Useful Columns

Building and Operational Standards for Lodging in Kyoto Ryokan and Hotel Facility Standards Kyoto Lodging Facility Application and Construction Procedures *Kyoto Minpaku Rules and Community Guidance* The source provides an overview of th...

  Video Explanation As Japan's labor shortage grows more serious, hiring non-Japanese personnel has become an important option for many companies. However, the key to success in hiring non-Japanese workers is not only to secure them, but also to create an environment in which they can work and live in Japan with peace of mind...

  Video Explanation: Challenges Faced by Companies Hiring Foreign Talent While Japan is increasingly accepting foreign workers, there are cases where companies are acquiring "technical, humanities, or international services" status of residence that does not match the original job description, in order to reduce labor costs. In other words...

Some of you who are currently working under the "Specified Technical Skills 1" status may be considering changing your status of residence to "Technical/Humanities/International Services" ("Gijinkoku") in the future. In this issue, we will discuss the change of status of residence from Tokutei Gijutsu 1 to Gijinkoku...

Introduction Starting a business in Kyoto as a foreign entrepreneur is an exciting opportunity, especially in the private lodging (Minpaku) sector. However, success requires understanding the necessary expenses and administrative procedu...

Administrative procedures such as residence status and permit applications are complex and time-consuming. By hiring an expert administrative scrivener, the procedures will go smoothly and you can focus on your core business with peace of mind. However, there are many administrative scrivener offices, and many people are confused as to which one to request...

For foreign nationals who are considering working in Japan, or for companies looking to hire talented foreign personnel, have you ever heard of the "highly specialized professional" visa status of residence? The "highly specialized professional visa" is a status of residence established to actively accept foreign human resources with a high level of expertise in a specific field. This...

  Video Explanation Introduction: Your "Living in Japan" Choice When considering long-term living in Japan, are you wondering whether you should choose permanent residence or naturalization? The best choice depends on your individual situation and values, not on "which is better or worse. This column...

When companies hire foreign nationals, there are many cases where they run the risk of unintentionally contributing to illegal employment or getting involved in troubles related to status of residence. In this column, we will explain the "pitfalls of status of residence" that companies actually tend to fall into, with specific examples, and discuss how to avoid them....

In recent years, the employment of foreign workers in Japanese companies has been increasing, and they are active in a wide range of occupations in the manufacturing, restaurant, and IT sectors. However, even though the same laws apply to setting wages and managing salaries for foreign workers as for Japanese workers, hiring foreign workers without sufficient knowledge can lead to labor tra...

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...

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. ...

Residence Management to be Digitally Accelerated on June 14, 2026The "Specified Residence Card" is finally set to begin operation on June 14, 2026 (counter acceptance from June 15). This card will combine the functions of the existing "Residence Card" and "My Number Card" into a single card. Voluntary acquisition: Not mandatory for all, but for those who wish...

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...

Good news for foreign residents living in Japan and companies that employ foreigners! The "Residence Card" and the "My Number Card," which have previously been bulky and separate in your wallets, can now be combined into a single card. It's called the "Tokutei Zairyu Card." Starting June 2026...

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....

⏳ 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...

Applying for a permanent residence permit through the Highly Specialized Professional (HSP) points system is a very powerful route that can significantly shorten the normal "10 years of residence" requirement. However, in preparing the application, there are points that should be carefully considered, such as the choice of the competent authority that will conduct the examination and the timing of the career change...

Some of you who are currently working under the "Specified Technical Skills 1" status may be considering changing your status of residence to "Technical/Humanities/International Services" ("Gijinkoku") in the future. In this issue, we will discuss the change of status of residence from Tokutei Gijutsu 1 to Gijinkoku...

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...