Divorce in Japan: Visa & post-divorce navigation with an immigration lawyer

Divorce in Japan has implications beyond the legal dissolution of marriage for foreign residents, affecting visas and other aspects of life, whether married to Japanese nationals or are both foreign citizens. We asked an administrative scrivener/immigration lawyer well-versed in these procedures.

Are customers God? Custom's genesis: Reflection between two Expos

A well-known Showa-era singer, Haruo Minami, sang the theme song for the #OsakaExpo in 1970, 'Sekai no Kuni kara Konnichiwa' (Hello from Countries Around the World). This song became an iconic tune of the Expo and is widely known as one of Minami's signature songs.

Is that really wasabi or peculiar Japanese euphemism?

In Japanese, there are instances where the name given to something doesn't match its reality. Is euphemism the reason for this discrepancy? Is this just a Japanese phenomenon?

Guide to spring 2025 startup subsidies

Given the rise in inquiries, I've compiled a list of previous articles that explain the recent openings and nature of subsidies. I hope this is helpful.

The business of scholarships: Reshaping Japan's learning landscape

To discuss scholarships in Japan, it's important to clarify the situation first. There are two categories: a 'benefit type' (no repayment required) and a 'loan type' (repayment required after graduation). Both of these are called 'scholarships' in Japan.

Japan startup subsidy up to ¥2m opening soon: Key funding opportunity for small businesses

The Japanese government has announced the 'Small Business Sustainability Subsidy (Startup Category),' providing up to ¥2m. Eligibility: Businesses within 3 years. This initiative offers crucial funding for startups to foster innovation and growth.

Not-so-useful Japanese lessons by me: 'Suji ga tooranai'

While I was interpreting between a Japanese expert and his client, an English speaker, the expert abruptly said, 'それは筋が通らないです (Sore wa suji ga tooranai desu; That doesn't make sense)'. What did he mean?

HR-Focused MHLW Grants 3/3: Business funding for productivity initiatives

This MHLW grant supports spending on measures that enhance production efficiency for companies implementing 'Work Style Reform' to boost productivity.

Why I'm critical about 'subsidies' but 'recommend' grants?

The Japanese government provides two main types of funding to companies: hojokin and joseikin. Generally, funding from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is called hojokin, while funding from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) is called joseikin.

HR-Focused MHLW Grants 2/3: For companies converting fixed-term employees to full-time

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.

HR-Focused MHLW Grants 1/3: For hiring single mothers, individuals with disabilities, and displaced Ukrainians

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.

Tokyo Startup Subsidy: Difficulty and winning projects

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.