On September 11, 2025, the Asahi Shimbun reported that Japan’s Immigration Services Agency is finalizing a plan to add a Japanese language proficiency requirement to the residency status “Business Manager,” which is necessary for foreigners to start or operate businesses in Japan.
Details of the New Requirement
Specifically, either the applicant themselves or at least one full-time employee of the business will be required to demonstrate a certain level of Japanese proficiency.
The expected level is B2 (upper-intermediate) on the CEFR scale, equivalent to JLPT N2.
This revision aims to ensure smoother communication with local communities and to reduce potential friction with residents.
The measure is part of a broader tightening of rules, including a sixfold increase in the minimum capital requirement (from 5 million yen to 30 million yen), which had already been announced. Together, these changes significantly raise the bar for obtaining this residency status.
The new rules are scheduled to take effect in mid-October 2025.
Comparison with the Current System
| Category | Current System | New System (Expected) |
| Japanese proficiency | No explicit requirement; applicants or staff were not necessarily required to speak Japanese. | At least one person (the applicant or a full-time employee) must have B2 (upper-intermediate / JLPT N2) proficiency. |
| Capital requirement | Minimum of 5 million yen. | Raised to 30 million yen. |
| Background / education of manager | No particular requirements. | Must have 3+ years of management experience or a master’s degree (or higher) in business/management. |
| Business plan | No specific review required. | Must be verified by a certified public accountant or small/medium enterprise consultant. |
| Implementation | Current rules apply. | New system to start in mid-October 2025. |
Important Note
Even if an application is submitted before the revision in September, there is a strong possibility that cases still under review after the rule change will be judged under the new criteria. For this reason, our firm is not accepting last-minute applications in September.
What is B2 Level Japanese?
“B2” refers to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), used globally to measure language proficiency, including Japanese.
Characteristics of B2 Level
Conversation: Can discuss complex topics (work, school, current events) relatively smoothly.
Comprehension: Can understand the main points of newspaper articles, magazines, or TV news.
Speaking: Can debate naturally with native speakers, though subtle nuances may still be difficult.
Reading & Writing: Can understand general texts and express opinions or explanations with reasonable accuracy.
JLPT Comparison
Roughly equivalent to JLPT N2.
N2 means “the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and to a certain degree in broader contexts.”
Practical Examples
Ordering and handling procedures at restaurants or government offices.
Discussing work matters with supervisors or colleagues.
Reading newspapers to understand social issues.
👉 However, advanced academic or literary discussions remain challenging.
Conversation Examples at B2 Level
🗣 Example 1: Workplace
Japanese (B2 level):
A: この資料、午後３時までにまとめられますか？
B: ええ、大丈夫です。ただ、統計の部分については確認に少し時間がかかるかもしれません。
English:
A: Can you finish this report by 3 p.m.?
B: Yes, that should be fine. But the statistical section might take a little extra time to double-check.
🗣 Example 2: Government Office
Japanese (B2 level):
外国人: すみません、在留カードの更新について伺いたいのですが。
職員: はい、更新申請はいつから可能かご存じですか？
外国人: はい、期限の３か月前からできると聞きました。必要書類を確認したいです。
English:
Foreigner: Excuse me, I’d like to ask about renewing my residence card.
Officer: Of course. Do you know when you can start the renewal process?
Foreigner: Yes, I heard it’s possible from three months before the expiration. I’d like to check the required documents.
🗣 Example 3: Daily Conversation (News)
Japanese (B2 level):
A: 昨日のニュース見ましたか？外国人労働者の数が過去最多になったそうです。
B: ええ、見ました。日本の経済にとって必要だと思いますが、受け入れる体制が十分かどうかは疑問ですね。
English:
A: Did you see yesterday’s news? It said the number of foreign workers reached a record high.
B: Yes, I saw that. I think it’s necessary for Japan’s economy, but I wonder if the support system for them is sufficient.
📎 Reference:
Asahi Shimbun, “Business Manager residency status to require Japanese language ability — easing friction with local communities”, September 11, 2025
https://www.asahi.com/articles/AST994K7YT99UTIL02LM.html
