Starting a restaurant or retail business in Japan is an exciting opportunity. Yet, one of the biggest challenges foreign entrepreneurs face is leasing a store property. Even when a property has a great location, reasonable rent, and the right size, the leasing process can stall during screening or contract negotiations. This happens because commercial lease contracts in Japan are more complex than just agreeing on rent and space. In this post, I will explain why leasing comme

Entering the food and beverage (F&B) industry in Japan offers exciting opportunities for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. However, understanding the market dynamics is crucial before making any investment or business decisions. Online resources provide valuable insights into market trends, consumer behavior, competition, and regulatory environments. In this post, I will guide you through the best online tools and platforms to conduct thorough F&B market analysis online, h

Eye-level view of a Japanese city street with foreign business signs Entering the Japanese market offers exciting opportunities for foreign investors and overseas entrepreneurs. Japan’s stable economy, high purchasing power, and unique culture make it an attractive destination for business. Yet, many face significant challenges when trying to establish a company, acquire property, or start a restaurant or retail business here. In this article, I will share the five most commo

If you are planning to enter Japan, do not treat the guarantor issue as a minor detail to solve later. Treat it as a core part of your market-entry strategy from the beginning. Before finalizing your structure, before getting emotionally attached to a location, and before assuming a property can be contracted smoothly, you should assess whether your profile, company structure, and support framework are strong enough for Japanese leasing reality. This is especially importan