HAJIMELaunch JapanStart my roadmap
Menu
Business formation updates

What changed, who is affected, and what to do next.

A concise operational feed based on official sources. Material changes are checked manually each week; regulated interpretation stays with the appropriate professional.

Official sources linked at the point of useLast reviewed July 13, 2026Review cadence checked manually each weekBoundary coordination, not regulated advice
Current feed

Latest reviewed changes

Each published item receives a human source check before its status or founder impact is updated.

Monitoring

Revised Business Manager residence criteria are in effect

The Immigration Services Agency revised the criteria used for Business Manager applications, including capital, staffing, Japanese-language capacity, applicant experience, and business-plan confirmation.

Affects: Founders whose Japan launch depends on Business Manager status, including certain renewals.
View
Upcoming

Business Manager transitional handling reaches its review point

Official guidance describes transitional handling for some people already holding Business Manager status before the revised criteria took effect. That transition is time-limited.

Affects: Existing Business Manager status holders whose renewals may rely on transitional treatment.
View
New

JETRO refreshed its four-part setup guidance

JETRO states that its incorporation, residence, tax, and human-resource guidance was updated for legal revisions made during fiscal 2025.

Affects: Foreign founders and companies using older setup checklists or saved guidance.
View
Monitoring

English tax-notification guidance may not reflect current Japanese rules

The National Tax Agency says its English notification guidance is reference material based on notifications as of November 30, 2020 and directs users to the Japanese originals for current validity.

Affects: Founders relying on English tax forms or filing instructions after incorporation.
View