Startups in Japan usually want low running costs, fast onboarding, and room to grow into lending and foreign currency as they scale. Many open with an online bank for low cost once incorporated, then add a cross border provider when they earn or pay abroad, and consider a megabank when they raise outside investment. Wise Business serves companies registered in Japan, while most banks expect a company incorporated in Japan and a resident representative director.
Suits startups best
A low cost online bank to start, plus a cross border provider and later a megabank
Typical monthly fee
No account fee at several online banks; megabank online banking from about 1,760 yen a month
Foreign founders
Harder. A resident representative director is usually expected and due diligence has tightened
Charged in
Japanese yen (JPY)
Fees and features as of 22 January 2026Last reviewed 22 January 2026
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
Startups in Japan often open with a low cost online bank such as GMO Aozora Net Bank for fast onboarding and low running costs, then add Wise Business, which serves companies registered in Japan, when they earn or pay abroad. A startup raising outside investment usually incorporates as a kabushiki kaisha and may add a megabank such as MUFG Bank for lending and a branch relationship. Foreign founders face a harder path, since most banks expect a resident representative director and due diligence has tightened. Compare onboarding speed, running costs, and cross border fees. Information as of 22 January 2026, not advice.
What startups in Japan need from a business account
Startups move quickly, watch cash carefully, and need an account that opens fast and costs little while they find traction. The priorities are usually low running costs, quick onboarding once the company is registered, clean electronic banking, cards and users for a small team, and a path to foreign currency and lending as the company scales. Online banks tend to win on cost and speed, while megabanks add lending, trade tools, and the credibility of a branch relationship that some investors and partners value. A company incorporated in Japan, as a kabushiki kaisha or a godo kaisha, is normally required, and many banks expect the representative director to be resident in Japan. Reforms to the business manager visa in October 2025 also raised the capital and hiring expectations for foreign founders, as of 22 January 2026.
G
GMO Aozora Net Bank
Online bank with low running costs and fast onboarding for incorporated companies and sole proprietors, which suits an early stage startup keeping overheads down.
Receives and holds many currencies and serves companies registered in Japan, useful for a startup with overseas customers or suppliers. It is a money services provider, not a bank.
Megabank with a branch network, lending, and a foreign exchange desk that can suit a startup raising capital or scaling, though onboarding is more document heavy.
Best for
Startups raising capital or scaling
Monthly fee
BizStation online banking about 1,760 yen a month after three months
These providers serve startups that operate as a Japan registered business. Fees and eligibility shown as of 22 January 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
A startup that wants low running costs and fast onboarding often opens with an online bank such as GMO Aozora Net Bank, and adds Wise Business, which serves companies registered in Japan, when it earns or pays abroad. A startup planning to raise from investors usually incorporates as a kabushiki kaisha and may add a megabank such as MUFG Bank for lending and a branch relationship. Information as of 22 January 2026, not advice.
Can a foreign founder open a startup account in Japan?
It is possible but harder. Banks normally require a company incorporated in Japan and many expect the representative director to be resident in Japan, and due diligence has tightened. Reforms to the business manager visa in October 2025 also raised the capital and hiring expectations for foreign founders. Confirm the current requirements with the provider and check your visa position, as of 22 January 2026.
Should a startup in Japan incorporate as a KK or a GK?
Both can open a corporate account. A godo kaisha is simpler and cheaper to set up, while a kabushiki kaisha is the more formal joint stock form often preferred by startups that plan to raise outside investment. The choice affects setup cost and investor expectations more than the bank account itself. This is general information, not legal advice, so confirm with a professional, as of 22 January 2026.
How fast can a startup open a business account in Japan?
Online banks can be quick once the company is registered, and some advertise same day opening for eligible applicants, while account opening at a megabank often takes around two to three weeks with deeper due diligence. Have the registered documents, the company seal and seal certificate, and proof of address ready. Confirm timelines with the provider, as of 22 January 2026.
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 22 January 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.