06 - Setting up a physical presence in Japan
Practical support for establishing your office in Japan
Once your decision to enter the Japanese market is clear, the next step may involve establishing a formal presence, whether a representative office, branch, or a local subsidiary. Japan remains a secure, highly structured environment for foreign businesses, but setting up an office involves a number of legal, administrative, and cultural considerations that must be carefully managed.
At Japan Trade Advisor, we provide the hands-on, bilingual support required to set up your local base smoothly, compliantly, and in a way that reflects your business goals.
What we help you with
Office type selection and setup process We help you determine the best structure for your business, whether a representative office, branch office, or Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), and guide you through the procedures for each option.
Company registration and legal setup We coordinate the process of incorporating your company under Japanese law, including preparation of required documents, liaising with legal partners, and ensuring all paperwork is correctly submitted.
Address and physical office arrangements Whether you need a virtual office, co-working space, or leased commercial property, we support you in selecting the right location, negotiating terms, and securing an appropriate business address.
Bank account, tax registration, and insurance We assist with opening a corporate bank account in Japan, registering for applicable taxes, and securing mandatory insurances such as social insurance and workers' compensation.
Local hiring support and staff onboarding If you plan to hire local employees, we can support recruitment through trusted partners, help draft employment contracts, and ensure proper onboarding in line with Japanese labor laws.
Licenses and operational compliance If your industry requires special permits or licenses, we coordinate with the relevant ministries or agencies to ensure full compliance before your operations begin.
Ongoing administrative and communication support We offer optional post-setup services such as translation, administrative coordination, and liaison support to help you manage the business during its early phase.
Why this matter
The process of establishing a business in Japan is clear and methodical, but it is also detailed, paperwork-heavy, and often requires fluent Japanese communication. Missing one step, misunderstanding local expectations, or failing to meet compliance standards can lead to unnecessary delays or long-term legal complications.
By working with Japan Trade Advisor, you ensure that your local presence is set up the right way from the beginning, professionally, legally, and in full alignment with your long-term business plan.
Start your business in Japan with the right foundation
If you are planning to establish an office in Japan, we can help make the process faster, easier, and fully compliant—so you can focus on growing your business from day one.
Want to learn more about Japan, & doing business in Japan?
Don’t forget to explore our blog “Looking into the Japanese Mind.” This blog gives you essential insights into Japanese business culture, communication norms, and the decision-making style of Japanese companies. Understanding these elements will help you build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and succeed in the Japanese market. You can read the blog here: Inside the Japanese mind.
You should also take advantage of our advanced data service at JapanTradeStatistics.com. This platform provides the fastest and most precise way to analyze Japan’s import and export movements, updated directly from official Japanese trade data. With just a few clicks, you can filter thousands of HS4 codes, compare markets, and understand complex trade developments in seconds, giving you a competitive advantage that traditional spreadsheets or slow databases cannot offer. All dashboards run in Power BI, allowing you to embed live, automatically updated charts directly into your PowerPoint presentations, ensuring that your reports always contain the latest information without you ever have to update it manually.
JapanTradeStatistics.com is an invaluable tool for:
Trading companies evaluating market shifts
Journalists and analysts covering economic or geopolitical developments
Public institutions and embassies tracking bilateral trade
Exporters and importers identifying new opportunities
Consultants and researchers needing reliable, real-time data
Investors monitoring changes in the markets.
If you work with Japan, or plan to, this tool will save you hours of research while giving you insights that help you act faster, identify opportunities earlier, and make better, data-driven decisions.
Price: Ask for a quotation