Taiwan and Japan have built a deep friendship through historical ties and decades of people-to-people exchange. In 2024, bilateral trade totaled approximately US$72.3 billion. For companies preparing to enter Japan, this reflects an established and extensive trading relationship. In recent years, more Taiwanese startups have sought to establish a presence in Japan, looking for customers, sales channels, and business partners. Japan’s government and business community are actively attracting overseas startups. Through its J-Bridge platform, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) facilitates connections and collaboration between Japanese companies and overseas startups. The Startup Visa program promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) allows foreign entrepreneurs who pass the required screening to stay in Japan for up to two years to prepare to launch a business. Taiwanese teams can use these channels to connect with industry partners and prepare for local operations. Japan’s Industrial Strengths: A Strategic Gateway to East Asia, with a Focus on Deep Tech and AI at Scale Japan’s mature manufacturing ecosystem, corporate customer base, and research and development infrastructure make it a potential hub for Taiwanese startups expanding across East Asia. For deep tech companies, Japan’s industrial settings offer opportunities for technology validation, joint development, and commercial applications. For AI teams, the challenge is to move products beyond demonstrations and pilot projects into everyday business operations, then gradually expand their use. From manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and everyday services, each industry has its own requirements for adoption. Integration with existing systems, data access and use, and reliable service delivery all influence adoption decisions. Teams entering Japan need to find partners willing to validate their solutions together and prepare for subsequent delivery, operations, and maintenance. Understand Business Procedures to Secure Your First Order Sooner On a first visit to a Japanese customer, the other party listens carefully to the presentation, asks detailed questions about the product, and agrees to another meeting. Once the team returns to Taiwan, the pressing question is how to turn those discussions into an actual contract or order. Particularly in large organizations, a contact’s willingness to collaborate may still need to be followed by coordination across departments, procurement review, and budget approval. Who submits the proposal for internal approval? What documents are required? When can a formal decision be made? These details affect how long it takes to close a deal. Company formation, bank account opening, taxation, and employment also involve procedures that differ from those in Taiwan and need to be addressed alongside business development. To reduce barriers to entering Japan, Startup Island TAIWAN (SIT) has invited Zhong Yin Law Firm, urCFO, ZeLo Law Office, and ZeLo Tax Corporation to contribute professional guidance and review. Go to Japan organizes common questions into seven topics: “Business Collaboration Agreements,” “Intellectual Property,” “Company Formation and Bank Account Opening,” “Compliance,” “Dispute Resolution,” “Taxation and Payment Collection,” and “Talent and Employment.” Each topic uses a Q&A format to explain relevant rules and preparations. What terms should be clarified before signing a first contract? How should bank account opening and payment collection be planned before setting up a company? What needs early attention when assigning staff to Japan or recruiting locally? Teams can consult the expert-reviewed content according to their current stage of development to identify their next steps and understand when to seek professional advice tailored to their circumstances.
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