Bridging concierge between Japanese and foreign companies
[JETRO e-Venue Registered No.PI00064239]
The difficulty in business culture between overseas countries and Japan include language barrier, cross-cultural understanding, and decision-making process.
We mediate to resolve these issues and help build a win-win relationship between both companies.
The difference between language and communication
- In general, English proficiency in Japan remains low.
- The Japanese culture of “reading between the lines” and ambiguous expressions can easily lead to misunderstandings overseas.
- Overseas, direct and frank communication tends to be preferred, and indirect and ambiguous expressions used by Japanese people may lead to misunderstandings.
- We act as a mediator to smooth out these language and communication gaps.
Lack of cross-cultural understanding
- Japanese people tend to impose their own business models and values without fully understanding foreign cultures, customs, religions, and laws.
- For example, customs such as “ho-ren-so” (reporting, consulting, and communicating) and “nemawashi” (making necessary arrangements) that are common in Japan are not necessarily effective overseas.
- Recognition and response to harassment also vary depending on the country and region.
- We promote cross-cultural understanding by explaining potential differences in business culture between Japanese and overseas companies.
Differences in decision-making processes
- In Japanese business culture, hierarchy based on position and age is emphasized.
- On the other hand, overseas, it is common to exchange opinions on a level playing field, regardless of age or position.
- Japanese people make decisions by consensus in meetings. And there are also issues such as decisions taking a long time and responsibility becoming unclear. On the other hand, overseas, decisions are made based on individual responsibility or top-down decision-making.
- We will encourage Japanese companies to review their business culture, understand overseas business cultures, and strive to respond flexibly.
Interaction with Japanese people
- We conduct market research and provide information on Japanese products and services that are of interest.
- We support the creation of websites that are compatible with Japanese people.
- We will find the necessary business partners and negotiate on your behalf.
- We create customized tools and manuals to facilitate different business cultures.
First steps to Japan
When doing business with Japan, the first step is to let them know what makes your company attractive.
However, it is necessary to use expressions and approaches that are familiar to Japanese people.
Japanese language homepage
- A Japanese-style website using expressions in Japanese for Japanese people.
- Convey the appeal of products and services, company achievements, and reliability of licenses and approvals.
- The goal is to generate inquiries as a CTA.
- We will create a Japanese-language website on behalf of your company. And we will provide support in responding to those inquiries.
Online and offline advertising
- Listing, display, social media, and access analysis as web advertising
- Offline advertising as magazines, newspapers, trade journals, and information websites.
- Creation of advertising messages and catchphrases familiar to Japanese people. Eye-catching illustrations and photographs.
- We will negotiate with advertising agencies and place advertisements for your company.
Ongoing support
- Customer inquiry agency service
- General Japanese language assistance
- Adapting to Japanese business culture
- We provide online support for the above content on an annual basis.
Remote business owner/co-owner (Quick reach to Japan)
You can start a business and engage in cross-cultural activities in Japan without obtaining a visa(residence status), while remaining in your own country.
1st step:Preparation
- Conduct market research and feasibility studies in areas that interest you.
- Find Japanese partners in industries and cultural fields that interest you.
2nd step:Company establishment
- Decide on the registration items necessary for establishing a company
- Transfer capital (1 million to 5 million yen) to the bank account of your Japanese partner.
- Your Japanese partner will become the representative director and shareholder and establish the company.
*You can also become a member of the board of directors.
*You can also become a 100% investor.
- After establishing the company, create a bank account in the company's name.
- If you establish a company as a 100% Japanese partner shareholder, your shares will be transferred to you through a shareholder transfer agreement.
*Except for specific business activities (media, telecommunications, finance, infrastructure, etc.), 100% foreign capital is permitted.
- Use your Japanese partner's resident card and seal registration certificate to rent an office.
3rd step:Operation
- Participate in management as a director while living overseas
- You can enter Japan on a short-term visa and participate in the meeting. However, it is on the condition that you will not be paid.
- You will receive overseas remittances in the form of consulting or advisory fees, or stock dividends.
The difficulty of a business management visa (reference)
- There is a contradiction in that you cannot obtain a “business management” visa without a company.
- You can obtain a resident card because you have a visa.
- And you can open a bank account or sign a lease for an office because you have a resident card.
- It is strange to say that you should have a company first.
- At the very least, the reality is that you cannot establish a company without the cooperation of a Japanese person.
- In addition, a five-year business plan must be submitted for review.
For Westerners, who are accustomed to the world of elevator pitches (where you have a few seconds to catch the interest of investors in an elevator), it is unreasonable to expect them to create a business plan that predicts the next five years.
- Also, when renewing your visa (for example, after one year), if your company is not profitable, your visa will not be extended. It is rare for a new business to become profitable within a year. Even if you have worked hard to establish your company, it will be ruined if your visa is not renewed.
- The Japanese government has decided to raise the amount of capital required to obtain a visa from 5 million yen to 30 million yen in order to restrict visa abuse.
- For the reasons above, it is difficult in reality for foreigners to obtain a business management visa and start a business in Japan.