As the world’s third largest economy, Japan has always been an important market for many foreign investors. In recent years, the Japanese government has actively adjusted its foreign investment policy to create a more open and transparent investment environment and attract more overseas capital. This article will comprehensively analyze Japan’s foreign investment access policy and provide a detailed guide for foreign investors who intend to enter the Japanese market.

Japan’s foreign investment policy is based on the two major principles of “liberalization” and “national security”. On the one hand, the Japanese government encourages foreign investment to promote economic growth and technological innovation; on the other hand, it also sets up necessary review mechanisms to protect national security and key industries. In general, Japan welcomes foreign investment, but remains cautious in certain specific areas.

In recent years, Japan’s foreign investment policy has shown a clear trend of opening up. The 2019 revision of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA) marks a major shift in policy. While this revision has strengthened the review of areas related to national security, it has also simplified investment procedures in other areas. The government has also introduced a series of incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies, to attract foreign investment into strategic emerging industries such as high-tech and environmental protection.

It is particularly noteworthy that Japan is actively promoting digital transformation and green development, which has brought new opportunities for foreign investors. In the fields of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, clean energy, etc., the Japanese government has shown a great open attitude and hopes to use foreign investment to promote innovation and development in these fields.

However, investors also need to be aware that Japan remains vigilant against certain sensitive industries. For example, in areas involving national security, such as defense and critical infrastructure, foreign investment access is still subject to strict restrictions and scrutiny. In addition, foreign investment access policies in traditional industries such as agriculture are also relatively conservative.

In general, Japan’s foreign investment policy is moving towards a more open and flexible direction, but at the same time it is also seeking to balance openness and security. For foreign investors who intend to enter the Japanese market, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of the specific policies of various industries. Next, we will explore in detail various aspects of Japan’s foreign investment access policy to provide strong support for your investment decision.

How to check Japan’s foreign investment access policy

When exploring Japan’s foreign investment access policy, accurate and reliable sources of information are essential. The Japanese government and various industry organizations provide a variety of channels for investors to easily query relevant policies. This article will introduce you to two main types of information channels in detail: official resources and industry association resources.

First, let’s focus on official resources. The official website of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan is one of the most authoritative sources of information. The website has a dedicated section for foreign investors, providing comprehensive policy guides, regulatory updates and industry reports. Investors can find the latest interpretation of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act here, as well as explanations of entry requirements for specific industries.

Another important official channel is the website of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). JETRO not only provides detailed investment guides, but also regularly publishes market analysis reports and policy interpretation documents. Their multilingual services enable foreign investors to obtain information more conveniently and are an excellent window for understanding Japan’s investment environment.

For investors who want to learn more about specific industry policies, the official websites of various departments are also valuable resources. For example, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) website provides detailed information on foreign investment access policies in the financial industry, while the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare website provides relevant policy information on the medical and health industry.

In addition to official resources, industry associations and chambers of commerce are also important channels for obtaining policy information. Keidanren, one of the most influential economic organizations in Japan, often publishes policy recommendations and industry reports, which are very helpful for understanding Japan’s business environment and policy trends.

Various industry associations, such as the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), also provide detailed policy interpretations and market dynamics for specific industries. These associations usually maintain close contact with government departments and can provide the latest policy trends and interpretations.

In addition, foreign chambers of commerce, such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) and the European Chamber of Commerce (EBC), are also valuable sources of information. These organizations not only provide policy information, but also frequently hold seminars and exchange events, providing foreign investors with opportunities to directly communicate with Japanese policymakers.

In summary, by making comprehensive use of official websites, industry associations and chambers of commerce, investors can fully understand Japan’s foreign investment access policy. Investors are advised to cross-verify information from different sources when making decisions to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date policy interpretation. At the same time, considering that policies may be updated at any time, it is also crucial to regularly pay attention to the latest announcements from these channels.

Overall Framework for Foreign Investment Access

Japan’s foreign investment admission policy is based on a comprehensive and complex framework, which mainly includes a clear definition of foreign investors, a diverse classification of investment forms, and a strict foreign investment review system. This framework aims to balance the relationship between attracting foreign investment and protecting national interests.

