Solid Japan News

Volume 1, Issue 1

Building the Foundations of Your Business in Japan

Introduction

Welcome to the Solid Japan newsletter. Solid Japan LLC is a complete business support solutions provider for foreign companies in Japan. We offer one-stop convenience and exceptional customer service. Solid Japan LLC has assembled a powerful team of top-notch business service providers to help you build and expand your business in Japan. Whether you are setting up a new company, need help locating an office or apartment, filing a Japanese tax return, or recruiting capable staff Solid Japan can help. We do it all. We do it well, and we do it at competitive rates. To find out more about our full range of services, please visit our website at: www.solidjapan.com

Office Rents Dropping in Downtown Tokyo

Recent data from real estate firm Miki Shoji has confirmed that office rents continued to drop in the Tokyo central business areas, while the vacancy rate rose in October. The average office rent in the main five wards (Chuo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Minato, and Chiyoda) was JPY22,559 per tsubo (3.3 m2), with the highest average rent in Shibuya Ward at JPY23,962 per tsubo. The vacancy rate in these wards also increased 0.23% to 4.30% in October. Asking rents in prime Class A office buildings are coming down quickly. This may be an ideal time for companies looking to upgrade their current office. Whatever the stage of your business, Solid Japan’s real estate team can help you find the ideal office. Contact us today at: info@solidjapan.com

Companies to Receive Cash Subsidies for Hiring Full-Time Employees?

According to recent reports, the central government is preparing to introduce cash subsidies of up to 1 million yen per employee to small and mid-size companies hiring non-student part-timers to full-time contracts.  The plan is expected to be introduced as part of the Aso administration’s plan to stimulate the Japanese economy in the face of the global financial crisis. The plan is geared toward moving part-time or casual workers (known as “freeters”) to full-time employment. The program is expected to be funded from a special labor insurance fund, and the scale of the program has yet to be announced.

Personal Tax Tip

Did you know that even if you don’t have a Permanent Resident Visa, you might still be considered a Permanent Resident for Japanese Income Tax purposes? This means that not only do you need to file taxes and declare your Japanese income, but you also need to declare your global income from all sources as well.  Recent amendments to the tax code have changed the length of stay required to be considered a Permanent Resident for Japanese income tax purposes. Now anyone who has been in Japan for a total of 60 months (5 years) within the last 10 year period qualifies as a Permanent Resident for Tax. This change in the permanent residency requirements can have a significant impact on personal financial planning.

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Server?

Now more than ever, companies are trying to cut costs in all departments, and IT is no exception. Many don’t realize that it is possible to cut costs, without sacrificing performance or productivity. Windows Server advanced features are rarely used. Did you know that with a simple configuration of Windows Server called “Roaming Profile”, users have the ability to move from desk to desk with all of their settings and data intact. This means that if a workstation goes down, there is no loss of data or productivity –the user needs simply log in at another machine on the local network. Another feature of Windows Server is “Group Policy”, allowing for central control of all workstations in the office. For more information on this, or other IT solutions, please contact Solid Japan at: info@solidjapan.com

Market Turmoil Creating Opportunities

With the recent turmoil in the financial markets, it’s no wonder a lot of investors are avoiding the stock markets and waiting for the smoke to clear before they make any investment decisions. On the other hand, quite a few savvy investors see the currently depressed markets (the Nikkei is at nearly a 30-year low) as a rare buying opportunity with plenty of bargains available. As the old adage goes; “It’s best to buy low and sell high”.

Solid Japan’s financial advisors say that while many clients are moving into relatively stable investments such as bonds and guaranteed investments, the long-term investors are wisely staying the course, and taking this opportunity to assess and re-balance their portfolios. Bargains are out there, but it is important that individual investors conduct their due diligence and also consult with professionals before venturing into any investment. Working with a professional tax planner as well as an investment portfolio advisor are components of any smart investment strategy. There can be additional tax and other implications for ex-pats and long-term foreign residents.

Looking to Move Home or Office?

Solid Japan offers a full complement of relocation services for foreign businesses and individuals. Working with our licensed realtor partner, one of the largest and best-known realty brokerages in Japan, we specialize in homes and offices for English-speaking clients. Whether you are looking to buy, lease, or invest, we can help you find the perfect home or office. We also provide safe and secure Japan-wide and world-wide moving services through our relocation partners. Solid Japan’s knowledgeable, bilingual staff can also help review, summarize, and translate important lease documentation and applications , while our IT Services team is happy to assist with moving sensitive computer and communications equipment and help map out and cable your new office network. If you are thinking of moving home or office, give Solid Japan a call and we will be happy to tailor a solution that fits your needs.