Business Resource for Japan

Fusion GOL - Internet Service Providers in Japan

Fusion GOL is now proud to announce onsite technical support services for personal and business users in the Kanto region. Contact us for more information at 03-3239-6881.
www.gol.com/en

Mojoworks Ltd.

Flyers, business cards, brochures, posters ― Mojoprint offers top quality full color printing services with total English support. Order online today!
www.mojoprint.jp/

Strata Works Inc.

Big-firm resources and know-how. Small-firm responsiveness and care. Extensive Japan-based business experience. Expertise in international best practices. Visit Strata Works Inc. website to learn more.

Teikoku Databank

Comprehensive credit research by professionals with over 100 years research history. Visit Teikoku Databank website to learn more.

SOHO: Small Business in Japan

What is SOHO?

Soho? What does it mean?

SOHO, meaning Small Office, Home Office, is now a hot word in Japan. And in a country that used to define a person by the company that he or she worked for, it's probably a refreshing change.

Antore?

Whereas ANTORE (from the word, "entrepreneur") used to be synonymous with dirty money and, of course, that word that the Japanese REALLY hate - risk.

Things are Changing

But things are changing, and suddenly many Japanese are putting their fear of risk aside and setting up venture companies in their homes or small offices.

Start up a business as foreigner

The Gaijin Disadvantage

As a foreigner in Japan, you might have some difficulty finding information and advice in your native language. But there are several outfits that specialize in taxes and legal advice for foreigners operating small businesses in Japan.

The Gaijin Advantage

One advantage for you, as a GAIJIN, is that you can look at types of businesses that are working in your home country and think about launching something similar in Japan.

SOHO, Small Business in Japan: Other Sources

More Information

For more info on setting up your own business in Japan, check out Trip Hop's must-read posting in the Small Business/SOHO Forum.

Questions/comments? Go to the Small Businesses/SOHOs forum

Links

• Japan Internet Communications Service. Offers resources for small or home-based businesses to enter the Japanese market via the internet and other methods.
• ChamberBiz. Tools to get your small business up-and-going, as well as Japan-specific advice.
• SmallBusiness.com. Lots of useful tools for SOHOs and entrepreneurs.
• Japan Registry. Japanese domain registration, incorporation services.