1. Definition of foreign investors

In the Japanese legal system, the definition of foreign investors is quite broad. According to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA), foreign investors include not only individuals who are not Japanese nationals, but also corporations or other organizations established outside Japan, and Japanese corporations that are directly or indirectly held by foreign governments or foreign corporations by more than 50%. It is worth noting that even Japanese citizens are considered foreign investors if their habitual residence is abroad. This definition ensures comprehensive supervision of foreign investment and prevents circumvention of supervision through complex shareholding structures.

2. Classification of investment forms

Japanese law recognizes a variety of foreign investment forms, which are mainly divided into two categories: direct investment and indirect investment. Direct investment includes the establishment of a new company, the acquisition of shares in an existing Japanese company, and joint ventures. This type of investment usually involves substantial control or influence over Japanese companies. Indirect investment mainly refers to the investment behavior of purchasing listed company stocks, bonds and other financial instruments through the securities market. Different forms of investment are subject to different review standards and procedures, and direct investment is usually subject to stricter review.

3. Overview of the Foreign Investment Review System

Japan’s foreign investment review system takes national security as its core consideration while taking economic interests into account. It is mainly managed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Finance, and adopts two mechanisms: “prior declaration” and “post-declaration”. For specific industries involving national security, public order, public safety and the smooth operation of the national economy, foreign investors must submit prior declarations to the government before making investments. The government has the right to review, restrict or even prohibit investments that may threaten national interests. During the review process, the government will evaluate factors such as the technical sensitivity, market influence and investor background of the investment target.

This framework reflects Japan’s efforts to find a balance between promoting openness and safeguarding national interests. It provides clear guidance for foreign investors while also leaving the Japanese government with the necessary regulatory space. Understanding this framework is crucial for foreign companies planning to invest in Japan, as it helps them better plan their investment strategies and increase their investment success rates.

Areas where foreign investment is encouraged

The Japanese government actively encourages foreign investment in a number of strategic industries to promote economic growth, technological innovation and enhance international competitiveness. These key areas mainly include high-tech industries, environmental protection and new energy industries, and medical and health industries.

In terms of high-tech industries, Japan particularly welcomes foreign investment in areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, big data, quantum computing and biotechnology. These areas are seen as key drivers of future economic growth. The Japanese government offers a number of preferential policies, including R&D tax credits, subsidy programs and simplified administrative procedures, to attract the world’s top technology companies and talent.

Environmental protection and new energy industries are another key development area. As Japan strives to achieve its carbon neutrality goal, the government strongly supports clean energy technology, renewable energy development and environmental protection related industries. Foreign-invested enterprises can enjoy tax incentives, low-interest loans and other support policies for their investments in new energy fields such as solar energy, wind energy, hydrogen energy, as well as environmental protection materials and waste treatment technologies.

The medical and health industry is an important strategic area for Japan in the face of an aging society. The government encourages foreign investment in innovation in the fields of medical equipment research and development, biopharmaceuticals, and telemedicine technology. To attract foreign investment, Japan has provided a series of measures, such as simplifying the approval process for medical devices and drugs, supporting cross-border clinical trials, and providing research funding.

Specific preferential policies and measures include: tax incentives (such as corporate tax reductions for specific areas), financial subsidies (such as establishment subsidies provided by local governments), simplified administrative procedures (such as setting up special foreign investment service windows), and provision of commercial supporting services (such as assistance in finding local partners). In addition, Japan has also established national strategic special zones, implementing more open policies in these areas to provide greater development space for foreign-funded enterprises.

In general, through these incentive policies, Japan aims to attract high-quality foreign investment, promote industrial upgrading and technological innovation, and solve the socio-economic challenges faced by the country. Foreign investors can not only obtain policy support in these areas, but also make full use of Japan’s advanced R&D environment and huge market demand to achieve mutually beneficial and win-win development.

