Starting a business in Japan

Legal Forms of Companies

Kabushiki Kaisha (KK): Public Limited Company: Number of partners: Minimum of one; or 400 if the company is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The minimum number of directors is three in a KK with a board of directors, or one for a KK without a board of directors; with no limitation on the number of shareholders.
Capital (max/min): Minimum JPY 1
Shareholders and liability: Limited to the amount of capital contributed
Godo Kaisha (GK): Limited Liability Company: Number of partners: Minimum one partner
Capital (max/min): Minimum JPY 1
Shareholders and liability: Limited to the amount of capital contributed
Goshi Kaisha (GK): Limited Partnership: Number of partners: Minimum of two partners
Two types of partners: active partners and sleeping partners
Capital (max/min): Minimum JPY 1
Shareholders and liability: Unlimited for the active partners; limited to the amount of capital contributed for the sleeping partners.
Gomei Kaisha (GK): General Partnership: Number of partners: Minimum of two partners
Capital (max/min): No minimum capital
Shareholders and liability: Unlimited

The Competent Organisation: Administrative formalities must be carried out at the bureau of legal affairs of the Ministry of Justice.
Company Directories: Business News on Japan