← JapanJapan · Market entry & compliance
Japan market entry & compliance
Establish in Japan with the right entity, local presence, and privacy compliance.
Market context
Foreign companies typically enter Japan through a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or the simpler Godo Kaisha (GK); a branch office is also possible. Banking, contracts, and hiring generally expect a local entity and a Japanese-speaking point of contact, and business customs place weight on trust and thorough documentation.
Japan's privacy law (APPI) governs personal data with its own consent and cross-border-transfer rules. Consumption tax and the qualified-invoice system affect billing. Localization — language, support, and payment methods — strongly influences adoption.
Our approach
- Recommend KK vs GK vs branch for your model
- Plan registration, banking, and local representation
- Address APPI privacy and cross-border transfer
- Set consumption-tax and qualified-invoice handling
What you get
- Entity & setup roadmap
- APPI compliance baseline
- Tax & invoicing plan
FAQ
- KK or GK?
- GK is cheaper and simpler; KK carries more prestige and is often preferred for fundraising or larger operations. We advise based on your goals.
- Do I need a local representative?
- In practice, usually yes — banking, contracts, and trust generally require a local presence and a Japanese-language contact.
- What is APPI?
- Japan's personal-data protection law, with its own consent and cross-border transfer requirements distinct from GDPR.
Ready to move your expansion forward?
Tell us your target markets, industry, and timeline — we'll give you a clear first step.