Areas where foreign investment is restricted or prohibited

As an open economy, Japan welcomes foreign investment in most industries. However, for reasons of national security, economic stability, and cultural traditions, the Japanese government has implemented restrictions or prohibitions on foreign investment in certain specific areas. Understanding these restricted areas is crucial for foreign companies that intend to invest in Japan. The following are several major areas where foreign investment is restricted or prohibited:

National security-related industries are one of the areas in which the Japanese government is most cautious. Foreign investment is usually strictly restricted or completely prohibited in industries such as weapons manufacturing, military equipment production, and cutting-edge technology research and development related to national defense. This policy is intended to protect Japan’s national defense autonomy and technological secrets. Even in related areas where foreign investment is allowed, it is often subject to strict review procedures and may be subject to restrictions on shareholding ratios.

The public utilities sector is also strictly controlled. Although the restrictions on electricity, gas, water and other infrastructure industries that are related to the national economy and people’s livelihood have been relaxed in recent years, there are still high entry barriers. For example, in the power industry, foreign shareholding ratios are usually not allowed to exceed a certain limit to ensure the state’s control over these key resources. These restrictions are aimed at ensuring the stability and security of energy supply.

Agriculture, forestry and fisheries are an important part of Japan’s traditional culture and economy, so there are restrictions on foreign investment in certain specific areas. For example, there are strict regulations on the acquisition of fishing rights and the ownership of farmland. These policies are not only for the protection of the country’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries, but also for the maintenance of Japan’s food security and rural social structure.

In addition to the above-mentioned fields, the Japanese government has also imposed restrictions on foreign investment in media industries such as radio and television, as well as certain mining fields involving national strategic resources. These restrictions are usually reflected in the following aspects:

• Equity restrictions:In some industries, foreign ownership is limited to a certain percentage to ensure that Japanese companies or the government maintain control.
• Special approval:Foreign investment in some sensitive industries may be subject to special review procedures, including security review and national interest assessment.
• Business License:Certain industries may require foreign-invested enterprises to obtain special operating licenses, and the conditions for obtaining these licenses may be more stringent than those for domestic enterprises.
• Technology transfer restrictions:In areas involving key technologies, restrictions on technology transfer may be imposed to protect Japan’s technological advantages.
• Localization requirements:Certain industries may require foreign companies to cooperate with local Japanese companies, or to have a certain proportion of Japanese citizens on the board of directors.

Understanding these restrictions is crucial for foreign companies planning to invest in Japan. It is recommended that before making an investment decision, you should study the specific policies of the relevant industry in detail and consult professional legal and investment advisors if necessary to ensure that the investment plan complies with the laws and regulations of Japan.

Analysis of foreign investment access policies in key industries

1. Manufacturing

In recent years, the Japanese government has actively encouraged foreign investment in the manufacturing industry, especially in high-tech and innovative fields. Traditional advantageous industries such as automobiles, electronics, and precision instruments are open to foreign investment. It is worth noting that areas involving cutting-edge technology or that may affect national security, such as aerospace and nuclear energy-related manufacturing, are still subject to strict review. When foreign-invested enterprises set up production bases in Japan, they need to pay special attention to environmental standards and labor laws to ensure that they meet Japan’s strict quality and safety requirements.

2. Service Industry

The service industry is one of the pillar industries of the Japanese economy, and its openness to foreign investment is increasing year by year. In particular, in the fields of professional services, consulting, education and training, there are relatively few restrictions on foreign investment access. However, there are still certain entry barriers in specific fields such as healthcare and legal services. When foreign companies enter the Japanese service industry market, they should pay attention to industry-specific qualification certification requirements and pay attention to Japan’s unique service culture to ensure successful adaptation to the local market.

3. Financial Industry

Japan’s financial industry is generally open to foreign investment, but the supervision is strict. Foreign investment is welcome in the fields of banking, securities, insurance, etc., but it is necessary to obtain the corresponding financial business license. It is worth noting that the policy environment in the field of FinTech has been relatively relaxed in recent years, encouraging innovation. When foreign financial institutions conduct business in Japan, they must strictly abide by the regulations of the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan, especially in terms of risk management and consumer protection.

4. IT and communications industry

The Japanese government actively promotes the development of the IT and communications industries and welcomes foreign investment. The entry barriers to emerging fields such as software development, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence are relatively low. However, in areas involving personal data processing and network security, strict data protection regulations need to be followed. Foreign investment in key communications infrastructure areas such as 5G network construction may face stricter scrutiny. Foreign IT companies should pay close attention to Japan’s constantly updated network security and data privacy regulations.

