Business & Entrepreneurship

Government & Trade Organizations

JETRO - Japan External Trade Organization. Promotes trade and investment, with extensive resources for foreign businesses entering the Japanese market.
JETRO Regional Investment - Regional navigator for business opportunities and incentives across different parts of Japan.
METI - Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Covers economic policy, business regulations, and industry standards.
ACCJ - American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Networking, advocacy, and events for American businesses and professionals.

Freee - Most popular cloud accounting and company-incorporation software in Japan. Has online company setup wizard.
MoneyForward Business - Major rival to Freee with similar tools for accounting, payroll, and invoicing.
Smart HR - Most popular HR/payroll platform for small Japanese businesses.
BeHere Asia: Making It in Japan - Practical 8-step guide to starting a business in Japan as a foreigner.
ScaleNL Japan - Dutch embassy initiative helping startups enter the Japanese market.
ScaleNL Programs - Startup visa programs available across 17 municipalities in Japan.

Japan Management Consulting - Guides on Japanese corporate law, company formation, and compliance.
Shinshu Services, Inc. - Business consulting services focused on the Nagano/Shinshu region.
Japanese Law Translation - Official English translations of Japanese employment and business laws. Very helpful for understanding your legal obligations.

JAFCO Co., Ltd. - One of Japan's largest venture capital firms, investing in early-stage and growth companies.

Invest Kobe - Business setup resources, incentives, and support for companies looking to establish in Kobe.
Kyoto One-Stop Business Center - 2025 PDF guide for foreign entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Kyoto.
Small Business Promotion Agency - Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center, offering consulting and resources for small businesses.
Kyushu Fixers - Logistical support for foreign companies with short-term projects in Kyushu.

Cybozu Mailwise Column - Japanese business email etiquette and workplace communication tips. In Japanese, but useful for understanding office norms.

How to Start a Business in Japan 2025 - Video walkthrough covering the basics of company formation, visas, and costs.
Start a Company and Get Business Manager Visa - Covers the process of founding a company and obtaining the Business Manager visa.