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Episode Summary
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. Today we are joined again by Beau Becker, the CEO of Reiwa Pharmaceuticals in Japan. Reiwa Pharmaceuticals produces an anti-flush drink called Akan and has experience incorporating in Japan and helping others incorporate in Japan. Beau also wrote an extremely popular article on creating a bank account and incorporating a company, which you can find below:
Beau Becker’s corporate banking guide
Beau shares his experience opening a corporate bank account in Japan, including bank options, business plans, and the application process for foreign entrepreneurs.
Banking update, November 2026: This interview was published in August 2024. For current bank options, application routes, and document requirements, read our corporate bank account guide for Japan.
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Links from Guest Appearance
Reach out to Beau on his LinkedIn
Be sure to check out Reiwaseiyaku and their Instagram
Preparing an application? SmartStart Japan’s Bank Account Readiness Checker helps you assess your preparation before applying.
Show Notes
00:00 Intro
5:03 The Four Stages of the Fast Track Banking Strategy
36:00 English service banks in Japan.
38:44 What Kind of Stamps Are You Going to Need?
41:35 About the Account Booklet
44:50 Megabanks
48:25 Local banks
49:42 Problems
50:34 Tokyo Star Bank
53:15 Net banks
55:49 Virtual Support
58:51 Rakuten Bank
01:01:18 Business Plan
01:07:05 Credit Union
01:19:20 How long did it take to open a bank account?
01:22:06 Conclusion
Need Help Opening Your Company’s Bank Account?
- SmartStart Japan supports foreign founders and foreign-owned Japanese subsidiaries with preliminary screening, document preparation, and bank applications. The team has opened more than 50 corporate bank accounts in Japan. Account opening remains subject to bank approval.
via SmartStart Japan
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