Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:30:53 +0900WeeblyFri, 12 Jun 2026 10:27:19 GMThttp://www.nmedium.jp/blog/key-points-for-preparing-a-business-plan-for-the-business-manager-visa-in-japanWhat Foreign Business Owners Should PrepareThink of It Not as a “Document for a Visa,” but as a “Business Plan for Continuing Your Business in Japan”For foreign business owners operating a company in Japan, obtaining or renewing the “Business Manager” status of residence is extremely important.

Among the required documents, the business plan is not just a supporting document.What the Immigration Services Agency looks at includes the following points:
“Is this business actually being conducted in Japan?”
“Can the business continue to generate sales and profit?”
“Is the business owner actually managing the company?”
For this reason, a business plan should not only describe your dream or business idea. It must provide a concrete, realistic, and numbers-based explanation.
1. Explain Not Only “What You Do,” but Also “Who Your Customers Are” and “Why They Choose You”In many business plans, the explanation stops at statements such as:
“I will operate a restaurant.”
“I will run an import/export business.”
“I will provide consulting services.”

However, this alone does not clearly show the actual business activities or future potential of the business.
It is important to explain the following points in detail:
・Who your customers are
・What problems or needs your customers have
・Why your products or services are chosen
・How your business is different from competitors
・How you will attract customers and make sales

For example, if you plan to run a restaurant, it is not enough to say, “I will open a foreign cuisine restaurant.” You should also explain the location, target customers, price range, menu features, nearby competitors, and how you will encourage repeat customers.

2. Your Sales Plan Needs Evidence, Not Just HopeOne of the most important parts of a business plan is the sales plan.
It is not enough to simply write, “Sales will be 10 million yen in the first year and 20 million yen in the second year.”
You need to explain why those sales can realistically be achieved.
For example, you can break down the sales plan as follows:
・What is the average spending per customer?
・How many customers will you acquire each month?
・What sales channels will you use?
・Do you already have existing or potential customers?
・Do you have expected contracts, inquiries, or referral routes?
Sales figures become more convincing when they are explained using “quantity × unit price.”
Example:
50 customers per month × average spending of 20,000 yen = monthly sales of 1 million yen
In this way, it is important to create a plan that clearly shows how sales will be generated.

3. Consider Expenses and Cash Flow RealisticallyA business cannot continue on sales alone.
You need to accurately estimate monthly expenses such as rent, personnel costs, purchasing costs, advertising expenses, professional fees, taxes, and social insurance premiums.
For the Business Manager visa, the continuity of the business is especially important.
Therefore, it is useful to include the following items in your plan:
・Rent for an office or store
・Executive compensation
・Salaries if you hire employees
・Social insurance and labor insurance premiums
・Advertising expenses
・Costs for obtaining licenses or permits, if required
・Working capital until sales become stable after starting the business

If it will take time before the business becomes profitable, you also need to explain how you will cover the loss-making period.

4. Clarify the Role of the Business OwnerFor the Business Manager visa, it is important that the foreign national is actually engaged in business management or administration.

If most of the business is outsourced and the business owner does not sufficiently understand the business details, customers, income and expenses, or employee management, the actual management activity may appear weak.

In the business plan, you should clearly explain what the business owner will be responsible for.

For example:
・Deciding the business strategy
・Developing customers
・Negotiating with business partners
・Managing finances
・Hiring and training staff
・Managing service quality
・Developing products or services for the Japanese market

It is also important to explain:
“Why am I doing this business in Japan?”
“How will my experience and strengths contribute to this business?”

5. For Visa Renewal, Immigration Looks Not Only at the Plan, but Also at Results and ImprovementsWhen renewing the Business Manager visa, Immigration will check whether the business is progressing according to the original business plan and whether actual business activities are being carried out.

Even if sales have not grown as planned, this does not automatically mean the situation is negative.

What matters is whether you have analyzed the reasons and can explain your improvement measures.
For example, you should organize the following points:
・The difference between the original plan and actual results
・The reasons sales did not reach the target
・Sales and marketing activities actually carried out
・Customer responses and feedback
・Future improvement measures
・Sales forecast for the next fiscal year
・Cash flow outlook

It is not enough to simply say, “The business did not go well.”
You need to show that, as a business owner, you understand the current situation and are taking the next steps.

6. Taxes, Social Insurance, and Licenses Are Also Part of ManagementFor the Business Manager visa, it is important not only to explain the business itself, but also to show that the company is properly fulfilling its obligations.

Tax filing and payment, social insurance and labor insurance procedures, and obtaining necessary licenses or permits are all matters that business owners must manage.

Especially at the time of renewal, financial statements, tax payment status, and the status of social insurance and labor insurance procedures may be checked.

From the stage of preparing the business plan, it is important to think of it not only as:
“A plan to generate sales,”
but also as:
“A plan to operate the company properly.”
Conclusion: A Business Plan Is Not Just a Document to Submit to ImmigrationA business plan for the Business Manager visa is not merely a formal document.
It is an important document that explains whether the business can continue in Japan and whether the business owner is truly managing the company.