5. Retail

Japan’s retail industry is generally open to foreign investment, but faces fierce local competition. Foreign investment is allowed to enter the fields of large-scale retail, e-commerce, and professional retail. However, foreign retail enterprises need to pay special attention to localization strategies to adapt to the high quality requirements and service expectations of Japanese consumers. In addition, specific regulations may be involved in site selection, commodity imports, etc., which need to be carefully studied. In recent years, the cross-border e-commerce sector has been favorable, but attention should be paid to Japan’s strict product quality and consumer rights protection regulations.

6. Real estate industry

Japan’s real estate industry is relatively open to foreign investment, and both commercial and residential real estate investments are welcome. However, there are some restrictions on real estate transactions in agricultural land and some strategic locations. When foreign companies invest in real estate, they need to pay special attention to local regulations, such as urban planning regulations. At the same time, attention should be paid to Japan’s unique lease protection system and earthquake safety standards. In recent years, with the development of an aging society, emerging fields such as elderly care real estate have provided new opportunities for foreign investment.

Foreign investment approval process

Japan’s foreign investment approval process is a systematic process that aims to ensure that foreign investment is in line with national interests while also providing clear guidance for investors. This process mainly includes a prior declaration system, strict review standards, and detailed document requirements.

The prior declaration system is the core of Japan’s foreign investment access policy. According to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law, foreign investors must submit prior declarations to the Japanese government before making certain types of investments. This mainly applies to specific industries that involve national security, public order, public safety, or the smooth operation of the Japanese economy. Investors need to submit declarations at least 30 days before the scheduled transaction date. It is worth noting that the declaration requirements may vary from industry to industry, so investors need to carefully study the regulations of specific industries.

The review standards and time frame are areas that investors need to pay special attention to. The Japanese government mainly conducts reviews from the perspectives of national security, economic impact and social public interest. Generally, the review period is 30 days, but if a more detailed investigation is required, it may be extended to 4 months. During this period, the relevant departments will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the investment plan, including the potential impact on national security, the impact on the competitiveness of related industries, and whether it complies with Japan’s industrial policies.

Regarding the required documents and materials, investors need to prepare a series of detailed information. This usually includes:

• Investment declaration form: details on investment purpose, amount, equity ratio and other information.
• Investor background information: including company profile, financial statements, equity structure, etc.
• Investment plan: describes the investment strategy, business plan, expected results, etc.
• Relevant industry license or qualification certificate: provided according to specific industry requirements.
• Legal Compliance Commitment: Commit to comply with relevant Japanese laws and regulations.
• Other supporting documents: such as technology transfer agreement, letter of intent for cooperation, etc.

It is worth noting that all documents need to be provided in Japanese. If the original is in other languages, a certified Japanese translation must be attached. In addition, some special industries may require additional special documents. Investors should confirm the specific requirements with the relevant departments in advance.

In general, although Japan’s foreign investment approval process is strict, it is also transparent and predictable. As long as investors fully understand the policy requirements, prepare complete documents and materials, and give enough time budget, they can usually complete the approval process smoothly. At the same time, it is recommended that investors seek professional legal and consulting services during this process to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the declaration, thereby increasing the success rate of approval.

Matters Needing Attention for Foreign-Invested Enterprises

Foreign companies doing business in Japan need to pay special attention to the following aspects to ensure smooth operations and long-term development.

Compliance requirements are the primary consideration for foreign-invested enterprises. Japan’s legal and regulatory system is very strict, and enterprises must strictly abide by various regulations, including but not limited to company registration, tax declaration, labor laws, environmental protection, etc. It is particularly worth noting that Japan has very strict requirements for personal information protection, and enterprises need to establish a sound data protection mechanism. In addition, antitrust laws and fair competition laws are also areas that foreign-invested enterprises need to pay special attention to in order to avoid violating relevant laws and regulations due to lack of understanding.

