Company Establishment: Searching for Professional Services

Responsibilities of Various Professionals

Administrative Scrivener (Gyoseishoshi)

• Primary handler of business management visa applications
• Preparation of business plans
• Assistance with Certificate of Eligibility application materials
• Communication with Immigration Bureau
• Can handle company registration procedures

Judicial Scrivener (Shiho-shoshi)

• Responsible for company registration specifics
• Preparation and submission of business registration documents
• Ensures legal compliance of company establishment documents
• Handles seal registration certificates

Tax Accountant/Certified Public Accountant

• Plans company accounting systems
• Determines registered capital amount
• Handles tax registration
• Provides tax planning advice
• Future assistance with accounting and tax filing

Real Estate Agent

• Finds suitable office locations
• Assists with lease contract signing
• Handles property use purpose changes (if needed)

Why Direct Contact with Japanese Professionals is Recommended

Cost Advantages

• Domestic intermediaries typically charge 30-50% of total costs
• Intermediaries may partner with multiple Japanese firms, adding markups
• Some intermediaries charge for simple procedures that could be self-handled
• Direct contact requires only statutory service fees
• Services can be selected based on actual needs

Communication Efficiency

• Multiple layers of intermediaries can distort information
• Time zone differences delay multi-party confirmations
• Intermediaries may lack technical knowledge
• Emergency situations face delayed responses
• Direct communication enables quick problem resolution

Service Quality

• Intermediaries cannot guarantee Japanese partner quality
• Some may choose low-cost, lesser-known firms for profit
• Difficulties in ensuring timely problem resolution
• Direct cooperation allows clear assessment of professional expertise
• Enables selection of most suitable professionals

Ongoing Support

• Post-establishment professional support needed
• Intermediary relationships often discontinue
• Changing service providers increases costs
• Direct cooperation builds stable long-term relationships
• Benefits long-term development in Japan

Risk Management

• Intermediaries may not bear professional service liability
• Unclear responsibility in problem situations
• Some intermediaries may lack proper qualifications
• International liability claims are difficult and costly
• Direct cooperation provides clear legal protection

Document Accuracy

• Direct communication ensures accurate document requirements
• Avoids revisions due to intermediary misunderstandings
• Provides timely policy updates
• Reduces translation error risks
• Improves first-time application approval rates

Time Management

• Direct understanding of processing times
• Schedule planning based on individual circumstances
• Avoids misreported processing periods
• Accurate progress tracking
• Better visa application timing

Flexibility

• Plans can be adjusted based on circumstances
• Professionals provide customized solutions
• Not restricted by fixed service packages
• Timely strategy adjustments
• Services can be modified as needed

Guidelines for Choosing Professionals

Qualification Verification

• Check professional association websites for license numbers
• Confirm firm's registration period and status
• Review disciplinary records
• Verify international business qualifications
• Review key personnel's education and experience
• Confirm dedicated foreign business departments
• Check relevant professional certifications

Language Capabilities

Direct Communication

• Verify language proficiency (TOEIC, EIKEN levels)
• Test email communication accuracy
• Evaluate phone communication fluency
• Assess technical terminology knowledge

Translation Services

• Availability of dedicated translators
• Additional translation fee structure
• Translators' professional background
• Availability of certified translations

Service Scope

Basic Services

• Detailed service item listing
• Clear completion timelines
• Understanding of work processes
• Service delivery methods (online/offline)

Fee Structure

• Detailed cost breakdowns
• Payment methods and schedules
• Hidden cost verification
• Market rate comparisons
• Installment payment options
• Multi-currency payment options
• Refund and service change policies

Service Duration

• Clear service agreement periods
• Renewal terms and fees
• Service termination conditions
• Transition arrangements

Reputation Assessment

Client Reviews

• Consult same-nationality businesses
• Check online platform reviews
• Understand client retention rates
• Collect and analyze negative feedback

Market Reputation

• Industry recognition and influence
• Media coverage and industry news
• Relationships with other institutions

Peer Reviews

• Reputation among other professionals
• Industry influence
• Collaboration history
• Professional contributions

Service Features

Professional Advantages

• Specialized areas of expertise
• Success case studies
• Innovation capabilities
• Problem-solving abilities
• Competitive advantages

Team Composition

• Team size and structure
• Key personnel responsibilities
• Team stability assessment
• Work experience evaluation

Technical Support

• Information management systems
• Data security measures
• Document management systems
• Remote service capabilities

Location

Office Environment

• Office scale and facilities
• Reception capabilities
• Transportation accessibility
• Temporary office space availability

Service Area

• Coverage area
• Remote service arrangements
• Branch office network
• Cross-regional collaboration

Contract Details

Service Agreement

• Service terms review
• Responsibility allocation
• Confidentiality clauses
• Dispute resolution mechanisms
• Breach of contract liability

Risk Control

• Professional liability insurance
• Emergency response mechanisms
• Quality assurance measures
• Remedial solutions

Communication Mechanisms

Regular Communication

• Designated contact person
• Response time commitments
• Communication methods and tools
• Progress reporting systems

Emergency Handling

• Emergency contact procedures
• After-hours response systems
• Crisis management capabilities
• Backup plans

Through these detailed evaluation criteria, you can comprehensively understand potential partners and select the most suitable professionals for collaboration. It's recommended to focus on relevant aspects based on your specific needs and create evaluation scorecards for comparison. Additionally, initial consultations can help assess service attitudes and professional competence to inform final decisions.