept. Makoto Yamada, the representative, talks about the project.
This weekend, I went to see a musical called ‘Rock'n'Roll Reflections on Mythology: the Age of Dharma Decline 2024’ because an acquaintance was performing in it. You probably don't understand what it's about from the title.
Can you really be refused a corporate bank account just because you are a foreigner? To find out, we interviewed an immigration lawyer who has helped foreign business owners open corporate bank accounts in Japan for years.
I've introduced a new section called 'Industry Outlook' to showcase business trends and ideas for those interested in starting a business in Japan.
The 'Kobutsusho Kyoka' (古物商許可), or secondhand dealer license in English, is required in Japan for businesses dealing in reuse and recycle legally. This article will explain the license, including how to apply for it, and then discuss the current state of the reuse market in Japan.
I hope you've all had a wonderful start to 2025! I know it's early in the new year, but I've published an article about the Tokyo Startup Subsidy, which is likely to be offered around spring.
Since October 2024, Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or stock corporations in Japan now have the option to remove its representative's home address from the company registry (tohon).
Municipalities offer the 'Business Support Plan for Startups', which helps small businesses under five years old meet a key requirement of startup subsidies, such as the one of Tokyo, on more favourable terms. Pre-establishment businesses can also benefit from reduced registration tax.
The Startup Subsidy offered by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is to support new and small businesses less than five years old. This subsidy is highly competitive but applying can be worthwhile if you're an (aspiring) entrepreneur tackling social challenges or have a very good business model.