#WorkVisa

Government tightens requirements for Business Management Visas

Sapporo introduces engineer visa

Startup Visas in Japan: what’s new in 2025

At Blackbox, we've previously written about Japan’s Startup Visa, a visa program that smooths the way for foreign entrepreneurs interested in launching a business in Japan. Until recently, this visa was only available in selected cities, and was valid for only an initial six months.

Shibuya: The Gateway to Tokyo's Startup Success

When you think of Shibuya, images of the famous Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue might come to mind. Yet beneath its reputation as a youth culture mecca and tourist destination, Shibuya is rapidly emerging as one of Japan's most dynamic startup ecosystems, with a distinct focus on diversity and global scope.

Startup Ecosystem in Yokohama City

Yokohama City has built a diverse ecosystem that provides support to both domestic and international entrepreneurs and startups, making it an attractive city, especially for foreign entrepreneurs.

Hamamatsu: where innovation and quality living come together

Hamamatsu is the birthplace of globally recognized companies like Yamaha, Kawai, Roland, Suzuki, and Hamamatsu Photonics, the city has left an impressive mark on industries ranging from musical instruments to optics and automobiles.

Nagoya: where the start-up era meets innovation and craftsmanship

Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture, which lies right in the center of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Aichi Prefecture is an economic powerhouse, second only to Tokyo in terms of GDP and per capita income, and is the host to a nascent start-up boom.

Startup Ecosystem in Fukuoka

Fukuoka is emerging as one of Japan’s top startup cities, offering strong support for foreign entrepreneurs, affordable living, and a vibrant business ecosystem. With startup visas, incubators, and global connectivity, it’s an ideal base for innovation and growth.

Fukuoka: A city connected to the world

Japan is a distinctively shaped nation; a gracefully curving archipelago that is considerably longer than it is wide. As a result, its major cities form a chain along the length of the country, connected by highways and the tracks of the famous shinkansen bullet train. Fukuoka City is the westernmost of these metropolises, located on the island of Kyushu.

Supporting International Startup Expansion - Mr. Ono from Fukuoka Growth Next Global Business Support

At Fukuoka's startup support facility "Fukuoka Growth Next," the Global Business Support (GBS) team works towards attracting international startups and helping local startups expand overseas. We spoke with Mr. Ono, who serves as a startup support concierge while being an entrepreneur himself, about Fukuoka City's startup support ecosystem.

How to: Start a Business in Japan

Whether you are relocating your business or establishing a new company, Japan is an exciting place to develop, and a fantastic market to expand into. With the world's third largest GDP, the Japanese economy boasts stability and high growth potential.

Foreign entrepreneurs double in one year

Startup Visa in Japan

You have an idea for a business, but you haven't taken the first step yet? That's okay! There is a chance to come to Japan and start a business. The “Startup Visa” is a new visa category that will help you realize your dreams.

Renewing your visa status can be done entirely on your smartphone

Fukuoka City sets sights on attracting digital nomads

Hokkaido's startup ecosystem: support, visas, and networking

Hokkaido offers affordable living, stunning natural beauty, and a supportive startup ecosystem for foreign entrepreneurs. With a dedicated Startup Visa, STARTUP HOKKAIDO provides assistance in English, networking events, and a hub ("Shakouba Young") connecting startups, investors, and local businesses. Ideal for startups aiming to grow globally!

Osaka's startup ecosystem: support, visas, and networking

Clarify the ecosystem of Osaka, a city with affordable living costs, excellent business support, and active startup events.

Japanese Government introduces measures to attract foreign angel investors

Japanese visa requirements ease to support foreign entrepreneurs

Foreign employment resource draws enthusiastic attention