#19 Meet the Experts: Who You Need for Business Success in Japan

Masato Minamizuka
May 27
3 min read

Updated: May 28

Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, remains a highly attractive destination for foreign businesses seeking a foothold in Asia. Known for its excellent infrastructure, dependable business culture, and strategic access to key Asian markets, Japan offers a favorable environment for foreign investment.

However, despite these advantages, some investors hesitate due to challenges such as the language barrier and the complexity of local regulations. While these concerns are valid, they can be effectively navigated with the support of experienced local professionals.

Engaging the right experts is essential not only for ensuring compliance with Japanese business requirements but also for gaining valuable market insights. In this article, we explore the key professionals every foreign entrepreneur should consider when starting a business in Japan.

📊 The Versatile Experts: Certified Public Accountants (公認会計士)

The Certified Public Accounts, CPAs are not just auditors but also your trusted guardians of financial integrity and strategic partners in business growth. In Japan, CPAs are regulated by Financial Services Agency (金融庁) and their roles go far beyond checking the books:

Conduct meticulous audits to ensure every yen is properly accounted for.
Ensure that your financial statements truly reflect your business’s reality.
Provide valuable financial consulting and strategic advice to improve business efficiency and profitability.
Provide export support in mergers, acquisitions, and financial valuations.
Guide businesses through IPO preparation and other major financial transitions.

When to call a CPA:

When your company requires formal audits, strategic financial advice, or guidance through complex corporate decisions, a CPA is your go-to partner for clarity, compliance, and confident growth.

💼 The Tax Whisperers: Certified Tax Accountants (税理士)

Picture tax accountants as navigators helping you steer through Japan's complex tax landscape, under the guidance of the National Tax Agency (国税庁). They:

Accurately calculate and file taxes to avoid costly errors.
Offer insightful strategies to minimize your tax burden legally.
Act as trusted advisors who keep your business compliant and informed.

When to call a Tax Accountant:

Every business in Japan, big or small, will benefit immensely from their guidance—especially at tax season!

📑 The HR Gurus: Labor and Social Security Attorneys (社会保険労務士)

Regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (厚生労働省), these specialists are your HR and compliance experts on employee matters:

Manage employee insurance and welfare filings.
Design fair and effective HR policies and salary structures.
Resolve workforce issues proactively, avoiding costly disputes by reducing legal risk.

When to call a Labor and Social Security Attorney:

Whenever you’re hiring, managing, or parting ways with employees—think of them as your employee management superheroes!

⚖️ The Legal Eagles: Attorneys-at-Law (弁護士)

Supervised by the Ministry of Justice (法務省), attorneys are your defenders and legal strategists. They:

Draft contracts to protect your interests.
Represent you in litigation or negotiations.
Handle disputes and compliance to keep your business running smoothly.

When to call an Attorney:

When legal issues or complex transactions arise—or better yet, involve an attorney early before they arise.

📜 The Document Masters: Judicial Scriveners (司法書士)

Often the first experts you'll encounter when starting a business in Japan. The judicial scriveners:

Prepare and file legal documents for company registration.
Manage inheritance procedures and property registrations.
Ensure your paperwork is complete, compliant and legally sound.

When to call a Judicial Scrivener:

From setting up your business structure to handling property-related registrations, they’re indispensable from the very beginning.

📝 Specialists You Didn't Know You Needed:

Other essential professionals include:

Administrative Scrivener (行政書士)
Patent Attorney (弁理士)
Land and House Investigator (土地家屋調査士)
Real Estate Appraiser (不動産鑑定士)
Marine Procedure Agent (海事代理士)
Real Estate Transaction Specialist (宅地建物取引士)
Customs Specialist (通関士)

🤝 The Power of Professional Networks

In Japan, trusted professionals collaborate with each other. Whether in legal, financial, HR, or administrative fields, they connect you to the right specialists at the right time, providing seamless, end-to-end support.

Successfully navigating Japan’s business landscape isn’t just about knowing the rules－it’s about knowing who to rely on. Engaging these professionals early provides not only expert guidance but also access to a powerful network dedicated to your success.

So, what are you waiting for? Start engaging and building those connections today and take your next confident step towards business success in Japan.

If you are considering expanding your business to Japan, please contact Quantum Accounting Inc. for a free consultation during the planning phase or general consultation (available in both English and Japanese). Quantum Accounting's professionals are experts in accounting, tax, legal, and labor issues. Our goal is to provide you with a one-stop professional firm for all the services you need to expand your business into Japan. We are confident that we can help you.