Where To Relocate If You Were At A WeWork Japan Location
Breaking news—WeWork has filed for bankruptcy. What does that mean for your contact at a WeWork Japan location?
Don’t worry. We will go over the process of what exactly happened to WeWork, how that affects its various locations in Japan, and WeWork alternatives you can consider.
What happened to WeWork?
WeWork is a company that has flexible coworking space and rental space offices for individuals and businesses. Other features include office equipment, wifi, security, frequent cleaning, and community events.
However, on November 7, 2023, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US and Canada meaning the business can continue to operate while creating and implementing a plan to repay its creditors.
Should I move out of WeWork Japan?
WeWork in Japan will remain open and will not be affected by the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing process that is ongoing in the US and Canada.
According to a statement released by We Work Japan GK, the US bankruptcy filing will not impact any of the 40 Japan locations, which will continue operating as usual.
However, if you’re looking for some WeWork alternatives just to hedge your bets, we’ve got you covered.
3 WeWork alternatives in Japan
1. Coworking and office spaces in Japan
There are plenty of other coworking and office spaces in Japan that your growing business can use and rent.
Coworking spaces in Japan
Coworking spaces are great options if you are still a small business or start-up because of their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and networking opportunities. Many coworking spaces in Japan offer these options and more depending on what your business is looking for.
Regus and .andwork offers modern workspaces, accommodation, and amenities throughout the country.
Other Tokyo coworking places include:
All these places are great WeWork alternatives for freelancers, digital nomads, remote workers, and even established companies looking for flexible and collaborative work environments.
Office spaces in Japan
Office spaces offer more privacy and long-term stability than coworking spaces, but it’s important to know what your business is looking for.
Renting an office space in Japan can be difficult depending on many factors such as price, location, size, and other specifics for your business. What makes it difficult is the language barrier where speaking native Japanese is most beneficial.
But when you get an office space in Japan, your business will have an established place to be in.
2. Virtual offices in Japan
If your business is planning to have a hybrid or remote work model, then virtual offices can be the way to go.
A virtual office allows businesses to have an established presence in Japan but without the need for physical office space. Virtual office services will give you an address for official use and they will scan, notify, and forward your mail to you.
The address that is given to your business can be used as part of your company’s registry certificate without needing to sign a lease. So, your business remains compliant in Japan while minimizing overhead traditional office space costs.
Many virtual office services such as MailMate, Regus, and Servcorp will also offer additional services such as mail handling, mail forwarding, and bilingual support.
3. Short-term, per-hour spaces
Obtaining a rental address that is physical or virtual can take time. If you need a temporary working location that is not your home, there are a couple of temporary solutions you can consider.
Many coworking spaces offer daily and hourly rates. These rates are perfect if you need a workspace for a few hours. There are also monthly memberships for more beneficial access such as 24/7 access, dedicated desks, and meeting rooms while taking your time to find a new WeWork alternative.
You can also consider work-friendly cafes that have power outlets + free Wi-Fi. Some well-known work-friendly cafes and chains such as Komeda Coffee, Tower Records Café, and Kissatens. There are some unsaid rules about doing work at cafes and coffee shops such as ordering regularly, being mindful of your space, and peak hour consideration.
To conclude
Even though WeWork Japan is still able to operate, it’s always important to have a backup plan. Exploring other work locations such as coworking and office spaces, virtual offices, and work-friendly cafes are great options that have the flexibility you need during a transition period.
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