Rocky Immigration Law OfficeUnderstanding Japan Through Law
From visas and statuses of residence to Japan's legal system: understanding Japan through the lens of law.
Setting Up a Company in Japan: Capital, Representative Directors and Proof of Contribution
Do you need ¥30 million to set up a company in Japan? Must the representative director live in Japan? How flexible is proof of contribution for a godo kaisha? Keeping company formation and the Business Manager status apart.
Understanding Japan Through Law Vol.10The Four-Month Business Manager Status: Still Her, but Not the One I Knew
The four-month Business Manager status was meant to give overseas founders time to set up a company in Japan. Since October 16, 2025, those four months mean something very different.
Understanding Japan Through Law Vol.9The Business Manager Status Is No Longer Just an Investor Visa
From "Investor/Business Manager" to "Business Manager" in 2014, to much stricter requirements from October 16, 2025: what matters now is whether you actually manage a business in Japan.
Understanding Japan Through Law Vol.8Do Japanese–Taiwanese Dual Nationals Have to Choose a Nationality?
"Japan doesn't recognize Taiwan, so you don't need to choose" is not accurate. Articles 14 to 16 of Japan's Nationality Act and the Ministry of Justice's explanations show the gap between the legal rule and practice.
Understanding Japan Through Law Vol.7Want to Stay in Japan Longer? Designated Activities No. 40 (Long Stay)
Designated Activities No. 40 lets qualifying foreign nationals stay in Japan for sightseeing and recreation for up to one year. The asset and insurance requirements, and what to watch for in the review.
Understanding Japan Through Law Vol.6Graduating in Japan? Designated Activities No. 46 as an Alternative
International students who graduate from a Japanese university and have high-level Japanese can consider Designated Activities No. 46, which allows a wider range of Japanese-language work than the usual work status.
Understanding Japan Through Law Vol.5Can You Switch From a Working Holiday to a Work Status Without Leaving Japan?
A working holiday in Japan is Designated Activities (Public Notice No. 5). If you find a full-time job, can you change status without leaving? Which countries can, and what is the reality for Taiwanese nationals?
Understanding Japan Through Law Vol.4Why Do People in Japan Care So Much About Not Bothering Others? Article 1 of the Civil Code
Article 1(1) of Japan's Civil Code: "Private rights must be congruent with the public welfare." Law does more than regulate behavior; it also reflects what a society values.
Understanding Japan Through Law Vol.3Japan Has No "Work Visa": Understanding the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Status
Japan has no official "work visa"; your status of residence depends on the work you do. What immigration examines for the most common work status, and why students and job-changers should plan early.
Understanding Japan Through Law Vol.2A Visa and a Status of Residence Are Not the Same Thing
People often say "I got my work visa," but under Japanese law a visa and a status of residence are two different things. Here is how the COE, the visa and the status of residence fit together.
Understanding Japan Through Law Vol.1"Right" or "Permission"? Permanent Residence and Japan's Status of Residence
In May 2026 a Japanese minister said Japan has "no right of permanent residence, only permission." The Immigration Control Act and the administrative-law idea of "permission" explain what the debate is really about.
* Our other series, on differences between Taiwanese and Japanese law, is in Chinese here.