Understanding Japanese Licensed Professionals: Essential Guide for Foreign Businesses

In Japan, specialized licensed professionals collectively known as "Shigyo" play critical roles in navigating complex legal, regulatory, and business environments. For foreign businesses and individuals looking to establish operations or settle in Japan, understanding these experts and their functions can significantly streamline processes and mitigate risks. Below is an expanded and detailed guide to Japan's primary licensed specialists and their specific roles in supporting international clients.

Attorneys (Bengoshi)

Attorneys are general legal practitioners with the authority to represent clients in all legal matters, including litigation, dispute resolution, and contract drafting. They offer comprehensive advice across various legal areas such as civil, criminal, corporate, and immigration law. For foreign entities, attorneys provide crucial support by:

• Reviewing and preparing bilingual contracts
• Advising on corporate compliance
• Conducting negotiations
• Handling litigation proceedings
• Navigating complex immigration issues
• Coordinating with other specialists for integrated legal solutions

Judicial Scriveners (Shiho-shoshi)

Judicial scriveners specialize in procedures involving registrations at the Legal Affairs Bureau, particularly real estate and corporate registrations. Their key services include:

• Processing real estate registrations
• Handling corporate registrations and amendments
• Managing inheritance registrations
• Preparing court documents
• Ensuring compliance with local legal requirements
• Facilitating smooth procedural navigation

Administrative Scriveners (Gyosei-shoshi)

Administrative scriveners manage documentation and application procedures submitted to government offices. They support foreign clients by:

• Assisting with visa and residency applications
• Processing company establishment documentation
• Obtaining business licenses
• Facilitating international marriage and naturalization procedures
• Managing administrative protocols
• Providing language assistance for bureaucratic procedures

Labor and Social Security Attorneys (Shakai Hoken Romushi)

These specialists focus on employment law, labor relations, and social security issues. Their expertise includes:

• Drafting employment contracts compliant with Japanese standards
• Managing social insurance enrollments
• Processing payroll
• Advising on employee relations
• Handling disciplinary actions
• Resolving employment disputes
• Ensuring compliance with labor regulations

Certified Public Accountants (Kounin Kaikeishi)

CPAs specialize in auditing corporate financial statements and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. They support foreign corporations by:

• Conducting financial audits
• Providing due diligence during M&A
• Advising on strategic financial management
• Ensuring alignment with international accounting practices
• Maintaining oversight of regulatory requirements
• Supporting transparency and accountability

Tax Accountants (Zeirishi)

Tax accountants are essential for navigating Japan's complex taxation landscape. Their services include:

• Preparing corporate and personal income tax filings
• Developing cross-border tax strategies
• Addressing international taxation issues
• Managing transfer pricing
• Handling withholding taxes
• Representing clients during tax audits
• Optimizing tax structures

Patent Attorneys (Benrishi)

Patent attorneys specialize in intellectual property matters, covering:

• Patents, trademarks, and design protections
• IP rights applications
• Infringement assessments
• Strategic IP advisory
• International IP protection strategies
• Licensing agreement negotiations
• IP litigation support

Collaboration Among Specialists

These professionals frequently collaborate to offer comprehensive support to international clients. For example:

• Company establishment involves multiple specialists:
  • Administrative scriveners for incorporation paperwork
  • Judicial scriveners for corporate registration
  • Tax accountants for compliance and filings
  • Labor attorneys for employment management
  • Attorneys for overall compliance and risk management

This cooperative ecosystem ensures foreign businesses receive seamless, precise, and integrated professional services, significantly facilitating their successful establishment and operation in Japan.

Choosing the Right Professional

When selecting professional support in Japan, consider:

1. Expertise and Experience

   • Relevant industry knowledge
   • Track record with foreign clients
   • Language capabilities
   • International business understanding

2. Service Scope

   • Comprehensive vs. specialized services
   • Network of collaborative professionals
   • Additional support services
   • Communication style and availability

3. Cost Structure

   • Fee transparency
   • Payment terms
   • Additional service charges
   • Value for investment

Conclusion

Understanding and effectively leveraging these specialists can considerably ease the challenges of conducting business or living in Japan. Their expertise offers clarity, efficiency, and reliable compliance in a complex regulatory environment. For foreign businesses and individuals, working with the right combination of these professionals is often key to successful establishment and operation in Japan.

For specific assistance in connecting with these professionals or understanding which specialists you need for your situation, please contact us for personalized guidance.