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Industry Outlook
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.
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.
For your business
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.
This week in 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.
RedTapeJapan
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?
This week in Small Business Japan
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.
This week in Small Business Japan
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.
There is a 'harsh reality' of running a restaurant. These are high break-even points and long depreciation.
For your business
Tokyo's JR Yoyogi Station's east exit leads to a block packed with izakayas, a diverse range of restaurants such as sushi and Korean BBQ, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Just a short stroll from this scene, you'll find yourself transported to Ireland.
Announcement
Launching in mid-October, Small Business Japan is a new type of online publication for the English-speaking community in Japan, particularly those active in or wishing to do business here.
News Insights
I recently watched a Japanese news program on TBS titled 'Japan's shrinking population: Reimagining cities and society for a future with fewer people.' I found it very informative for anyone living in Japan now and in the future, and I translated and summarised it in English below.