A good business plan includes the following elements:
・The business content is concrete
・The target customers are clear
・The sales plan is supported by evidence
・Expenses and cash flow are realistic
・The role of the business owner is clear
・For renewal, actual results and improvement measures are explained

As a certified SME management consultant in Japan, I support foreign business owners in preparing business plans that help them continue their businesses in Japan.

Let us work together to organize your plan not simply as:
“A plan for a visa,”
but as:
“A plan to grow your business in Japan.”
Please consult an administrative scrivener or other qualified professional regarding procedures for status of residence applications and the preparation of application documents to be submitted to government offices. As a certified SME management consultant, our office mainly supports the organization of business content, financial plans, market potential, and business feasibility.

経営管理ビザの事業計画書で大切なポイント｜外国人経営者が準備すべきこと
―「ビザのための書類」ではなく、「日本で事業を続けるための計画書」として考える―日本で会社を経営する外国人経営者にとって、在留資格「経営・管理」の取得や更新はとても重要です。
その中でも、事業計画書は単なる添付書類ではありません。
入管が見ているのは、
「この事業は本当に日本で行われるのか」
「継続して売上・利益を出せるのか」
「経営者本人が実際に経営しているのか」
という点です。
そのため、事業計画書では、夢やアイデアだけでなく、具体的で、現実的で、数字に基づいた説明が必要になります。
1. 事業内容は「何をするか」だけでなく「誰に、なぜ選ばれるか」まで書くよくある事業計画書では、
「飲食店を経営します」
「貿易事業を行います」
「コンサルティングを提供します」
という説明で止まっていることがあります。
しかし、それだけでは事業の実態や将来性が伝わりません。
大切なのは、次のような点を具体的に書くことです。
・誰がお客様なのか
・そのお客様はどんな課題を持っているのか
・自社の商品・サービスはなぜ選ばれるのか
・競合他社との違いは何か
・どのように集客・販売するのか
たとえば、飲食店であれば「外国料理店を開く」だけではなく、立地、客層、価格帯、メニューの特徴、周辺競合、リピーター獲得方法まで説明する必要があります。
2. 売上計画は「希望」ではなく「根拠」が必要事業計画書で特に重要なのが売上計画です。
「1年目は売上1,000万円、2年目は2,000万円」と書くだけでは不十分です。
なぜその売上が達成できるのかを説明する必要があります。
たとえば、次のように分解して考えます。
・客単価はいくらか
・月に何人の顧客を獲得するのか
・どの販売チャネルを使うのか
・既存顧客や見込み顧客はいるのか
・契約予定、問い合わせ、紹介ルートはあるのか
売上は、できるだけ「数量 × 単価」で説明すると説得力が出ます。
例：
月間顧客数50人 × 平均単価20,000円 ＝ 月商100万円
このように、売上の作り方が見える計画にすることが大切です。
3. 経費と資金繰りを現実的に考える事業は売上だけでは続きません。
家賃、人件費、仕入、広告費、専門家費用、税金、社会保険料など、毎月の支出を正確に見込む必要があります。
特に経営管理ビザでは、事業の継続性が重要です。
そのため、以下のような点も計画に入れておくとよいです。
・事務所や店舗の賃料
・役員報酬
・従業員を雇用する場合の給与
・社会保険料・労働保険料
・広告宣伝費
・許認可が必要な事業の場合の取得費用
・開業後、売上が安定するまでの運転資金
黒字になるまでに時間がかかる事業では、赤字期間をどの資金で乗り越えるのかも説明が必要です。
4. 経営者本人の役割を明確にする経営管理ビザでは、外国人本人が実際に経営または管理を行うことが重要です。
事業のほとんどを外部に任せていて、本人が事業内容、顧客、収支、従業員管理を十分に把握していない場合、経営者としての活動実態が弱いと見られる可能性があります。
事業計画書では、経営者本人が何を担当するのかを明確にしましょう。
たとえば、次のような内容です。
・経営方針の決定
・顧客開拓
・取引先との交渉
・資金管理
・採用・人材育成
・サービス品質の管理
・日本市場向けの商品開発
「自分がなぜこの事業を日本で行うのか」
「自分の経験や強みがどのように事業に活かされるのか」
を説明することも大切です。
5. 更新時は「計画」だけでなく「実績」と「改善」が見られる経営管理ビザの更新では、最初に提出した事業計画どおりに進んでいるか、実際に事業活動を行っているかが見られます。
もし計画どおりに売上が上がっていない場合でも、すぐに悪いということではありません。
大切なのは、原因を分析し、改善策を説明することです。
たとえば、次のように整理します。
・当初計画と実績の差
・売上が未達だった理由
・実際に行った営業活動
・顧客からの反応
・今後の改善策
・次年度の売上見込み
・資金繰りの見通し
「うまくいきませんでした」で終わるのではなく、経営者として現状を把握し、次の対策を考えていることを示す必要があります。
6. 税金・社会保険・許認可も経営の一部経営管理ビザでは、事業の内容だけでなく、会社としての義務を適切に果たしているかも重要です。
税金の申告・納付、社会保険や労働保険の手続き、必要な許認可の取得などは、経営者として必ず管理すべき事項です。
特に更新時には、決算書や納税状況、社会保険・労働保険の手続き状況などが確認されることがあります。
事業計画書を作る段階から、
「売上を作る計画」
だけでなく、
「会社を正しく運営する計画」
として考えることが大切です。
まとめ：事業計画書は、入管に提出するためだけの書類ではありません経営管理ビザの事業計画書は、単なる形式的な書類ではありません。
日本で事業を継続できるか、経営者として本当に事業を運営しているかを説明するための重要な資料です。
良い事業計画書には、次の要素があります。
・事業内容が具体的である
・ターゲット顧客が明確である
・売上計画に根拠がある
・経費と資金繰りが現実的である
・経営者本人の役割が明確である
・更新時には実績と改善策が説明されている
私は中小企業診断士として、外国人経営者の方が日本で事業を続けていくための事業計画づくりを支援しています。
「ビザのための計画書」ではなく、
「日本で事業を成長させるための計画書」
として、一緒に整理していきましょう。
※在留資格の申請手続きや官公署に提出する申請書類の作成については、行政書士などの専門家にご相談ください。当事務所では、中小企業診断士として、事業内容・収支計画・市場性・実現可能性の整理を中心に支援しています。
検索キーワード
経営管理ビザ 事業計画書、経営管理ビザ 更新、外国人経営者 支援、外国人 起業 日本、Business Manager Visa Japan、business plan Japan visa]]>Sat, 14 Jun 2025 14:06:57 GMThttp://www.nmedium.jp/blog/starting-a-business-in-japanKey Points for Foreigners to Successfully Start a Business in Japan

