When expanding into Japan, businesses can take advantage of various public organizations that offer free support. At the national level, JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) provides extensive assistance to foreign companies entering the Japanese market, including free consultations, market research, and business matching services.

Additionally, many local governments, such as Tokyo and Fukuoka, actively encourage foreign investment and offer their own support programs. Similar organizations exist in many countries, but their assistance is often limited to large-scale investments or businesses that create significant employment opportunities.

Japan, however, stands out for its inclusive approach. In addition to supporting large investments, the country also provides generous and often free services for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These services include:
・Free co-working spaces or temporary offices to reduce initial setup costs
・One-stop consultation centers for administrative and legal support
・Business matchmaking and networking events to help companies establish local connections

By leveraging these resources, foreign businesses can enter the Japanese market more smoothly and cost-effectively.

In this article, we will introduce two key public support organizations that offer free and accessible assistance:
1. JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)
2. TOSBEC (Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center)

These organizations provide essential guidance and support, making Japan an attractive destination for businesses of all sizes.

1. JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)
For foreign businesses looking to enter the Japanese market, JETRO’s Invest Japan Business Support Center (IBSC) provides dedicated support. IBSC operates in six locations across Japan: Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, and Fukuoka.

To receive IBSC’s support, businesses must go through a certification process. While the exact criteria are not publicly disclosed, many foreign startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have successfully been certified. The process consists of the following steps:

1	Contact JETRO	JETRO has global offices worldwide. Find your nearest office: JETRO Global Network
2	Discuss Plan	Discuss your expansion plan and support needs. Explain your business goals and what assistance you require (e.g., market research, company registration support, etc.).
3	Certification Process	Undergo the JETRO service certification process
4	Use Service	Once certified, you can access various JETRO support services tailored to your needs.

The key services available to certified companies are as follows:

Business Information Services	JETRO provides expert guidance on setting up a business in Japan, including: ・Market and industry reports ・Procedures for business setup (registration, visas, tax, labor, legal consultations) ・Introductions to service providers (HR agencies, real estate firms, accounting firms) ・Information on government and local incentives ・Licensing and regulatory guidance
Facility Support	・Free temporary office space available in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, and Fukuoka ・Meeting room facilities for business discussions
Networking & Business Matching	・Opportunities to connect with potential business partners ・Arrangements for meetings with government agencies and ministries ・Support for regulatory consultations and policy discussions

All of these services are provided free of charge. While JETRO may not cover every aspect of your business expansion needs, they can connect you with reliable service providers for additional support. This allows foreign companies to reduce costs and risks while preparing for market entry in Japan. For any business considering expansion into Japan, JETRO is a highly valuable resource that provides expert guidance and infrastructure to facilitate a smooth market entry.

2. TOSBEC (Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center)
TOSBEC is a service provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to help foreign businesses and startups establish their companies in Japan. It consolidates essential administrative procedures, including articles of incorporation certification, company registration, tax filings, social security, and visa applications.

With experienced administrative staff and legal professionals, businesses can complete these procedures quickly and efficiently. TOSBEC also provides electronic application support and multilingual interpretation and translation services for foreign entrepreneurs.

The center has specialists available on-site, allowing businesses to receive guidance, resolve issues, and prepare documents all in one place (advance reservation required). Online consultations are also available.

TOSBEC’s main services include:
・Articles of Incorporation Certification
・Company Registration
・National & Tokyo Metropolitan Tax Procedures
・Visa Applications
・Employment & Workers’ Compensation Insurance
・Health & Social Security Procedures

These services are generally free of charge, making TOSBEC a cost-effective and efficient option for foreign companies entering Tokyo. Located within JETRO’s Tokyo headquarters, TOSBEC can be used alongside JETRO IBSC services, providing a seamless and affordable expansion process for businesses entering Japan.

Conclusion & Notes
Japan’s public support for foreign businesses is among the most comprehensive in the world, offering valuable services at little to no cost. These resources provide an excellent starting point for companies looking to expand into Japan efficiently.

However, if you require more customized support, in-depth market research, or help finding the right business partners, specialized consultants with industry expertise can offer tailored guidance. Feel free to contact us for more detailed assistance.

This page was created based on information from JETRO and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government websites. Please note that the details provided are based on research at the time of writing and may have changed. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or up-to-date validity of the information.