This article provides guidance on the best business ideas in Japan, whether you are an individual living here or a foreigner interested in starting a venture.
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Is Japan a Good Place to Start a Business?
Ranked 29th in the world for ease of doing business according to the World Bank, Japan is a heavily developed free-market economy.
Japanese citizens have significant buying power, ranking Japan as the third wealthiest nation in the world by GDP (PPP) at $38,937 in 2016 according to the International Monetary Fund.
In Japan, because of the high disposable income levels, there is a greater demand for expensive and premium products.
One of the benefits of doing business in Japan is the quick turnaround time it takes to launch a company – just 14 days!
The country has an intricate system of transportation networks and communication services, which facilitates the distribution of goods and services.
Japan is equipped with five airports and over twenty ports. Tokyo has Tokyo International Airport (HND) and Narita Airport (NRT), while Osaka boasts Osaka International Airport (ITM) and Kansai International Airport (KIX).
Japan has a range of major industries, like automotive, electronics, steel production and shipbuilding. In fact, they are the third-largest car makers in the world.
The evidence of Japan’s more business-friendly environment is provided by this data and information.
30 Small Business Ideas in Japan
The following is a curated collection of the top low- or no-cost businesses to launch in Japan:
1. Start a Translation Agency
As a highly prosperous nation, Japan sees many international business travelers. Additionally, a wide range of captivating tourist sites further adds to the influx of visitors from around the world. Therefore, Japanese translators are always in high demand for communication purposes.
2. English Language School in Japan
In modern times, a lot of Japanese are enthusiastic about studying English. They prefer TEFL certification and having a Bachelor’s degree. An average hourly salary for English instruction is around 3000¥. This is one of the most appealing business plans in Japan specifically catered to foreigners.
3. Start a Restaurant
Japanese individuals have a passion for food. Recent studies demonstrate that people are increasingly exploring foreign cuisines. Investing in a restaurant can generate considerable profits in locations like Osaka, Kansai, and Tokyo.
4. Practice Alternative Medicine in Japan
For alternative medicine practitioners, Japan is a great place to practice. Herbal and Ayurvedic treatments are becoming increasingly popular in the region.
5. Open a Yoga Studio
Nowadays, there are plenty of Yoga studios located in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. You can establish a studio that offers English-taught classes for a profitable venture.
6. Open a Hotel
Japan is a major player in the hotel industry, with fewer ski resorts but still numerous options.
7. Language Service School
There is a high need for individuals proficient in Spanish, French, Chinese, Hindi, and other languages in Japan. So, if you have the resources to connect with language professionals, consider opening a language school.
8. Start a Tourism Business in Japan
People travel to Japan from all over the world to experience its traditional arts, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and flowers. The country also boasts several UNESCO World
With the right network and communications abilities, starting a tour guide service can be extremely profitable.
9. Aromatherapy
In Japan, aromatherapists are highly sought after and can charge up to $80 for a 60-minute aromatherapy session.
10. Fitness Center
With the Japanese population getting older, more and more people are going to fitness centers. If you are a fitness specialist, setting up a center in Japan may be a great opportunity.
11. Open a Hair Salon Business
In 2019, Japan’s hair salon market totaled 1.5 million Japanese Yen, making it a lucrative business opportunity.
Discover how to begin a beauty salon business.
12. Real Estate Agency
In Japan, foreigners have the opportunity to purchase property and start a lucrative real estate company in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagaya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Kyoto, and Yokohama.
13. Start a Photography Business in Japan
Japan is an excellent country for aspiring photographers to start a career. Drone aerial photography is particularly popular in the region.
Get tips on launching a successful photography business.
14. Caring Service for Elders
In Japan, due to the rapidly aging population, there is a huge potential for elderly care homes, making it one of the top business ideas that require minimal startup costs.
15. Start an Import-Export Business in Japan
Japan’s four biggest import partners are the United States, China, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. Petroleum, liquid natural gas, clothing, semiconductors, coal, and audio/visual equipment are primary exports from Japan.
For those who have experience in the trade, opportunities for profits within the Japanese import-export market are abundant.
16. Start a Food Truck Business
If you want to enter the food industry with a limited budget, consider starting a food truck business. Be sure to verify the local licensing requirements for running a food truck.
17. Housekeeping Business
In Japan, housekeeping services can be a profitable business to start with a low cost. If you provide English-speaking housekeepers, you can charge higher fees.
18. Daycare Business
Recently, daycare businesses have flourished in many Japanese cities due to more women entering the workforce.
19. Business Expansion Consultant
Many Japanese companies are looking to break into foreign markets and are willing to pay for cross-border business expansion services. If you possess specialist knowledge, this could be a lucrative venture to pursue.
20. Open a Dance Studio in Japan
There is a large demand for dance classes in Japan, particularly in Tokyo, as many people have excellent dancing skills. Consequently, a number of dance studios are thriving in the city.
Discover how to make a successful dance studio business.
21. Sports Coaching
Japan is well-known for its five most popular sports: baseball, soccer, golf, tennis, and sumo. Additionally, cricket is beginning to gain traction. If you’re a sports fanatic, you might want to consider opening up a sports instruction academy.
22. Start an IT Business in Japan
Japan’s IT industry is a major global economic driver. It’s highly competitive, but those with new ideas and financial resources stand a chance at launching a successful business.
23. Pharmaceutical Business
Japan has a highly developed pharmaceutical sector. If you have experience in the field, you should consider starting a pharmaceutical business.
24. Open a Distillery
Despite the competition, starting a distillery has the potential to be profitable in Japan, so long as you have the resources needed.
25. Become a Uber Eats Delivery Rider
Uber Eats is hiring delivery drivers and cyclists in all major Japanese cities, which can be an excellent source of part-time income.
Home-Based Online Business Ideas in Japan
26. Create Website Designs for Japanese Clients
Japanese website design is unique compared to web design from other countries, and if you master the style, there are high-paying opportunities for web design in Japan.
27. Graphic Design
If you do graphic design, there is a great hourly rate for creating logos, banners, and brochures for Japanese customers.
28. Start a Blog
You can make good money writing about the Japanese lifestyle, culture, travel destinations, technology, and more. Our guide on How to start a Blog & Make Money will help you learn more.
29. Launch a YouTube Channel
If you have a passion and the ability to present information well, consider opening your own YouTube Channel. This can be an incredibly lucrative online business, and all it takes is a little bit of effort to get started right from home.
30. Social Media Consultant
Japanese companies are always looking for qualified social media consultants to promote their products and services. If you are knowledgeable and experienced in this area, why not consider starting a social media consulting business in Japan?
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