Best business accounts for LLC and Corporations in Japan
Snapshot
Companies in Japan, most often a Kabushiki Kaisha or a Godo Kaisha, can open a business account with an online bank for low running costs or with a megabank for branch service and lending. Wise Business onboards companies registered in Japan, including the Kabushiki Kaisha, for cross border payments. A resident representative director is normally expected.
Suits companies best
An online bank for low running cost, or a megabank for lending and branch service
Typical monthly fee
No account fee at several online banks; megabank online banking from about 1,760 yen a month
Non resident position
Difficult. Most banks expect a company incorporated in Japan and a resident representative director
Charged in
Japanese yen (JPY)
Fees and features as of 22 April 2026Last reviewed 22 April 2026
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
A company in Japan, usually a Kabushiki Kaisha or a Godo Kaisha, chooses between an online bank for low running costs and a megabank for lending, branch service, and trade tools. GMO Aozora Net Bank keeps costs low for many companies, MUFG Bank suits established corporations that want a lending relationship, and Wise Business onboards companies registered in Japan for cross border payments. Banks normally expect a resident representative director. Compare running costs, lending needs, and cross border payment costs. Information as of 22 April 2026, not advice.
What llc and corporations in Japan need from a business account
A company needs an account in the company name, clean separation from personal funds, electronic banking for staff, and often lending and trade services as it grows. The priorities are usually running cost, the strength of the lending relationship, the quality of electronic banking, and cross border payment costs. Online banks in Japan suit companies that want low costs and fast digital tools, while megabanks add lending, branch service, and trade finance. A company incorporated in Japan is required, the registered documents and company seal are needed, and many banks expect the representative director to be resident in Japan.
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GMO Aozora Net Bank
Online bank with low running costs and strong digital tools for a Kabushiki Kaisha or Godo Kaisha, with electronic banking and cards.
Onboards companies registered in Japan, including the Kabushiki Kaisha, and holds many currencies for cross border payments. It is a money services provider, not a bank.
Compare accounts for LLC and Corporations in Japan
These providers serve llc and corporations that operate as a Japan registered business. Fees and eligibility shown as of 22 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Questions about banking for llc and corporations in Japan
What company types can open a business account in Japan?
Most often a Kabushiki Kaisha or a Godo Kaisha, the two common company forms, can open a business account once incorporated, with the registered documents and company seal. Sole proprietors can also open accounts, usually more easily at online banks. Requirements vary, so confirm with the provider, as of 22 April 2026.
Does a company account require a resident director in Japan?
Many banks expect the representative director to be resident in Japan with a valid status of residence, which is the main hurdle for overseas founders. Treat this as unclear and verify with the provider, as of 22 April 2026.
Online bank or megabank for a company in Japan?
An online bank such as GMO Aozora Net Bank suits a company that wants low running costs and digital tools, while a megabank such as MUFG Bank suits a company that needs lending, branch service, or trade finance. Compare the real cost and the services you need, as of 22 April 2026.
Does Wise Business open an account for a Japanese company?
Wise Business onboards several common Japanese company types, including the Kabushiki Kaisha, for cross border payments, though it cannot onboard some entities such as trusts and charities and is a money services provider rather than a bank. Confirm eligibility with Wise, as of 22 April 2026.
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 22 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.