AQ Partners Blog

Guide to office setup options for foreign companies in Japan. Covers virtual office legality, serviced offices, coworking spaces, commercial lease terms including key money and security deposits, regional cost comparison, and impact on bank account approval and visa sponsorship.

Practical guide to Japanese business culture for foreign companies. Covers meishi exchange protocol, meeting etiquette, indirect communication styles, nemawashi consensus decision-making, relationship building through after-work socializing, gift-giving conventions, and common cultural missteps.

Detailed cost breakdown for Japan market entry covering incorporation fees, recurring operating costs, office space by city, social insurance burden, and first-year total budget scenarios for solo founders, 5-person teams, and 20-person subsidiaries.

Month-by-month checklist for Japan market entry covering incorporation, bank account opening, tax registrations, social insurance enrollment, first hire, and year-end compliance. Includes step-by-step timeline from entity decision through first fiscal year-end.

How Japan's consumption tax applies to cross-border transactions. Covers zero-rated exports, import tax at customs, reverse charge on B2B digital services, B2C registration, and April 2025 platform taxation rules.

Complete guide to Japan's 10% consumption tax for foreign companies. Covers standard and reduced rates, registration thresholds, the Qualified Invoice System, input tax credits, filing deadlines, cross-border rules, and penalties.