Building Your Startup in Japan: Essential Resources Every Foreign Founder Should Know
Starting a business in Japan as a foreign entrepreneur comes with unique challenges that extend far beyond the typical startup hurdles. Over our years of hosting weekly meetups, we've seen countless founders navigate everything from opening business bank accounts to understanding visa requirements for hiring international talent.
While our community provides invaluable peer support and networking opportunities, we recognize that founders often need comprehensive guides and resources to tackle Japan's complex bureaucratic landscape. That's why we're excited to share a resource created by one of our own community members: JoynTokyo.
What Makes JoynTokyo Different
Unlike generic expat guides, JoynTokyo focuses on practical, actionable advice for people building lives and businesses in Japan. Their team consists of long-term Japan residents who've actually been through the processes they write about – from registering a company to negotiating commercial leases in Tokyo.
What caught our attention is their approach to business-specific content. They cover topics like:
- Japanese business dress codes and meeting etiquette
- Banking requirements for startups and foreign founders
- Navigating Japan's unique networking culture
- Understanding work visa implications for hiring
A Community-Driven Approach
Similar to how our lunchclub operates on peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, JoynTokyo emphasizes connecting people with others who've faced similar challenges. This resonates with our belief that the best advice often comes from those who've walked the same path.
Their platform includes both comprehensive guides and personalized assistance – something particularly valuable when dealing with Japan's often nuanced business requirements that don't always have one-size-fits-all solutions.
Why This Matters for Our Community
As our startup community continues to grow (we've gone from 5 founders to 25+ regular attendees!), we increasingly see members facing similar operational challenges. While we love discussing strategy and sharing war stories over lunch, having reliable resources for the practical aspects of doing business in Japan makes everyone's journey smoother.
We've always believed in supporting platforms and services that genuinely help our community thrive. JoynTokyo represents the kind of resource we wish had existed when many of us first started our entrepreneurial journeys in Japan.
Looking Forward
Whether you're a long-time Tokyo Startup Lunchclub member or just beginning your entrepreneurial journey in Japan, having access to quality resources and expert guidance can make the difference between struggling through bureaucracy and focusing on what really matters – building your business.
Check out JoynTokyo to explore their guides and see how they might support your startup journey. For quick tips and daily insights, follow them on Instagram, and consider signing up for their newsletter for comprehensive updates and new resources.