Cultural differences are a common challenge that foreign companies face when doing business in Japan. Japanese business culture emphasizes harmony, courtesy, and indirect communication. Decision-making is often slow and requires consensus among multiple parties. Building relationships (“guanxi”) is critical in business dealings and can require a long-term investment of time and effort. Foreign companies should train their employees on Japanese business etiquette, such as the correct way to exchange business cards and the appropriate use of honorifics. At the same time, understanding Japan’s “nemawashi” culture, which involves informal consultations before formal meetings, is essential to successfully moving forward with a project.

Localization strategy is the key to foreign-funded enterprises’ success in the Japanese market. First, products or services need to be adjusted according to the preferences of Japanese consumers. Japanese consumers have extremely high requirements for quality and details, and product packaging and after-sales service are equally important. Secondly, marketing strategies also need to be localized, taking into account Japan’s unique festivals and cultural elements. In terms of human resources, hiring local employees not only helps overcome language barriers, but also better understands and adapts to the local market. Establishing local partnerships is also an effective localization strategy that can help companies integrate into the Japanese market more quickly.

In general, foreign companies need to be patient and flexible in the Japanese market. Although entering the Japanese market may face many challenges, as long as they are well prepared, respect local culture, strictly abide by regulations, and adopt appropriate localization strategies, they can find huge business opportunities in this world’s third largest economy.

Case Analysis

The practical application of Japan’s foreign investment access policy is often more complicated than the theory. By analyzing successful and failed cases, we can better understand the actual operation of the policy and the opportunities and challenges faced by foreign companies in the Japanese market. Below we will analyze several typical success and failure cases to provide valuable lessons for foreign investors who intend to enter the Japanese market.

1. Analysis of successful cases

Tesla enters Japan’s new energy vehicle market:

Tesla’s successful entry into the Japanese market shows how to take advantage of Japan’s supportive policies for the new energy industry. In 2010, Tesla established a subsidiary in Japan and began selling electric vehicles in Japan in 2014. Despite the fierce competition in the Japanese auto market, Tesla quickly gained a foothold in Japan by making full use of the Japanese government’s subsidy policy for electric vehicles and cooperating with Japanese power companies to build a charging station network. This case shows that if foreign companies can accurately grasp the direction of Japan’s industrial policies and establish good cooperative relations with local companies, they can succeed in the Japanese market.

Amazon’s success in Japan’s e-commerce business:

Amazon entered the Japanese market in 2000 and is a successful example of foreign companies in the field of e-commerce in Japan. Despite the highly developed retail industry in Japan, Amazon has won the market through localization strategy and continuous innovation. They not only provide services that meet the needs of Japanese consumers, such as convenience store pickup points, but also actively invest in Japan’s logistics infrastructure. The case of Amazon shows that even in the highly competitive service industry, foreign companies can achieve significant success as long as they can fully understand and adapt to the characteristics of the Japanese market.

2. Warning of failure cases

Walmart’s setbacks in Japan:

Walmart acquired Seiyu Supermarket in Japan in 2002, trying to replicate its successful model in Japan. However, due to its failure to fully understand Japanese consumer preferences and retail culture, Walmart suffered a serious setback in the Japanese market. For example, they underestimated the high requirements of Japanese consumers for product quality and service, and their large-scale procurement model was incompatible with Japan’s complex supply chain system. This case warns us that even global retail giants will find it difficult to succeed if they ignore the uniqueness of the Japanese market and the policy environment.

Uber’s woes in Japan:

Uber entered the Japanese market in 2013, but its ride-sharing service model encountered serious policy barriers. Japan’s strict taxi industry regulatory policies made Uber’s core business model unable to operate legally in Japan. Although Uber later turned to partnering with existing taxi companies, its market share remained limited. This case highlights the importance of understanding and complying with Japan’s industry-specific policies, and also illustrates the need to have enough patience and flexibility to adjust the business model when entering the highly regulated Japanese market.

Through the above cases, we can see that foreign companies that successfully enter the Japanese market often have the following characteristics: in-depth understanding of Japan’s policy environment, respect for local culture, flexible adjustment of business strategies, and establishment of good cooperative relations with local companies. On the contrary, companies that ignore the characteristics of the Japanese market and fail to fully adapt to local policies and culture often find it difficult to gain a foothold in the Japanese market. These lessons are undoubtedly of great reference value for foreign investors who plan to enter the Japanese market.

