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Establishing a company and expanding your market in Japan involves far more than just submitting registration documents. From corporate registration, tax filing, and visa applications to employee hiring and import/export customs procedures, each step requires interaction with different government agencies and adherence to specific official policies.

To help businesses land efficiently and operate legally and compliantly in Japan, this article compiles the most commonly used and practical Japanese government websites for company setup and ongoing operations. It also includes useful information such as addresses, contact details, and office hours to help you avoid detours and streamline your process.

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

JETRO is the primary point of contact for foreign companies entering the Japanese market. It offers comprehensive support services covering the entire process—from company establishment and visa guidance to legal, tax, and location consultation. As the most authoritative one-stop support organization, JETRO plays a crucial role in helping businesses successfully enter and grow in Japan.

 

 

Official Website: www.jetro.go.jp
Phone: 03-3582-5511
Head Office Address:
ARK Mori Building, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6006, Japan
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00–12:00; 13:00–17:00
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and during the year-end/New Year holidays

 

Ministry of Justice (MOJ)

The Ministry of Justice oversees Japan’s corporate registration system. For foreign companies establishing a presence in Japan, completing corporate registration through this system is a mandatory legal procedure and a critical step before beginning formal business operations.

 

 

Official Website: www.moj.go.jp
Phone: 03-3580-4111
Head Office Address:
1-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8977, Japan
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:30–17:15

 

Immigration Services Agency

Foreign nationals who intend to serve as company directors or actual business managers in Japan must obtain a “Business Manager Visa.” All visa applications and renewals are handled by this agency, making it a key channel for foreign entrepreneurs to legally reside and operate in Japan.

 

 

Official Website: www.immi-moj.go.jp
Phone:
Within Japan: 0570-013904
From Overseas: +81-3-5796-7112
Address:
Central Government Building No. 6,
1-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8973, Japan
Office Hours:
Office hours may vary across different regional immigration branches. Please check the latest schedules via the official website:
https://www.moj.go.jp//isa/consultation/center/index.html

 

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

METI oversees Japan’s industrial policies and support programs for foreign investment, including matters such as foreign investment notifications, high-tech enterprise entry, and business licensing. Companies planning to enter specific sectors such as manufacturing, energy, or the digital economy are strongly encouraged to consult METI’s relevant policy resources in advance.

 

 

Official Website: www.meti.go.jp
Phone: 03-3501-1511 (Main Line)
Head Office Address:
1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8901, Japan

 

Small and Medium Enterprise Agency (SMEA)

A subordinate agency of METI, the SMEA focuses on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Foreign startups can obtain information on startup subsidies, tax incentives, digital transformation support, and other relevant policies through this agency. It is particularly useful for companies looking to make a gradual and strategic entry into the Japanese market.

 

 

Official Website: www.chusho.meti.go.jp
Phone: 03-3501-1511 (Main Line)
Address:
1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8912, Japan
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00–12:00; 13:00–17:00

 

Japan Customs

Japan Customs is responsible for managing imports and exports, collecting tariffs, and handling trade declarations and customs clearance. For companies with import/export operations, the Customs website provides essential guidance on clearance procedures, tariff rates, and trade policy explanations, serving as a key resource for early-stage market entry preparation in Japan.

 

 

Official Website: https://www.customs.go.jp
Phone:
Japan Customs has dedicated contact numbers for different inquiry types. Please visit the website for details:
https://www.customs.go.jp/question1.htm
Address:
Ministry of Finance Customs and Tariff Bureau,
3-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8940, Japan
Office Hours:
Regular office hours for customs offices across Japan are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM (some offices extend to 5:45 PM). Narita Airport Customs is an exception, providing 24/7 service all year round.
Please check the official websites of respective customs offices or contact the local customs directly for exact hours.

 

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)

The MHLW is responsible for labor policies, social security systems, and employment management. For companies establishing operations in Japan, hiring employees, and complying with labor laws (such as minimum wage, social insurance, and workers’ compensation), this ministry serves as an essential resource for understanding employment compliance and employee welfare systems.

 

 

Official Website: www.mhlw.go.jp
Phone: 03-5253-1111
Foreign Worker Consultation (Chinese): 0570-001-702
Foreign Worker Consultation (English): 0570-001-701
Address:
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8916, Japan
Foreign Worker Consultation Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00–15:00 (Closed 12:00–13:00)

 

Japan Patent Office (JPO)

The JPO is Japan’s intellectual property authority, responsible for examining and registering patents, trademarks, utility models, and designs. Companies established in Japan seeking to protect their brands, technological achievements, or manage intellectual property should use the JPO as the official platform for submitting and checking related applications.

 

 

Official Website: https://www.jpo.go.jp
Phone: 03-3581-1101
Address:
3-4-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8915, Japan
Consultation Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00–17:30

 

Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI)

JCCI operates a nationwide network of chambers of commerce, providing businesses with local networking opportunities, membership certification, event promotion, and collaboration on commercial resources. It serves as a vital platform for companies seeking to localize operations and expand their business connections in Japan.

 

 

Official Website: www.jcci.or.jp
Phone:
Marunouchi Office: 03-3283-7823
Shibadaimon Office: 03-6402-6154
Address:
Marunouchi Office: Marunouchi Nijubashi Building, 3-2-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Shibadaimon Office: Shiba NBF Tower, 1-1-30 Shibadaimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

 

Conclusion

Whether entering the Japanese market for the first time or preparing to expand existing operations, understanding and effectively utilizing these authoritative official resources is a crucial foundation for long-term and stable business success.