Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (KK/GK)
Best For Full control, brand building, long-term commitment
Considerations Higher setup cost, longer establishment timeline
Japan Desk · Market Entry
Japan Market Entry
Entering Japan requires deep local knowledge, cultural understanding, and reliable on-the-ground support. Through Tokyo Consulting Group’s nationwide network, TVC provides comprehensive market entry services for companies looking to establish a presence in Japan.
¥597TJapan GDP (2024)World's 4th largest economy125MPopulationHigh purchasing power#1Asia Tech AdoptionHighest enterprise tech spend26 OfficesTCG Japan NetworkNationwide advisory coverage
Your Options
Japan Market Entry Modes
Joint Venture with Japanese Partner
Best For Market knowledge, distribution access, risk sharing
Considerations Governance complexity, profit sharing required
Acquisition of Japanese Company
Best For Immediate market presence, existing customers and team
Considerations Premium pricing, integration challenges, M&A complexity
Representative Office / Branch
Best For Low-cost initial presence, market testing
Considerations Limited operational scope, cannot generate local revenue
End-to-End Support
8-Step Japan Entry Process
Market Assessment
Evaluate your product/service fit for the Japanese market, competitive landscape, and addressable market size.
Entry Strategy
Select the optimal market entry mode based on your objectives, resources, and risk appetite.
Entity Establishment
Register your Japanese legal entity (KK, GK, or branch office) with the Legal Affairs Bureau.
Regulatory Compliance
Obtain all required licenses, permits, and registrations for your specific industry and business activities.
Banking & Finance
Open corporate bank accounts and establish Japanese yen treasury management.
HR & Office Setup
Hire initial staff, set up payroll, and establish an operational office or remote work structure.
Partner & Channel Development
Identify and engage local distribution partners, agents, or sales representatives.
Ongoing Operations
Maintain ongoing tax, legal, HR, and accounting compliance with support from TCG's Japan offices.
The TCG Difference
Nationwide Japan Coverage Through Tokyo Consulting Group
TVC is part of Tokyo Consulting Group — Japan's most comprehensive foreign business advisory firm, with offices across Japan serving companies expanding into and out of the country for over 25 years.
- 26 offices across Japan for nationwide coverage
- Legal, tax, HR, and accounting support integrated with M&A advisory
- English, Japanese, and multilingual advisory teams
- Established relationships with Japanese regulators and government agencies
- Track record of 5,000+ foreign companies supported in Japan
Ready to Enter Japan?
Whether you are exploring Japan for the first time or have an existing presence you want to optimize, our Japan entry specialists can help design the right strategy for your goals.
Start Your Japan Entry