You Can Work in Japan Instead of Starting a Business

In this series so far, we’ve explained the revisions to the Business Manager Visa and the new requirements that are now being emphasized.

Due to these revisions, establishing a company in Japan and continuing business operations now requires more substantial company management than ever before.

“Given the current situation, it might be difficult to meet the new requirements.”

Some of you may be feeling this way.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your future in Japan.

You can work in Japan, gain experience, and aim to start a business again in the future.

That is also a perfectly valid option.

Your future isn’t determined by just one type of residence status.

Business Manager Visa Isn’t the Only Way to Work in Japan

“To succeed in Japan, I have to start a company.”

Many foreign nationals think this way.

Of course, the path of entrepreneurship is appealing.

It offers the potential to bring your own ideas to life and develop your business freely.

However, Japan offers a variety of residence statuses besides the Business Manager Visa.

Depending on your circumstances, working for a company first might actually be the fastest route to future success.

The choice to “work” can sometimes lead to future entrepreneurship

There are many benefits to working for a Japanese company.

• You can learn about Japanese business culture
• You can improve your Japanese language skills
• You can build a professional network
• You can understand Japanese business customs
• You can meet future customers and business partners

These will be valuable assets when you start your own business in the future.

Putting your plans to start a business on hold is by no means a “failure.”

You can think of it as a period of preparation for the future.

It’s important to choose the status of residence that’s right for you

Each status of residence has a specific purpose.

The Business Manager Visa is a program designed for “people who manage a business.”

On the other hand, there are also options tailored to your career path.

• Technical, Humanistic Knowledge, and International Business
• Highly Skilled Professional
• Other Work-Related Residence Statuses

The key is to consider, “Which residence status best suits me right now?”

There’s no need to rush into starting a business

“If I don’t set up a company right now, I won’t be able to stay in Japan.”

Some people find themselves thinking this way.

However, even if you force yourself to set up a company, it may be difficult to sustain the business if you’re facing a lack of funds, a shortage of personnel, or an incomplete business plan.

In many cases, starting a business after thorough preparation ultimately leads to greater success.

There’s More Than One Career Path in Japan

Life offers a variety of career paths.

Some people start their own businesses right away, while others gain experience as company employees before striking out on their own.

Neither approach is inherently “right.”

What matters is choosing the path that suits you best and building a foundation that allows you to thrive in Japan over the long term.

Summary

Just because it’s difficult to meet the new requirements doesn’t mean your future in Japan is closed off.

Starting a business is just one of many options.

In some cases, the path of first working at a Japanese company to gain experience and then starting your own business might be a better fit for you.

Your future isn’t determined by a single residency status.

What choices you make and how you build your career—

that is what matters most for achieving success in Japan.

Professionai Tips

In our consultations regarding the Business Management Visa, we often notice that many people focus too much on “starting a business” itself.

Of course, starting a business is a wonderful challenge.

However, to succeed in starting a business in Japan today, creating an environment where you can sustain your business over the long term is more important than simply starting the business itself.

In some cases, gaining experience at a company first—building a network and acquiring knowledge—before starting your own business can lead to greater success.

Therefore, the decision to “choose employment for now” can also be considered a positive career strategy.