K-DŌ NOKAISHO

Banking & Finance

Sealed, Stamped, and Stuck: Six Documents Standing Between You and a Japanese Corporate Bank Account

Opening a corporate bank account in Japan remains one of the most paperwork-intensive steps for foreign founders — and the hanko requirement catches nearly every American off guard. Here are the six documents you must have ready, plus which banks are worth your time.

Oct 27, 2026

Incorporation Structures

Before You File: A Founder's Field Guide to Choosing Between a Kabushiki Kaisha and a Godo Kaisha

Choosing between a Kabushiki Kaisha and a Godo Kaisha is one of the first — and most consequential — decisions an American founder will make when entering the Japanese market. This guide translates both structures into familiar C-Corp and LLC terms, with real cost figures, filing timelines, and insight into what Japanese banks and investors expect to see.

Oct 27, 2026