Japan used to have quite harsh immigration laws back in the not-too-distant past. But because of aging populations and labor constraints the Land of the Rising Sun has been opening its doors to new waves of talent from abroad.
Japan’s immigration history is being written in a new chapter with the introduction of the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa in 2019.
Particularly in important industries like manufacturing, services, and agriculture, there is an increasing need for foreign labor in Japan. For Asian migrants, this need creates new opportunities.
The success rate for Asian populations migrating to Japan has been outstanding. Japan’s acute demand for qualified labor in specialized areas, along with relatively lax immigration regulations, is driving this trend.
They mainly come to Japan on a Japanese Business Manager Visa. In 2022, Japan approved a total of 393 Highly Skilled Professional visas, 328 of which went to Asians.
In the same year, the government approved 4,346 business manager visas, 3,869 of which were for Asians. By 2023, the number of Asians awarded Highly Skilled Professional visas had risen to 898, up nearly 173.78% from 2022.x
The number of Asians approved for Business Manager visas was 5,002, up 29.28% from 2022. The design is visible.
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An Overview of the Japanese Business Manager Visa:
Applying for the Japanese Business Manager Visa entails completing many particular conditions that establish the applicant’s ability to operate or manage a business in Japan.
Personal requirements:
- Proof of Residency: While it is not specifically specified in the search results, normally, proof of residency in Japan is required, which may include a resident card.
- Application Documents: You must provide several documents to the tax office, including your CV, proof of academic background, work experience, firm registration paperwork, bank account balance, articles of organization, and tax notifications.
Work Experience:
- Management Experience: If you wish to work in business management, you need to have at least three years of relevant experience, which may include graduate-level business management studies.
Needs of future companies in Japan:
- Business strategy: You must provide a clear and realistic business strategy. If you are expanding an existing overseas business into Japan, the plan may be accepted as is. However, if you’re beginning a new firm, you must submit a thorough description and explanation of the company’s prospects and predicted profits so that the Japanese immigration office can analyze its potential.
- Capital Investment: A minimum capital investment of JPY 5 million is normally required to establish your company’s financial viability.
- Business Office in Japan: You must have a separate office area for your business operations. This space must be actual, rather than virtual. It should be dedicated to your business activity, with a contract outlining office use, preferably in the company’s name.
- Company Registration: You must have registered your firm in Japan. This includes obtaining the essential company licenses and certifications based on your industry.
Obtaining a Japanese visa requires business acumen, not personal flair. Applications must be financially viable, and the applicant’s experience must match the demands of the prospective business.
Continued good impact for all parties:
Although these Asians were able to readily secure Japanese visas, this is only the beginning, not the end.
Gambling, real estate speculation, and even wildlife breeding are industries in which these Asians formerly worked in Southeast Asia that are not sustainable in Japan.
These individuals must confront the necessity for industrial transformation, such as entering the construction, manufacturing, and service industries, while also closely aligning their development with Japan’s economic expansion.
Japan’s social welfare, educational standards, and quality of life are all important considerations in recruiting middle-class families from Asia. They think that moving to Japan will give their children a better educational environment and prospects for growth.
To recruit more foreign labor, I expect Japan to reduce its immigration laws even further, particularly for specific skilled workers. This will help to reduce domestic labor shortages and expand development chances for Southeast Asian ethnicities.
Although the spike in immigration to Japan has already established a small circle, it remains a viable possibility for most industry practitioners.
As Japan’s immigration policy opens up further, I anticipate that Asian groups will accomplish dual development in their personal and professional life in Japan.
