Useful Columns

Project Proposal: Preserving Kyoto's Heritage through OJT The greatest feature of this project proposal is inviting young adults from North America (in their 20s and 30s with an interest in architecture and culture) to Kyoto to acquire a... The greatest feature of this project proposal is inviting young adults from North America (in their 20s and 30s with an interest in architecture and culture) to Kyoto to acquire a...

Attracting foreign entrepreneurs and highly specialized human resources is key to revitalizing local economies. However, there is a major barrier that cannot be avoided in order for the government to maximize their potential. That is the "management and...

For more information on this proposal, please see the PDF document below, and follow the pages at the bottom of the PDF to see the entire document.

For foreign entrepreneurs aiming to establish and manage a business in Japan, obtaining the "Business Manager" Visa (Status of Residence) is the crucial However, with the revisions implemented on October 16, 2025, the permit ...

Audio Commentary If you wish to work in Japan from April 1, 2026, it is recommended that you submit an application for change of status from "College Student" to "Work" (mainly "Technical/Humanities/International Services" or "Research") between December 1, 2025 and the end of January 2026. ⚠️ Early Application for...

If you're a foreigner looking to obtain Japan's "Business/Management" visa (also known as the Business Manager Visa), there have been significant These changes, implemented on October 16, 2025, aim to...

The status of residence "Management/Administration" is applicable to foreign nationals who start a business in Japan or engage in management/administration of an existing business. The following basic requirements must be met for this status to be granted. - Substantial participation in management: ...

As of November 2025, the "Digital Nomad Visa" (official name yet to be determined), which is said to be almost on track within the government and ruling party, is expected to be introduced in the spring and summer of 2026. This is a groundbreaking visa that will allow people to work remotely in Japan, which is prohibited under a tourist visa. As of this writing, the following information is known...

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. ...

For foreign business owners who have established a company in Japan and obtained a business management visa, we would like to provide an important warning regarding the latest operational trends of the Immigration Control Act and status of residence. In recent years, the examination and renewal criteria for the business administration visa have become stricter year by year, and in particular, the "actual status of business management and administrative activities in Japan"...

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...