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Trusted Across Borders
We've helped founders launch from:
Setting Up a Business in Japan? These Real Mistakes Cost Clients Thousands
Big firms charge big fees. Cheap firms miss critical details.
We offer expert-level support in setting up a business in Japan, business manager visa, tax, and labor filings - without the bloat or beginner mistakes. Here's what we've helped real clients recover from.
Wrong Entity: Lost Control of Company
I am a stock owner on paper, but this document is not enforceable because we chose the wrong entity type when setting up a business in Japan.
Visa Denied: $2,000 in Fixes
"My incorporation expert did not know the business manager visa requirements, put down the wrong information and we need to spend $2k to fix everything."
Blacklisted by Banks: 6 Month Delay
"I didn't know I would get blacklisted after my first application from other banks."
Missed FEFTA Deadline
"Our Japanese scrivener did not know what FEFTA was and they did not make the application with the required time."
Overpaying Japanese Taxes
"We lost 2 years of tax exemption, because our scrivener did not know how capital impacts consumption taxes."
Sold My Collection to Cover Visa Capital
"Our 'expert' did not know we could use our new Japan home to meet visa capital requirements and I sold my card collection to meet requirements."
We Can Handle Standard and Special Cases
We help founders with setting up a business in Japan with the right structure, accurate documents, and no overlooked details—right from the start.
Everything in One Place
Company registration, business manager visas, tax filings, banking, and licenses - handled by one experienced team.
Special Cases Handled Smoothly
We support clients from harder-to-approve regions (Africa, the Middle East), and ensure compliance with FEFTA, CFC rules, and can serve as your temporary director.
Additional Services
We handle tax filings, work rules, real estate contracts, virtual offices, and even business phone setup - so you can stay focused on growth!
SMARTSTART JAPAN
What Makes
Smart Start Different From the Rest
Industries We Serve
We've supported entrepreneurs and teams from around the world in setting up a business in Japan and securing business manager visas. These are just a few of the industries we've worked with:
Restaurants & Cafes
Consultants
And More!
How It Works
We help foreign entrepreneurs and corporations get off to a Smart Start in the Japan market!
1
Reach out to us
Get in touch and provide some details about your business and your goals to help get things moving more smoothly.
2
Free Consultation
Let's discuss what is the right entity for you and what service you need and don't need based on your situation and provide you an accurate estimate.
3
Prepare Documents
We will start preparing the documents needed for setting you up. We will also create a Japanese stamp on your behalf and guide you through the incorporation process.
4
Submit Documents
Once the documents are prepared in Japanese, we will submit them on your behalf in person to the tax, immigration, labor, and other government authorities. We will mail you the results. Simple and easy.
What Our Clients Say
Navigating the process of starting a business and applying for the Business Manager Visa in Japan felt complex and daunting. TJ made it manageable by providing clear, step-by-step guidance, ensuring my GK entity was established smoothly. His expertise continues to guide me through the visa process with an easy-to-follow roadmap. TJ's responsiveness and dedication to my specific needs have been invaluable, and I highly recommend him for anyone starting a business in Japan.
Daniel Stokes
Insuri Shield G.K.
Starting a business in Japan while living on a U.S. military base felt incredibly complicated, almost like being in two places at once! I honestly didn't know where to begin. Then I found Tyson and TJ. They were quick to respond and provided insightful guidance, truly understanding my unique situation. Their support was a game-changer, giving me the confidence to build something real and lasting, even from that unusual starting point. They patiently walked me through every step, helping me set up my company and plan for life after the base.
Maricel Demotts
Radiant Ascent G.K.
Working with TJ gave me the time and the confidence I needed to start my own company in Japan, even while working a full-time job. It was convenient to just work with one person throughout the incorporation process, and TJ was highly responsive, informative and supportive the whole way. We are now working towards the Business Manager Visa. If you're like me, and you believe in your vision but are having trouble finding just how to start a business in Japan, I highly recommend working with TJ.
Jay Lewis
Cine G.K.
I literally had no idea where to start on creating a K.K. company, and everyone else on social media made it seem like it was an obvious thing! I reached out to Tyson and Teh-Jin and they guided me, step-by-by. They offered options, suggested what I would need, and what I wouldn't need. They're quick, responsive, always helpful, and there's nothing I felt I couldn't ask. There's so much to learn, but knowing I can ask is helping me focus on what I do best, and leaving the rest to them.
Francis Fung
KiFor K.K
I moved to Japan to start a business focused on walking tours and food tours in Tokyo. The setup process was quite new to me, and I needed guidance. Tyson, TJ, and the SmartStart team provided valuable support helping me with everything around company/business setup. Their expertise and quick responses made the entire process smoother, and I’m grateful for their assistance.
Alex Schubach
Welcome to Japan 合同会社
Tyson and T.J are an absolute lifeline for trying to start something on your own in Japan. After living here for three years I still struggle to navigate all the paperwork so trying to do my own incorporation was beyond me. We managed to become official pretty smoothly. From helping with the incorporation to honest, frequent communication every step of the way it's been a huge help. They even introduced me to an amazing developer!
Sydney Seekford
Menuwiz K.K.
Ready to get your business setup and running in Japan with us?
Join founders from six continents who've launched in Japan with clarity and confidence.
About Us
Co-Founder | USA
Tyson Batino
Tyson Batino is a resident mentor for 500 global and is advising 35 companies on scaling their business in Japan by upgrading their marketing, sales, team, and operations. One area he noticed is that many companies lack good back office systems and it slows them down and makes it harder to get loans, investment, or acquired in the future.
Co-Founder | Japan
TJ Yoon
TJ is our expert who will handle all fulfillment. He was born in Japan and moved to Australia while in junior high school and stayed until he graduated from UNSW, a top 5 university in Australia. He has successfully incorporated more than 50 companies and more than 50 loan and subsidy applications. TJ can help guide you through the process of setting up a business in Japan and more
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
SmartStart Japan is dedicated to helping international entrepreneurs confidently build and launch businesses in Japan.