hiroshi tanaka 
Foreign founders in Tokyo often assume a business account follows naturally once a company exists. It does not. This guide walks through which banks actually approve foreign-owned companies, what paperwork they demand, and how long the process really takes.
Tokyo’s family-owned shotengai streets hold a quiet retail advantage that most investors overlook. Low rents, loyal local customers, and rising tourist footfall create a rare combination of stability and growth potential. This article examines why shotengai investment deserves serious attention from anyone looking at Tokyo’s commercial property landscape.
Finding your first Tokyo angel investor as a foreign founder is not only possible, it is a structured process when you understand the local rules. Tokyo’s startup ecosystem is growing fast, and angels here are actively looking for global talent. This guide gives you the steps to connect, build trust, and close your first check.
Comic Market at Tokyo Big Sight is the world’s largest fan-run creative event, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors across 2 days. First-time visitors who understand the ticketing system, the venue layout, and the cultural expectations will enjoy a far more productive and rewarding experience.
Finding a Tokyo co-founder requires more than a job post or a cold message. Foreign entrepreneurs who succeed here use a specific set of communities, recurring events, and government-backed platforms. This guide covers the channels that consistently produce results for international founders in Japan.
Each August, Kagurazaka ryokan properties face 2 of the most demanding forces in Japanese hospitality: extreme urban heat and the cultural intensity of the Obon season. This article examines the operational, cultural, and commercial strategies that traditional inns in Tokyo’s historic geisha district use to serve guests well under pressure. The result is a revealing picture of omotenashi at its most tested.
The Sumida River hanabi festival is Tokyo’s oldest and largest fireworks event, drawing nearly 1 million people each year. In 2026, corporate interest in the event has reached a new level, with brands competing for exclusive viewing and activation space. This shift signals a broader change in how companies approach live event marketing in Japan.
Tokyo’s underground malls, known as chikagai, serve millions of residents and visitors each summer as the city’s surface temperatures become difficult to manage. These climate-controlled networks beneath major stations offer far more than shopping. They represent a quietly sophisticated urban system built for daily life.
Japan trademark registration does not require a Tokyo office. Foreign founders can protect their brand through the Japan Patent Office by appointing a licensed local representative. This guide explains every step, from initial search to renewal, in plain language.
Tokyo and Seoul markets have taken a heavy beating as investors grow increasingly skeptical about the profitability of artificial intelligence investment. A worsening Middle East conflict is adding pressure on oil prices, creating a difficult double threat for Asia’s most tech-heavy stock exchanges.