Why Startup Visas Lead to 'Rogue Developments'? A warning bell from a professional who knows the backstage of the government

April 10, 2026

If you are thinking, "Now that I am certified by the municipality, I feel safe," then you need to get out of that mindset right now.

In my 35 years at the Kyoto Prefectural Government, I have seen the system created and then broken down on the ground to the point of disgust. The start-up visa is now the same as the former technical internship system.Distortion.We are beginning to have waiting beyond the sweet words prepared by the government,Notice of non-recurring "Disapproval".It may be.

The "Start-up Visa" (a program to promote entrepreneurial activities by foreign nationals) is attracting attention among foreign nationals who wish to start a business in Japan. The program offers a "maximum preparation period of one year" and "generous support by the local government. ...... At first glance, this system seems to be a shortcut to success. However, theBehind the brilliant "light" is a deep "shadow" created by poor institutional designis lurking.

During my 35 years at the Kyoto Prefectural Government, I have seen the launch and operation of various systems from within the administration. Based on this experience, I dare to issue a warning.

1. "Deja vu" where METI waves the flag and the field is confused

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is a strong proponent of this system. Their point of view is.A macro perspective on "how to revitalize Japanese industry.

This is similar to the expansion period of the former technical internship system (formerly known as the training system). At that time, too, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) took the lead in trying to secure cheap labor under the guise of "international contribution. What happened as a result? Distortions of the system were forced onto the frontlines, resulting in human rights issues and disappearances of workers."A Ridiculous Turn of Events."This has led to the

Start-up visas are also fraught with the same dangers.The "dream" of industrial policy takes precedence over the "reality" of legal consistency and personal infrastructure.The following is a list of the most common reasons for this.

2. a "letter of confirmation" from the municipality is not an exemption

Municipalities recruit entrepreneurs to revitalize their communities. However,Local government officials are not familiar with the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act or the stricter "Management and Administration" visa screening criteria.

The "confirmation letter" issued by the local government is, so to speakAdmission Ticketbut does not guarantee this application for a business management visa. Even if the plan is "good" by the local government, there is a big possibility that the immigration examination will kick it out as "inadequate office requirements" or "the process of capital formation is unclear".

That attitude of welcoming people at the entrance (local government) without fully informing them of the severity of the exit (immigration),Administration's "irresponsible drumbeat"I have to say.

3. the entrepreneur himself/herself is the one who has to "clean up the mess

When the ladder of the system is removed, it is not the government that takes responsibility. It is the entrepreneur himself/herself who will be denied a visa, have his/her dreams ended, and be forced to return home.

It is always the administrative scriveners in the field who have to "clean up" the mess caused by inadequate guidance from the government, and above all, the clients themselves, who have invested all their money.

Professional Audits" to avoid failure.

Today's business administration visa requirements are much stricter than before. That is why our office has eliminated the lenient outlook.A multifaceted audit by a team of professionals."The company is conducting the following activities.

Gyoseishoshi Scriveners:. Thorough supervision of visa integrity from the preparation of Articles of Incorporation in accordance with the Immigration Law.
Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant:. Cold-bloodedly evaluate business stability and continuity from a "business administration" perspective
Judicial scriveners and tax accountants:. Accurate registration and proper tax compliance

Finally: to build real "ground

Once you doubt the illusions portrayed by the government, start with a rigorous "diagnosis" by a professional. That is the only shortcut to success in doing business in Japan.

I wonder if my plan will really work?" If you are at all concerned about your plan, please contact us before it is too late. We will mobilize all of our 35 years of administrative experience in Kyoto and our knowledge as practitioners to protect you from your challenges.

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