Useful Columns

🌟 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 No. 1 and No. 2) in order to solve Japan's labor shortage. For foreigners who wish to work in Japan, this system requires...

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...

Traditional Technology in Kyo-machiya, Kyoto, and the Future with the Youth of the World Audio description (Japanese) The "Kyo-machiya" is a symbol of the beautiful cityscape of Kyoto. Kyo-machiya is filled with the wisdom of our ancestors and traditional skills suited to Japan's climate...

 Voice-over commentary Preserving Tradition: Your Path to Working in Kyoto Machiya Construction Kyoto's Machiya (traditional wooden townhouses) are more than just buildings; they are living testaments to Japan's exquisite craftsmanship. Kyoto's Machiya (traditional wooden townhouses) are more than just buildings; they are living testaments to Japan's exquisite craftsmanship a...

When foreign nationals look to work in Japan, the common visa routes like the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" (often However, relying solely on the mainstream ...

Many people are anxiously awaiting the results of their visa (status of residence) application when they suddenly receive a "Notice of Submission of Materials" (a request for additional documents) from the Immigration Bureau (Immigration Bureau). Many people feel anxious that they may have failed the screening. However, please remain calm. This notice is not a notice of disapproval...

To all foreign students studying in Japan, your status of residence as a "College Student" stipulates clear rules regarding the scope of activities you are allowed to engage in. In particular, it is essential to correctly understand and comply with the law when engaging in income-generating activities such as "part-time work" and "company management. ...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

⏳ 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...

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...

In order for a foreigner to work in Japan, he/she must obtain a "status of residence" (work visa). However, not just anyone can be granted a work visa, and academic background, work experience, and expertise are important points for examination. In this context, companies and applicants are often asked questions such as, "Do you speak Japanese...?