Japan Immigration News

(The Asahi Shimbun)Visa capital rule forcing foreign business owners to close down

Release Date: 2026-05-13
Media: The Asahi Shimbun
Summary: Japan’s stricter “business manager” visa requirements are causing serious concern among foreign entrepreneurs, particularly restaurant owners. The revised rules raised the minimum capital requirement from 5 million yen to 30 million yen and introduced additional conditions such as Japanese language ability. Although transitional measures allow a grace period until 2028, many business owners fear future visa denials.

One example is Chan Ka Yee, a Hong Kong entrepreneur who opened a successful congee restaurant in Tokyo in 2020. Despite finally becoming profitable after surviving the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to close the restaurant because meeting the new 30-million-yen capital requirement was impossible. She argued that business performance and contribution to society should be considered, not only capital size.

The impact is especially severe in communities such as Tokyo’s “Little India” area in Edogawa Ward, where many Indian and Nepalese restaurant owners operate small but stable businesses. Owners say that even profitable restaurants cannot realistically raise 30 million yen in capital. Community leaders warn that closures of ethnic restaurants and import businesses could damage immigrant communities and make life in Japan unsustainable for many foreign residents who rely on culturally specific food and services.

Administrative specialists and immigration experts also criticize the policy. They argue that the 30-million-yen threshold is excessively high even by Japanese standards and may discourage honest entrepreneurs while failing to stop bad actors who can create shell companies using large amounts of money. Experts warn that Japan could lose hardworking foreign business owners and become less attractive compared with countries such as the United States or European nations.

Critics conclude that immigration policy should balance abuse prevention with support for foreign residents who contribute economically and socially to Japanese society.
Tags: Business Manager

News Articles including "Business Manager"

Released on

Article Title