Japan Business Resources

A major problem faced by foreign companies in Japan is the difficulty in obtaining clear and concise information in English. The following resources have been prepared by JTAX professionals to assist foreign companies doing business in Japan.

JTAX | Firm Brochure

Download JTAX’s firm brochure to learn more about JTAX’s history, management, and services.

JTAX GUIDES

JTAX GUIDES have been prepared by JTAX professionals to assist foreign companies doing business in Japan. The Guides cover areas of common concern to foreign companies in Japan including incorporating a company, establishing specific types of entity (Kabushiki Kaisha (“KK”), Godo Kaisha (“GK”), and Japan Representative Offices), Outsourcing Services, and Japan Payroll.


Guide to Incorporating a Company in Japan

Incorporating a local company is often one of the first tasks faced by foreign investors setting up in Japan. The JTAX | Guide to Incorporating in Japan describes the most popular entities (Kabushiki Kaisha (“KK”) and Godo Kaisha (“GK”)) and clearly sets out the questions that need to be answered before an incorporation can move ahead.

Setting up a Kabushiki Kaisha (“KK”) in Japan

The Kabushiki Kaisha (“KK”) is one of the oldest and most popular forms of doing business in Japan. The JTAX | Guide to Setting up a Kabushiki Kaisha (“KK”) in Japan outlines the main features of Kabushiki Kaisha (“KK”) and provides an overview of the benefits and disadvantages associated with this type of entity. The Guide also explains the most important pre-incorporation decisions that need to be made.

Setting up a Godo Kaisha (“GK”) in Japan

The Godo Kaisha (“GK”) is a relatively new form of doing business form in Japan. However, it has become quite popular, especially amongst US investors who may be able to utilize the IRS “check the box” rules.The JTAX | Guide to Setting up a Godo Kaisha (“GK”) in Japan describes the main characteristics of a Godo Kaisha (“GK”) along with the benefits and disadvantages of this type of entity. The Guide also lays out the important pre-incorporation decisions that need to be made.

Setting up a Japan Representative Office

A Japan Representative Office is an unregistered form of doing business in Japan.It can be very attractive to foreign companies that need to undertake only limited activities in Japan. The JTAX | Guide to Setting up a Japan Representative Office describes the scope of activities a Japan Representative Office can undertake along with the key issues that need to be decided prior to
establishment.

Japan Nominee Directors

Japan nominee directors have an increasingly important role in the Japan operations of many foreign companies. The JTAX | Japan Nominee Director Guide explains the role of nominee directors as well as the potential benefits of outsourcing the director role.

Japan Outsourcing Services

JTAX is a leading provider of outsourced tax, accounting, payroll, and bank account management / expense payment services. JTAX also offers outsourced Japan nominee directors and Japan work visas. The JTAX | Japan Outsourcing Services Guide explains why it makes sense to outsource in Japan and how JTAX can help.

Japan Virtual Office & Registered Address Solutions

JTAX is a leading provider of virtual office and registered address solutions to foreign companies in Japan. This Guide describes the general office related issues that foreign companies need to consider with respect to their Japan operation and provides details on how JTAX’s virtual office and registered address solutions fit in.

Japan Payroll & HR Guide

Payroll is one of the most important things to get right when setting up an operation in Japan. The JTAX | Japan Payroll Guide describes the basics of Japan payroll including the required company level registrations, statutory benefits, and tax returns for Japanese employees. The Guide also sets out the initial decisions you need to make as an employer.

ARTICLES

The following articles have been written by JTAX colleagues and former colleagues. They cover areas such as Japan tax updates, structuring investments in Japan, and director compensation.