Public comments have already been collected, and the details of the revised requirements are being finalized. Following its first report on August 4, the Asahi Shimbun published a second report on September 11, indicating that stricter measures are in the final stages of adjustment. These changes will significantly impact foreigners who wish to start a business and reside in Japan. This is a preliminary report for urgent notice. Please note that the following content is not an official announcement by public authorities but excerpts from media reports, and remains at the reporting stage.

Regarding the residence status “Business Manager,” which is necessary for foreigners to establish businesses in Japan, the Immigration Services Agency plans to implement the revised ordinance in mid-October. At the end of August, the Agency announced a draft revision of ministerial ordinances that would raise capital and investment requirements by sixfold, but even stricter measures are now under consideration. A report from the Minister of Justice on foreign policy reform also pointed out the need to ease “friction.”

Specifically, final adjustments are being made to require either the applicant or one full-time employee to have “considerable Japanese language proficiency.” Multiple government sources revealed that the standard being considered is equivalent to “B2 (Upper Intermediate)” level under international benchmarks. Alternatively, employing a Japanese full-time staff member would also satisfy the requirement.

The “Business Manager” status is intended to attract entrepreneurs. It allows a maximum stay of up to 5 years and permits family accompaniment. As of the end of last year, there were about 46,000 residents under this status. Currently, requirements include securing an office, plus either “capital of 5 million yen or more” or “two or more full-time employees.” Going forward,

the following additional conditions are expected to be imposed simultaneously:

▪ Capital of 30 million yen or more

▪ At least one full-time employee

▪ Japanese language proficiency requirements

The proposed revision has also prompted calls within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party for further review, and public comments included many requests for the introduction of Japanese language requirements.