IBSC Frequently Asked Questions | Print |

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IBSC Frequently Asked QuestionsBelow are some common questions regarding the Invest Japan Business Support Center.  Clicking a link will scroll the page to the relevant section.

We welcome any additional questions that you may have.
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What is the IBSC?
What are the benefits of using the IBSC?
What advantages does the IBSC offer over temporary offices?
Where are the IBSC's located?
What are the office hours?
Do I have to stay at the IBSC to take advantage of its services?
Can I take a tour of the IBSC?




How does the application process work?
How long will it take for my application to be approved?
What is the minimum and maximum period I can stay?
How much is the deposit?
What if I need to change dates/extend my stay?
Can I use the IBSC address as my own on official documents?




What are the services that the IBSC provides?
How do I schedule an appointment with an IBSC advisor?
Does IBSC provide interpretation services? 
Is audiovisual equipment available for meetings? 


What is the IBSC?

The Invest Japan Business Support Center (IBSC) serves as a one-stop shop for companies interested in building their business in Japan.  At the IBSC you are able to take advantage of no-cost office facilities & extensive support services while you accomplish your goals in Japan.




What are the benefits of using the IBSC?

Our clients use the IBSC for a variety of reasons, most frequently to ease the process of opening their office in Japan.  Companies also use the IBSC while conducting market research, sales activities in Japan, and other business-building activities.   Click here for a partial list of our clients who have taken advantage of the IBSC while opening an office in Japan.




What advantages does the IBSC offer compared to similar temporary office facilities?

By staying at the IBSC you will save resources and time.  Use of the office facilities is free of charge (including use of meeting rooms and exhibition hall).  You will also be assigned an onsite business development consultant who is there to assist you as you build your business in Japan, and you will have access to market advisors, corporate specialists, and a community of like-minded companies.  For a full listing, please  visit our services page. 




Where are the IBSC's located?

There are offices for your use in six cities in Japan: Tokyo, Fukuoka, Kobe, Nagoya, Osaka, & Yokohama.  For contact information and directions
please visit our facilities page.





What are the office hours?

The office hours of the Tokyo IBSC are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  Occupants are allowed to stay in their offices until 9:00 pm.  Office hours at the other IBSC locations vary. 




Do I have to stay at the IBSC to take advantage of its support services?

While staying at the IBSC offers several advantages to companies, the IBSC's other services, such as consulting and government introductions, are available to all companies interested in doing business in Japan.  For a full listing, please 
visit our services page. 




Can I take a tour of the IBSC?

Yes, we are more than happy to set up a time for you to stop by and tour the facilities.  Please contact us




How does the application process work?

It's very easy to apply.  Your first step is to contact us, and a representative from our business development team will promptly contact you to discuss your goals and needs while in Japan.  After that we will gather additional information from you and check the IBSC for availability. For more information visit our application page.




How long will it take for my application to be approved?

Your application can be approved in as little as three days.  As a general rule applications are approved no more than two weeks after we receive them.  Please visit our application page for more information.



What is the minimum/maximum period I can stay at the IBSC?

A five day minimum is the shortest stay recommended.  50 days is the maximum.




How much is the deposit?

This deposit must be paid upon every visit.  Even if you're staying for one day, you still have to pay 10,000 yen.  It works on a weekly basis but it does max out at 50,000 Yen.  That is the most the deposit will be regardless of the length of stay.  This deposit is fully refundable upon vacating the IBSC.




What if I need to change the dates/extend my stay?

If you will need  to extend your period of tenancy at the IBSC, inform us as early as possible.  Exceptions are rare, but can be made in the case of special circumstances.




Can I use the IBSC address as my own on official documents?

Yes. In fact,  many of our clients find that this an added benefit of using the IBSC, as it makes the process of incorporation much easier.




What are the services I can get at the IBSC?

The IBSC regularly hosts market advisors in industries such as information technology, biotechnology, energy, and more.  Additionally corporate management advisors are available to discuss issues pertaining to incorporation and related issues.  For a full listing, please visit our services page. 




How do I schedule an appointment with an IBSC advisor?

Contact us to schedule an appointment during your time in Japan.




Does IBSC provide interpretation services?

The IBSC does not provide interpretation services to clients.  However, staff at the IBSC can provide you with a list of agencies that you may contact for your intepretation requirements.  Interpretation costs vary according to the type and length of the interpretation, but in general business conference interpretation costs more than one-on-one business negotiations.  General interpreters charge approximately 45,000 yen for a full day and 30,000 yen for a half day.  Please note that these prices represent an average range.




Is audiovisual equipment available for meetings?

Usage of audiovisual equipment is provided to tenants at no charge (subject to availability).
to set up a time.