Japan's Business Manager Visa Applications Plunge 96%

May 08, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Applications for Japan’s "Business Manager" residency status, which is granted to foreign entrepreneurs launching businesses in the country, have fallen by approximately 96% following the tightening of screening standards introduced in October last year.

The "Business Manager Visa" allows foreign nationals to establish and operate companies in Japan, but concerns had grown over cases in which paper companies were created and used as a means of improper migration.

In response, the government strengthened the requirements for obtaining the residency status in October 2025.

Under the revised rules, the minimum required capital was raised from 5 million yen to 30 million yen, while applicants are now also required to employ full-time staff members and meet additional operational standards.

According to interviews with Justice Ministry officials, the number of new applications averaged roughly 1,700 per month during the five months before the stricter rules were introduced, but dropped to around 70 applications per month during the following five-month period, representing a decline of about 96%.

Justice Ministry officials said that many of the applicants approved since the changes took effect have been executive-level figures from listed companies.

At the same time, concerns are growing among some long-term foreign business operators in Japan, who warn that the stricter requirements, including the sharp increase in minimum capital, could effectively force some entrepreneurs to leave the country.

Source: TBS

Tropical Depression Brings New Heavy Rain Threat to Southern Japan

A tropical depression is expected to move northward this weekend and could bring another round of heavy rain to parts of Japan, following a week in which Typhoon Jangmi (Typhoon No. 6) caused significant rainfall and left some areas vulnerable to further weather-related damage.

Controversy Erupts Over Prime Minister Takaichi’s Alleged Smear Video

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration is facing mounting scrutiny over allegations that members of her campaign were involved in distributing online videos that disparaged rival candidates during the February House of Representatives election, with opposition parties intensifying their questioning in the Diet and demanding further clarification.

Japan Calls for Next Generation Hunters; Bear Sightings Exceed 50,000

The Japanese government approved its 2026 Environment White Paper at a Cabinet meeting on June 5th, warning that a record-high 50,000-plus bear sightings recorded nationwide during fiscal 2025 have become a serious threat to public safety while also highlighting growing concerns over Japan's aging hunting population and the need to train a new generation of hunters.

28 Typhoons Expected to Hit Japan in 2026

Japan could face a more active typhoon season than usual in 2026, with private weather forecaster Weathernews predicting around 28 typhoons to form during the year—above the long-term average of 25.1—and warning that approximately 14 could approach Japan, increasing the risk of weather-related disruptions across the country.

Mad Bear On The Loose Despite Hit With Tranquilizer

A bear that injured four people in Fukushima City escaped despite efforts to capture it using tranquilizer darts and box traps, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain on high alert.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Former Momuri President Faces Two-Year Prison Term Over Illegal Referrals

A court is set to hand down its verdict on August 28th in the trial of former Momuri president Shinji Tanimoto and his wife Shiori, who are accused of violating Japan's Attorney Act by illegally referring clients of the retirement agency service to lawyers.

Japan Household Spending Falls for Fifth Straight Month

Japan's household spending fell for the fifth consecutive month in April, highlighting continued pressure on consumers as rising prices and growing concerns over instability in the Middle East weighed on household budgets.

Yamada and Edion Create 2.5 Trillion Yen Retail Giant

Japan's largest electronics retailer, Yamada Holdings, and Osaka-based Edion announced on June 5th that they have agreed to integrate their businesses, creating a group with annual sales of approximately 2.5 trillion yen as competition in the consumer electronics industry intensifies and companies seek new ways to boost growth in a shrinking domestic market.

Japan's Real Wages Rise for Fourth Straight Month

Japan's real wages rose 1.9% in April from a year earlier, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth and the longest stretch of positive gains in about five years as this year's spring labor-management wage negotiations began feeding through into workers' paychecks.

Nissan Begins Taking Orders for U.S.-Built Murano SUV in Japan

Nissan Motor has begun accepting orders in Japan for the Murano sport utility vehicle, which is produced in the United States, marking one of the first uses of a new vehicle certification framework established following a tariff agreement between Japan and the United States.

Uber Targets New Users With Ride-Hailing Discounts

Uber Japan unveiled its latest strategy for its mobility business, including its taxi-hailing app operations, as the company seeks to expand its presence in a market where ride-hailing app usage remains lower than in many other countries.

U.S. Proposes 12.5% Additional Tariff on Japan

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced on June 2nd that it is considering imposing an additional 12.5% tariff on Japan, arguing that the country's measures to prevent the import of products made with forced labor are insufficient.

Foreign Workers Become Vital to Okinawa's Economy

As labor shortages deepen across Japan, more companies in Okinawa are turning to foreign workers not only to fill vacancies but also to build long-term careers, creating support systems that help employees settle into local communities and remain in the workforce.

< 2 3 4 5 >