Introduction
For foreigners considering starting a business in Japan, language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of understanding of local regulations can be major challenges. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, these hurdles can be overcome, paving the way for a successful business. This article provides clear and useful information for foreign entrepreneurs, including how to obtain the appropriate visa, steps for setting up a company, how to create a strong business plan, how to adapt to Japan’s business culture, and real-world success stories.

Required Visa Status for Starting a Business in Japan
To start a business in Japan, foreigners must obtain an appropriate visa. The most common type is the "Business Manager" visa. To obtain this visa, the following conditions must generally be met (new rules apply effective October 16-):

• Securing a physical office space in Japan to operate the business
• Having at least 30 million yen in capital/Japanese language skill
• MBA or higher educational degree
• Hire at least one Japanese speaking employee (Japanese national or permanent visa holder)
• Preparing a stable and sustainable business plan

When applying, you will also need to register your company and submit your business plan. Consulting with a professional such as an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) can help streamline the process. To support entrepreneurs during the preparation phase, many local governments now offer Startup Visas, allowing applicants to stay in Japan temporarily while meeting the requirements for the full Business Manager visa.

Company Registration Procedures and Key Points
To legally establish a company in Japan, the following steps are typically required:

1. Choose the type of company (e.g., Corporation, LLC)
2. Prepare and notarize the articles of incorporation
3. Deposit the initial capital
4. Register the company at the Legal Affairs Bureau
5. Submit necessary notifications to the tax office, pension office, and others

Foreign entrepreneurs may face stricter identity verification when opening a bank account or registering a personal seal. It is also important to pay close attention to the timing and order of company registration and visa acquisition.

How to Create a Successful Business Plan
A solid business plan is essential when applying for a visa or seeking financing. Make sure your plan includes the following points:

• Clear explanation of your business (products or services offered)
• Concrete market analysis (target audience, competitors, needs)
• Realistic sales forecasts and funding plan
• Description of your background and strengths as the entrepreneur

Including data-driven evidence and reliable supporting documents can greatly enhance the credibility of your business plan.

Adapting to Japan’s Business Environment and Culture
Japan’s business culture includes the following key characteristics:

• High value placed on etiquette and formality (e.g., exchanging business cards, proper greetings)
• Strong emphasis on honoring commitments and deadlines
• Indirect communication and reliance on unspoken social cues

Understanding these cultural norms is crucial to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts. Learning basic Japanese and partnering with trustworthy local advisors or Japanese collaborators can also be a major advantage.

Success Stories
Here are two real-life examples of foreign entrepreneurs who successfully started businesses in Japan:
Case: IT Company Founder from India
Mr. A from India established an AI development company in Japan. By thoroughly analyzing local market needs and partnering with Japanese firms, his company exceeded 100 million yen in revenue within three years. He has built a trusted team of Japanese staff and earned a solid reputation.
Case: Restaurant Owner from China
Ms. B from China opened an authentic Chinese restaurant in Tokyo. Through community-based service and strategic use of social media, she successfully attracted customers. She is now considering expanding through franchising.

Conclusion
​To succeed as a foreign entrepreneur in Japan, it is essential to focus on several key areas. Securing the appropriate visa, completing the proper company registration steps, crafting a high-quality business plan, and understanding Japanese business culture are all critical. With accurate knowledge and thorough preparation, starting a business in Japan is certainly within reach. Let this article serve as your guide as you take the first step toward your entrepreneurial journey.

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