Top 9 Online Business Ideas in Japan To Start In 2024
Want to start a business in Japan, but not sure how?
No worries! Opening a physical store can be daunting, but an online business offers many advantages, such as a lower entry cost.
So, to help you get started, here are the different online business ideas you start with in Japan.
What to know about the Japanese market
Understanding Japanese consumer behavior and conducting some Japanese market research will help you understand the online market in Japan and what Japanese people are looking for.
Additionally, if you are interested in foreign customers in Japan for your online business, researching them and their needs will help your business start on the right foot.
The following online small business ideas are in different industries, each targeting a different customer base.
Top 9 online business ideas in Japan
1. Tech-Related Startups
The IT and tech-related industries are rapidly growing in Japan as technology becomes part of our daily lives, making them a great section for new online business ideas in Japan.
The Japanese government saw the start-up potential and thus created a Startup Visa Program.
If you have a physical or online business idea in Japan, you can obtain a Startup Visa to establish your business there.
Start your business with MailMate!
Need help setting up your business in Japan? MailMate is here to help any small business in Japan for foreigners.
Incorporation help
Starting a business in Japan can be complex, especially for those unfamiliar with Japanese legal and administrative procedures.
But no more worries. MailMate is here to provide any incorporation support you may need. From choosing the right business structure to completing paperwork and obtaining licenses and permits, MaiMate will ensure you comply with all Japanese regulations.
Bilingual support
Japan always has a language barrier if you are not fluent in Japanese, especially when dealing with local documents and government offices.
That’s why MailMate offers full bilingual support to help you communicate what you need and understand your business operations in Japan.
MailMate’s team is fluent in Japanese and English and is here to bridge the gap between your business needs and local requirements.
2. English language school in Japan
Teaching English is one of the easiest small business ideas in Japan for most foreigners. If you are part of JET, but your contract is coming to a close, why not continue it on your terms by offering English teaching services in Japan?
According to Statista, about 40% of Japanese children between the ages of 10 and 14 are learning English, which opens a business opportunity to help them with their studies.
Offering online English courses allows flexibility, is cost-effective, and allows one-on-one learning to better accommodate the learner’s needs.
You can even offer more specialized classes for adults, such as business or academic English.
Additionally, you can offer services to help those who want to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
3. Online retail
There are many unique opportunities when it comes to online retail.
The possibilities of what you can sell online in Japan are endless and include the following:
Homemade crafts
Accessories
Clothing
Subscription boxes
Downloadable files
If you love creating or want to sell items online, online retail is one of the easiest home-based businesses to start in Japan.
When selling online in Japan, you must provide your name, address, and phone number.
Protect your privacy with a virtual office address
If you are uncomfortable providing your home address as a business address, you can use a virtual address service such as MailMate to help protect your home address.
A virtual address protects your home address and maintains privacy. However, you can keep your home address private using MailMate's virtual address.
Additionally, MailMate can handle all incoming business mail going to that virtual address, which you can access online on your dashboard. The dashboard also includes mail forwarding and a Japanese phone number.
4. Translation works
We all know Google Translate doesn’t always provide the most accurate translation. So, if you are bilingual in Japanese and another language, you can offer a translation service.
A translation online business in Japan for foreigners is a great idea if you are bilingual in Japanese and another language. Translation work can take you down many different paths. You can help with translation and localization for websites, blogs, and apps for the Japanese market.
Additionally, you can do specialized translations, such as legal, medical, or marketing translation, catering to specific industry needs.
5. Consulting
In the consulting business, you offer your expert guidance to help organizations improve their operations and achieve their goals. This type of business is a promising outlet for freelancing in Japan.
While Japan’s consulting industry is divided into four parts, you can offer different insights about attracting foreign customers, localization, and business performance strategies.
6. Website designs
If you have a knack for designing websites, consider offering web design services for Japanese and foreign businesses in Japan. Creating an easily navigable website that attracts potential customers is a highly marketable and attractive skill.
Additionally, you’re at a considerable advantage if your website design skills can create a mobile-friendly site accommodating mobile phone users.
7. Game cafe
From video games to board games and playing cards, having a game cafe is perfect for game enthusiasts.
Game cafes are one unique business idea in Japan, where people can socialize, have fun, and relax.
The games don’t even have to be in Japanese. There are plenty of video games, board games, and collectible card games from all over the world to share and have fun together. Once everyone knows the rules, it’s all fun and games.
8. Graphic design
Graphic design work can include logo design, branding, illustrations, and infographics for Japanese consumers.
The most important thing about design work is building a portfolio of your past works that potential clients can review to explore your style.
9. Blog writing
Blogging about your Japanese travel and food experiences or what it’s like living in Japan allows interested people to get a glimpse of what it’s like. It is one of the simplest small business ideas in Japan.
While it’s hard to imagine that you can make money by posting on the Internet, some money-making options include displaying advertisements, affiliate partner programs, and direct ads with partner brands.
Resources for your online Japanese business
Starting a business in Japan does involve a couple of steps after deciding on a winning idea.
Take a look at these resources to ensure you have everything you need to start a business in Japan:
Frequently asked questions
How to sell online in Japan?
There are a couple of Japanese sites where you can sell online such as Rakuten, Mericari, and even on Amazon Japan. Listing your products on these sites will help you tap into the large Japanese consumer market.
Do I need to register my online business in Japan?
According to Japan’s Mail Order Specified Commercial Transaction Act, you are required to provide your name, address, and telephone number. These requirements and others help protect the safety and rights of the consumers. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you submit a business opening notification (開業届).
In closing
Any of these online business ideas in Japan can open a world of entrepreneurship in Japan. As your business slowly picks up more customers and expands, you can invest more time and money into it until you are fully ready for this online business to be your main focus.
Spending too long figuring out your Japanese mail?
Virtual mail + translation services start at 3800 per month. 30-day money-back guarantee.
