This week in Small Business 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.
For your business
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).
For your business
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 '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.
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).
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.
A newly published book compiling interviews with families affected by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, reveals unique challenges parents and children face in the aftermath. We asked the author for tips on disaster preparedness for families with children.
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.
Build your business and life here.
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.
The operator of Small Business Japan, Posse Nippon, can assist you in preparing the necessary documents and proceeding with the application.
I hope your business had a successful 2024. Thank you so much for your continued support of Small Business Japan.
Sample documents are ready for your company address change at the Homukyoku, the first initiative for #RedTapeJapan to help you cut through bureaucracy.
Red tape is a fact of doing business in Japan. Even native Japanese speakers often find it confusing, making it even more difficult for those whose first language is not Japanese. So, how does a company change its address?
I'm currently writing a report for a subsidy of over ¥10 million that we won for a client. This report is required to receive the grant money.
In November 2011, I spent a month volunteering in Iwate Prefecture, one of the areas affected by the tsunami.
Continuing from the previous article, explore unique challenges for families with children in case of natural disaster and learn about preparedness for that.
A newly published book compiling interviews with families affected by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, reveals unique challenges parents and children face in the aftermath. We asked the author for tips on disaster preparedness for families with children.
A Tokyo-based NPO MAMA-PLUG offers courses and workshops designed to meet your specific needs and preferences. The organisation is flexible and can work with you to create a programme that suits your schedule and target audience.
When I went to the UK to study for a Master's degree, I came across the word 'socialise'. I think it was in a booklet for new students, which said something like, 'Let's be proactive and socialise'. To be honest, I found the idea a bit of a chore.
The Japanese book Neverland Diner: At That Restaurant I Can Never Go to Again (Edited by Kyoichi Tsuzuki, 2021, the original title in Japanese 'Neverland Diner – 二度と行けないあの店で') is a unique 'guidebook' to vanished restaurants and bars.