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Cracking the Japanese Market: How One-Stop Is Helping Startups Overcome New Visa Barriers
For Taiwanese startups looking at Japan, 2025 is a year of dramatic change. The Japanese government has tightened its Business Manager Visa rules, raising requirements for capital, experience, language ability, and demanding that business plans pass professional review.
With higher barriers, many small teams are rethinking their strategies. The Business Manager Visa is still the gold standard, as it gives you residency and makes practical matters like banking and company setup much smoother.
Masataka Keireiji, former Deloitte innovation head and founder of One-Stop, believes there are ways forward. He points out that you can establish a Japanese business and start commercial activities even without the visa. What really holds founders back is opening a bank account, securing a credible business address, and handling complex cross-border procedures.
Japan’s Business Visa Becomes Much Tougher
New rules mean that founders must now show 30 million yen (approximately 200,000 US dollars) in capital and hire at least one Japanese national or permanent resident. Language skills are required and applicants need either three years of management experience or a relevant master’s degree. Every business plan also has to pass a certified review.
Even setting visas aside, foreign founders face plenty of headaches. Japanese banks often refuse accounts for new foreign-led companies, even if all paperwork is complete. Renting office space is hard without a local credit record. Strict labor laws mean it is risky for startups to adjust staff after hiring.
Given all this, having the right local support is essential for any overseas startup trying to enter Japan.
Setting Up Remotely Is Now Possible
Keireiji encourages founders not to worry about visas too early. If you do not need to live in Japan right away, he recommends setting up your company remotely first, validating your business, and only applying for a visa once your company is generating real results.
One-Stop makes this process much easier. Their AI-powered platform and local team help startups fill out documents in English, then generate everything required under Japanese law. The local staff coordinate registration and all government paperwork on your behalf.
Bank accounts are the hardest step. One-Stop can serve as a guarantor to help build trust with banks and increase your chances. When banks see a reputable local firm supporting you, they are more likely to say yes. This greatly reduces uncertainty and speeds up your launch.
Once your company is legally registered and has a bank account, it is far easier to work with Japanese clients and partners. As Keireiji says, as long as your business can transact professionally and support customers locally, most doors are open. One-Stop also provides ongoing support for hiring, payroll, and business development as you grow.
Lean Strategies Help Startups Find Their Footing
Keireiji suggests that smaller startups should begin with a lightweight approach. Establish your legal presence and start customer outreach before investing in visas or relocating. If the market response is positive, you can expand, apply for a visa, or move your team to Japan later.
For well-funded teams with concrete plans, the full visa route is still valid. But for most early-stage startups, starting remote and building gradually is often more practical and cost-effective under Japan’s new rules.
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