Business in Japan?

[ChrisRT]

What is the process that I would have to go through to set up a business in Japan? Is it hard? What is the likelihood that an 'Amerikan' business would survive in Japan? Do any of you own businesses in Japan?

[Steve Bildermann]

What is the process that I would have to go through to set up a business in Japan? Is it hard? What is the likelihood that an 'Amerikan' business would survive in Japan? Do any of you own businesses in Japan?

This forum is a place for people running small business (including one-person shops) to talk about various problems, and how to get around them. It is specifically aimed at non-Japanese running companies in Japan, in the design/layout/translation/editing fields, but is open to everyone. Contributions are welcome on a wide range of topics, but spam and abusive posts will not be tolerated.

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/SmallBizJapan/

[GomiGirl]

Lots of foreigners own small businesses in Japan...

Many are on this board.

Same rules apply - set up as per the law, submit returns and pay taxes every year.. work your butt off.

Most important rule for survival in business - know your market, know your product and make sure you are providing a service or product that will have customers that are willing to pay for.

Business is business all over the world. The details may be different based on location but the basics hold true.

What sort of business you thinking about???

[Taro Toporific]

Lots of foreigners own small businesses in Japan...
Same rules apply - set up as per the law, submit returns and pay taxes every year.. work your butt off.

Like GomiGirl shacho. :P

The catch is that how useful an FG CEO is who can't read/write/speak Japanese well?
What would you think of a Japanese boss in the States who was illiterate?

[GomiGirl]

Lots of foreigners own small businesses in Japan...
Same rules apply - set up as per the law, submit returns and pay taxes every year.. work your butt off.

Like GomiGirl shacho. :P

No, I am a fuku-shacho so I am truly fuku'ed

[kamome]

What is the process that I would have to go through to set up a business in Japan? Is it hard? What is the likelihood that an 'Amerikan' business would survive in Japan? Do any of you own businesses in Japan?

The process involves a decision as to what kind of vehicle you want to set up--a stock company, a branch, a representative office, etc., which is based on factors such as the amount of capital you bring to the table and the kind of activities you want to undertake in Japan. There are different set-up processes depending on the type of vehicle you choose. If you have questions about the process, send me a PM and we can talk further. If you have business-type questions (such as likelihood of success, etc.), I can perhaps help you but GomiGirl is one of the best resources on the board for that kind of info.

Whatever you do, don't rely on the JETRO website. It's full of outdated and confusing advice.