The Japanese economy continues to recover steadily from last year’s slump that was caused by the sales tax hike in April.

Seasonally adjusted in indices of industrial activity

There are five corporate entities to choose from when starting up in Japan.

A foreign individual wishing to start a business in Japan can do so either as sole proprietor (kojin jigyo) or by setting up a company.

A branch office may begin business operations after registering its establishment with the Legal Affairs Bureau; branch offices of foreign companies must register in accordance with the registration requirements for Japanese corporations of most similar form to that of the foreign company. 

This site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Japan. 

In Japan, permanent resident taxpayers are taxed on their worldwide income. Non-resident taxpayers are taxed only on their Japan-sourced income.

The Sales Tax Rate in Japan stands at 8 percent. Sales Tax Rate in Japan averaged 5.60 percent from 2006 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 8 percent in 2014 and a record low of 5 percent in 2007. Sales Tax Rate in Japan is reported by the National Tax Agency Japan.

In Japan, the equivalent of VAT or GST is known as Consumption Tax (‘CT’), and was introduced in January 1989. It is similar to the European Union’s VAT system

The Corporate Tax Rate in Japan stands at 33.06 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Japan averaged 43.42 percent from 1993 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 52.40 percent in 1994 and a record low of 33.06 percent in 2015. Corporate Tax Rate in Japan is reported by the National Tax Agency Japan.

A foreign corporation is taxed only on its Japan-source income.

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Japan stands at 50.84 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in Japan averaged 50.15 percent from 2004 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 50.84 percent in 2013 and a record low of 50 percent in 2005. Personal Income Tax Rate in Japan is reported by the National Tax Agency Japan.

A visa is NOT necessary for US passport holders visiting Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days with the purpose of tourism and business. *

Visitors to Japan from most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, North America and Singapore are usually issued a 90 day tourist visa for Japan on each entry to the country (see below). Holders of a valid HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) passport also are granted visa-free access to enter Japan for tourism and short-term visits up to 90 days.

Japan currently possesses one of the most advanced communication networks in the world.

Japan has an efficient public transportation network, especially within metropolitan areas and between the large cities.

A complete guide to public transportation

Japan’s telecommunications sector is one of the most developed markets in the world. Moving towards 2016 Japan’s market is served by three multi-service operators offering fixed-line telephony, fixed broadband Internet access, mobile voice telephony, mobile broadband Internet access and pay TV services. – See more at: http://www.budde.com.au/Research/Japan-Key-Statistics-Telecom-Market-Regulatory-Overview-and-Forecasts.html#sthash.zxJvNjNA.dpuf

Japanese labour law is established within this constitutional framework. It is elaborated by acts, ordinances, collective agreements and work rules. The Civil Code adopted on 27 April 1896 gives a basic definition of employment contracts. Labour laws must additionally meet constitutional demands by setting minimum labour standards. 

Conditions of employment must be clearly set out in the employment agreement or in supplementary rules

Workers’ accident compensation insurance is a government insurance program in Japan. It pays benefits to workers (or their survivors) if the insured worker suffers injury, illness, or death due to circumstances related to his or her work related duties or commuting. 

Japan´s social security system ensures that employees laid off or injured at work have access to funds for support.

Correct manners are very important among the Japanese. Also as a foreigner in Japan you should be familiar with at least the most basic rules

US Department of State – Go to Safety and Security for updates from the Japanese government

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and while at times many Japanese do not speak English, most people are extremely hospitable and will go out of their way to help travelers find their way around

The dos and don’ts of business etiquette in Japan

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

Despite the reputation Japan has as a country with an exorbitantly high cost of living for expats, it is quite possible to live a good life without breaking the bank.

The Japanese educational system was reformed after World War II. The old 6-5-3-3 system was changed to a 6-3-3-4 system (6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years of senior high school and 4 years of University) with reference to the American system. The gimukyoiku (compulsory education) time period is 9 years, 6 in shougakkou (elementary school) and 3 in chuugakkou (junior high school).

International schools are one of the most popular options for expat families considering education for their children in Japan. 

Free state-run education is available for the children of all Swedish residents, regardless of nationality. Schools are run by local authorities but follow a national curriculum and are subject to government inspections.

Schedule of national and bank holidays and observances

Public holidays for 2016

The weather in Japan is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons

Except for the Hokkaido area and the subtropical Okinawa region, the weather in Japan is mostly temperate, with four distinct seasons.

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

The demographic features of the population of Japan include population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects regarding the population.

Any person wishing to IMPORT goods must declare them to the Director-General of Customs and obtain an import permit after necessary examination of the goods concerned. 

EXPORTERS must declare to the Director-General of Customs the nature of the goods as well as the quantity, price, and any other necessary particulars. An export permit must also be obtained after the necessary physical examination. 

Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

The Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) is a trade agreement currently being negotiated by 25 members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), including the EU.

Housing should be one of the first things a person must start looking for when he reaches Japan.

Japan offers a wide range of accommodation types in both Japanese and Western styles, including some unconventional forms such as capsule hotels and temple lodgings. Rates range from less than 2,000 yen per person in a dormitory to over 50,000 yen per person in a first class hotel or ryokan.

Expert picks for your Japan vacation, including hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, top attractions, and more.

Japan Tourism: TripAdvisor has 2,539,036 reviews of Japan Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Japan resource