Useful Columns

The Specified Skill System is indispensable for resolving the labor shortage. However, host organizations that accept foreign personnel face the risk of violating Japan's Labor Standards Law (Labor Standards Act). Violations of the Labor Standards Law, which cannot be justified by "ignorance" or "inadvertent error," can jeopardize the continuation of business. This system is a safe...

STOP and READ: The Japanese Startup Visa is an Extremely High-Risk Trap That Could Ruin Your Plans. Japanese) To all ambitious foreign entrepreneurs eyeing Japan-and especially those ench...

Audio Commentary Dear Registered Support Organization, Under the revised Gyoseishoshi Law that will take effect on January 1, 2026, it will be clearly illegal to prepare documents for application for status of residence for specified skills for remuneration, no matter what the name of the act may be. ⚠️ Risk: If the cost of document preparation is included in the support outsourcing fee, etc., the illegal act...

Voice Commentary The "Training and Employment System" scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027 is a major institutional reform for Japan that will clearly shift the acceptance of foreign human resources from "international contribution" to "training and securing human resources in areas where there is a shortage of manpower". With the introduction of this new system, companies (providers of training and employment) and foreign...

In the restaurant industry, which is facing a serious labor shortage, it is possible to welcome U.S. citizens as "Specified Technical Skills 1". However, there are unique procedures and precautions to be taken before hiring an applicant residing overseas and starting work in Japan. Here we will explain three particularly important points...

🌟 Introduction: The Specified Skill System and the Importance of Taking Exams Abroad The Specified Skill System is a residence status that accepts foreign nationals with certain expertise and skills in specific fields (Specified Skill 1 and 2) in order to alleviate Japan's labor shortage. For foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan, the skills required by this system...

Introduction: New Options for Inheriting Traditional Skills and Recruiting Foreign Talent Training skilled craftsmen is essential for maintaining and revitalizing traditional Japanese building techniques, especially for historical buildings such as Kyoto machiya houses. However, as the shortage of successors becomes more serious, recruiting young human resources with an international perspective is a key factor in both the succession of skills and the...

Audio Description The severe labor shortage in the construction industry is a pressing issue in business continuity. Specified skills (in the construction field) are an important solution to overcome this challenge and supply immediate vitality and strength to the work site. In this column, we will explain the fundamentals of the system and specific procedures for businesses that are considering accepting...

1. capital requirement from 5 million yen to 30 million yen! The capital requirement has been significantly increased six-fold from 5 million yen to 30 million yen. The requirement before: Either a capital of 5 million yen or more or two or more full-time employees. The requirement after the revision: Both a capital of 30 million yen or more and two or more full-time employees are required.

Introduction: Sweet Dreams Are Not Enough Reality "I want to start a business in Japan" "I want to develop my own business in Japan" Are these dreams really feasible? Due to the revision of the business administration visa system after October 16, 2025, the hurdle for starting a business in Japan has jumped to more than six times the previous level. The correct...

In recent years, an increasing number of companies are hiring foreign nationals as regular or contract employees. However, when hiring foreign employees, it is important not to forget about "visa (status of residence) renewal. If the employee does not renew his/her status of residence before it expires, he/she will be in Japan illegally, and the company will be...

Audio Commentary Dear Registered Support Organization, Under the revised Gyoseishoshi Law that will take effect on January 1, 2026, it will be clearly illegal to prepare documents for application for status of residence for specified skills for remuneration, no matter what the name of the act may be. ⚠️ Risk: If the cost of document preparation is included in the support outsourcing fee, etc., the illegal act...

As of November 2025, the Immigration Bureau is in the midst of a full-scale transition to IC cards for residence cards, and it has finally become clear that the transition will be complete by the end of 2026. The plastic card will be replaced by a new residence card with an IC chip equivalent to a My Number card. ...

The revised Administrative Scrivener Law will come into effect on January 1, 2026 (January 1, 2026). 1. point of revision: Requests to unqualified persons will be "not permitted under any name! Gyoseishoshi Scriveners are required to submit documents to government offices (e.g., applications for permission to open a restaurant, applications for status of residence for foreign residents, inheritance-related...

1. can i work even if my "period of stay" is still valid? Many foreign students and employers mistakenly believe that they can work until the expiration date of their residence card. The fact is: From the day you graduate from school (or are expelled from school), the "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence" associated with the "College Student" visa takes effect...

In the midst of a labor shortage due to the declining birthrate and aging population, foreign students are a valuable asset to the workforce. However, when hiring them, it is necessary to properly understand the rules specific to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act), which are not applicable to Japanese part-time workers. In particular, the "28-hour-per-week limit" is lenient...

Important: Effective October 16, 2025, the requirements for the "Management and Administration" visa have been significantly tightened. The conventional wisdom of "investment of 5 million yen" or "one-person start-up" no longer applies. October 16, 2025 will be a historic turning point for foreigners who wish to start a business in Japan...

We have received very important and urgent news for all of you in the food service industry. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Immigration and Residency Management Agency have announced the suspension of acceptance of Specified Technical Skills 1 in the food service industry. For businesses that have been planning to hire, this is an extremely important...

⏳ 1. Introduction: Why is my visa application so slow? Many people spend anxious days wondering when they will be granted a visa (status of residence) after applying for one. The examination period at the Immigration Bureau (Immigration Bureau) is usually from one to three months, but some applicants may wait as long as six months...

When renewing "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" status (Spouse Visa), the screening process tends to become stricter year by year, and particular attention should be paid to the following points. 1. stability and continuity of marital life Continuity of cohabitation: In principle, it is most important that the couple lives together and is substantially married....