Japan
Japan, officially known as the State of Japan, is an island nation located in East Asia, consisting of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, along with numerous smaller islands. The capital city is Tokyo. As the world's third-largest economy, Japan is renowned for its highly developed technology, advanced infrastructure, and stable social environment. With a population of approximately 125 million, the official language is Japanese. Its culture blends tradition and modernity, boasting a rich historical heritage and a globalized urban lifestyle.
Economic and Business Environment
In 2023, Japan's nominal GDP was approximately $4.2 trillion, ranking third in the world, behind only the United States and China.
- Japan has a large consumer market, with the total retail market amounting to approximately $1.4 trillion in 2022.
- There is particularly strong demand in the health, green technology, and high-end services sect
The government provides subsidies for foreign entrepreneurs, such as those from JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), which supports small and medium-sized enterprises. In 2022, JETRO assisted around 1,500 foreign companies in setting up their operations.
The minimum required capital for company registration is 5 million yen (approximately 35,000 USD), and office rental in Tokyo ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 yen per square meter per month.
Living Advantages
Economic and Business Landscape
Japan, officially known as Nippon-koku, is an island nation in East Asia made up of four main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—along with numerous smaller islands. Its capital is Tokyo. As the world’s third-largest economy, Japan is renowned for its advanced technology, cutting-edge infrastructure, and stable social environment. With a population of approximately 125 million, Japanese is the official language. Japan’s culture blends deep-rooted traditions with modern innovation, offering a unique lifestyle enriched by historical heritage and cosmopolitan urban living.
Stable Residency Pathway
- The initial validity of Japan’s Business Manager Visa is one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to 3–5 years. In 2022, approximately 5,000 individuals were granted this visa.
- Foreign nationals who continuously reside in Japan for 10 years—or as little as 5 years for qualified entrepreneurs—may apply for permanent residency. In 2023, Japan approved around 30,000 permanent residence applications.
World-Class Education Opportunities
- Visa holders can bring their spouse and minor children. In 2022, approximately 12,000 people were granted the "Family Stay Visa."
- International schools in Tokyo, such as American schools, enroll about 2,000 foreign students annually, providing excellent educational resources.
Geopolitical Advantage
- Japan is located just 2-3 hours by flight from China and South Korea, with approximately 200 weekly flights between Tokyo and Shanghai in 2023.
- The country enjoys political stability and is classified as a "low-risk" nation in the 2023 Global Risk Assessment.