Future Outlook

1. Policy development trend forecast

Japan’s foreign investment access policy is expected to continue to develop in a more open and transparent direction. With the deepening of global economic integration, the Japanese government has realized the importance of attracting foreign investment to stimulate economic growth and promote technological innovation. In the next few years, we may see the following major trends:

• First, the entry threshold for high-tech fields may be further lowered. Japan is facing the challenges of an aging population and labor shortage, so the government may introduce more preferential policies in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, biomedicine, etc. to attract foreign high-tech companies and talents.
• Secondly, the degree of openness of the service industry is expected to be further improved. In particular, in the fields of medical care, education, finance, etc., we may see more deregulation measures to create more opportunities for foreign-funded enterprises.
• Furthermore, in order to cope with global climate change, the foreign investment access policy for environmental protection and new energy industries may become more relaxed. The Japanese government may encourage foreign investment to participate in the development of the green economy through various incentives.
• Finally, although the overall trend is toward openness, scrutiny may become more stringent in sensitive areas involving national security, reflecting changes in the global geopolitical situation and countries’ growing concerns about the security of critical infrastructure and technology.

2. Suggestions for foreign investors

Faced with Japan’s evolving foreign investment policy environment, foreign investors should adopt the following strategies:

• Stay vigilant and pay close attention to policy changes. Japan’s laws and regulations may be updated frequently, and investors should regularly check the latest official information or hire local legal advisors to ensure compliance at all times.
• Have a deep understanding of the specific policies of the target industry. The entry policies of different industries may vary greatly. Investors should conduct in-depth research on the areas they are interested in to understand the possible opportunities and challenges.
• Actively seek cooperation opportunities with local Japanese companies. By establishing joint ventures or strategic alliances, you can better understand and adapt to the Japanese market, and you may also enjoy more policy benefits.
• Focus on technological innovation and sustainable development. The Japanese government attaches great importance to these two aspects. If your investment project can bring advanced technology to Japan or promote sustainable development, it is likely to receive more support.
• Be prepared for long-term investment. Although the Japanese market has great potential, the entry threshold is high. Investors need to be patient and be prepared for long-term investment.
• Emphasis on localization strategy. Understanding and respecting Japanese business culture and social customs and cultivating local talents are crucial to success in the Japanese market.

In summary, Japan’s foreign investment access policy is moving towards a more open direction, but at the same time it is also balancing the relationship between openness and security. For foreign investors who intend to enter the Japanese market, opportunities and challenges coexist. Only by fully understanding policy trends and formulating appropriate strategies can we seize development opportunities and achieve business success in this world’s third largest economy.

Japan’s foreign investment access policy is a complex and dynamic system that reflects the country’s efforts to strike a balance between economic development and national security. Overall, Japan is gradually relaxing restrictions on foreign investment access, especially in high-tech, healthcare and environmental protection, to attract more international investment to promote economic innovation. However, in industries involving national security and critical infrastructure, there are still certain restrictions and strict review procedures.

For foreign investors who intend to enter the Japanese market, it is crucial to fully understand and comply with relevant policies and regulations. This includes not only being familiar with the overall foreign investment access framework, but also in-depth research on the specific regulations of specific industries. Investors should pay close attention to policy trends, as the Japanese government often adjusts relevant policies based on domestic and international situations.

At the same time, we also see that the Japanese government is constantly optimizing the investment environment, simplifying administrative procedures, and improving policy transparency. This has created a more friendly and predictable business environment for foreign investors. However, successfully entering the Japanese market requires not only compliance with policy requirements, but also understanding Japan’s business culture and formulating appropriate localization strategies.

Finally, we strongly recommend that companies and individuals who intend to invest in Japan should thoroughly study the specific policies of the relevant industries before making decisions. They can obtain the latest and most accurate information through official channels, industry associations, and even seek help from professional consulting agencies. Only by fully understanding the policy environment can we formulate the best market entry strategy and succeed in Japan, a market full of opportunities but also challenges.

The door to the Japanese market is gradually opening, but the key to success lies in detailed preparation and in-depth understanding. I hope this article can provide valuable guidance for your investment journey in Japan and help you open a new business chapter in this vibrant land.