Looking to buy a business in Japan?
At Business M&A, we help foreign companies buy businesses in Japan. Our experienced M&A advisors support you throughout the entire process, from deal sourcing to closing.
Why Work with Business MA
/01
SME Owners will only speak Japanese
In most cases, SME owners communicate primarily in Japanese, as do the advisors representing the seller. Owners in their 60s and 70s are also more likely to prefer working with someone who understands Japanese business culture, language, and etiquette.
Our consultants have experience negotiating directly with these owners, as well as the sell-side advisors.
/02
Lower Fees
In Japan, it is most common to charge the seller and buyer an average of 5% of the total transaction value. Not only the stock/asset value, but most major players will add the total amount of any debt (Bank loans, owner loans, debt, etc) on top of the fee calculation.
Even if a company has positive cash flow, if it carries a large amount of debt, you may have to pay double the amount compared to the transaction value calculation.
/03
Bilingual Japanese Talent for Post-Merger Integration
Can support hiring Bilingual Japanese Employees for post-merger integration, including high-level executives.
Fee Comparison
| Company A | Company B | BUSINESS M&A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial / Setup Fee | Approx. $1M | No Setup Fee | Monthly Fee |
| MOU Fee | Yes | Yes | No Fee |
| Closing Fee | 5% + Debt | 5% + Debt | 5% |
| Debt Included in Fee Calculation | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fee Basis | Transaction + Debt | Transaction + Debt | Stock / Asset Value Only |
| Monthly Fee | - | - | Included / Credited |
* Fee structure varies depending on transaction size and complexity. Please contact us for details.
Why Japan Now?
Easy Market Entry
Enter the Japanese market faster by acquiring established operations and an existing customer base. Building a business and trusted relationships in Japan takes time and significant investment.
Yen Advantage + Tax Efficiency
Favorable currency positioning for US-based acquirers. Japanese tax code (e.g., loss carryforwards, R&D incentives) and reinvestment structures can improve deal economics.
Valuation Arbitrage
Japanese assets trade at a 25–40% discount to US comps. There are hundreds of thousands of businesses that are profitable but choose to close their business due to succession issues. This increases motivation to sell.
Asia Hub
Acquire in Japan, leverage dormant regional networks across APAC.
Synergy Engine
Transfer tech/platforms into capital-rich, analog businesses. Unlock margin expansion & scale.
Demographic Moat
Aging founders + declining talent pool = structural seller supply. First-mover acquirer advantage.
Why Expand Your Business into Japan?
Access to the World’s 3rd-Largest Economy
Japan is the third-largest economy globally, offering a mature consumer market with strong purchasing power and long-term stability.
Strategic Gateway to Asia
Expanding into Japan positions your business at the center of the Asia-Pacific region, with strong trade relationships across East and Southeast Asia.
Stable Legal and Regulatory Environment
Japan offers transparent regulations, strong intellectual property protection, and a predictable business climate — reducing operational risk.
High-Value, Quality-Driven Consumers
Japanese customers value quality, consistency, and brand reputation, creating opportunities for premium positioning and long-term customer loyalty.
Can Americans Buy a Business in Japan?
Yes.
No Nationality Bar
Foreign nationals can establish and fully own a company in Japan; no nationality restrictions under Japan’s Companies Act. Housing Japan
Deal Structure
Acquire shares, assets, or merge via KK (Kabushiki Kaisha) or GK (Godo Kaisha). No residency is required to close; Japanese counsel + local banking are mandatory.
Do you want to sell your business in Japan？
Industries with Strong ROI in Japan
Hospitality & Tourism
Food & Beverage
Manufacturing SMEs
English Education
IT & Tech Services
Our M&A Support Process
Criteria
profitability, area,
employee amount,
industry, strength, etc
from M&A firms
deals, off-market
deals
the CIM
information
memorandums
Management
Meetings
Management
Meeting Post LOI
Submission
Diligence
negotiations
employee amount, Industry,
Strength, etc
from M&A firms
Off-market deals
the CIM
Memorandums
Meetings
Meeting Post LOI Submission
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a U.S. company buy a business in Japan?
Yes. Foreign companies can acquire and own businesses in Japan. We support international buyers throughout the acquisition process.
Can you help us find off-market businesses in Japan?
Yes. We source opportunities through our network of Japanese M&A firms and local connections, including undisclosed and off-market deals.
Do I need to speak Japanese to acquire a business in Japan?
No. Our Japanese-speaking advisors can support communication, document translation, management meetings, and negotiations with business owners and sell-side advisors.
Do you support due diligence and closing?
Yes. We support the process from target sourcing and initial offers through management meetings, due diligence, final negotiations, and closing.
Do you provide visa support in Japan?
Yes. We also provide visa support for foreign business owners and executives in Japan. Contact us to learn more about our visa support services.
Move to Japan Through Business Investment
Schedule a Free Acquisition Consultation Today
- takashi@aitworks.com
- +1 424-216-2444
Los Angeles HQ
Hollywood Office
Hawaii Office