Finding WeWork Alternatives If You Were At WeWork Japan
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 offers flexible coworking space and rental offices for individuals and businesses. Other features include office equipment, Wi-Fi, 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 could 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 ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing process 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. Virtual offices as WeWork alternatives
If your business plans to have a hybrid or remote work model, switching to virtual offices is the best WeWork alternative.
A virtual office allows businesses to have an established presence in Japan without needing physical office space. Virtual office services will give you an address for official use, and they will scan, notify, and forward your mail.
MailMate: virtual office and virtual address solution
MailMate is an excellent WeWork alternative for businesses in Japan, especially those switching to a hybrid or fully remote work model.
Unlike traditional coworking spaces like WeWork, MailMate offers a flexible, cost-effective solution through virtual office services.
a) Company incorporation and business registration
Since you’ll be switching addresses for your business, you will need to update your corporate registration address (houjin touki).
If you need help, let MailMate know. We will even help you do the paperwork, so all you have to worry about is moving items to WeWork.
b) Mail handling services
As a virtual address, MailMate can handle your business mail to get it scanned and digitized, allowing you to receive your mail from anywhere in the world.
MailMate will receive your business mail on your behalf and scan its outside content. You can then decide to open, forward, or shred that piece of mail.
c) Cost-effective solution
Now that you are moving away from WeWork, using a virtual office such as MailMate will reduce the overhead costs of maintaining a physical office space.
If you are looking for a cheap WeWork alternative for the long or short term, MailMate is your solution.
Plus, MailMate offers different and flexible plans to cater to your specific business needs. Just let MailMate know what you are looking for, and we will adjust our plans accordingly.
d) Electronic bookkeeping compliance
One of the best benefits of switching to MailMate’s virtual address is that it is denshi chobo compliant, which works with Japan’s Electronic Bookkeeping Act.
All your documents that are scanned into MailMate are safe and secure.
e) Bilingual support
For those who need help with Japanese translation, MailMate has your back.
MailMate’s bilingual staff is here to help you with a smooth transition in operations and interactions with local Japanese entities from the tax office and the business bureau.
2. 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 as a WeWork alternative.
a) 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 as a WeWork alternative.
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.
b) Office spaces in Japan
Office spaces offer more private and long-term stability than coworking spaces, making it a great WeWork alternative. However, it’s important to know what your business is looking for.
Renting office space in Japan can be difficult, depending on many factors, such as price, location, size, and other specifics of your business. What makes it difficult is the language barrier, which is where speaking native Japanese is most beneficial.
But when you get an office space in Japan, your business will have an established location.
3. Short-term, per-hour spaces
Obtaining a physical or virtual rental address 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. Monthly memberships are also available for more beneficial access, such as 24/7 access, dedicated desks, and meeting rooms, while finding a new WeWork alternative.
You can also consider work-friendly cafes with power outlets and free Wi-Fi. Komeda Coffee, Tower Records Café, and Kissatens are well-known work-friendly cafe chains. Some unsaid rules about working at cafes and coffee shops include ordering regularly, being mindful of your space, and considering peak hours.
To conclude
Even though WeWork Japan can still operate, it’s always important to have a backup plan. Exploring other WeWork alternatives and work locations such as coworking and office spaces, virtual offices, and work-friendly cafes are great options with the flexibility you need during a transition period.
Spending too long figuring out your Japanese mail?
Virtual mail + translation services start at 3800 per month. 30-day money-back guarantee.
