- By Chetna Shree
- Sat, 16 May 2026 11:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Indian restaurant owner denied visa renewal in Japan.
- Forced to close 18-year-old business due to new rules.
- Japan's Business Manager Visa rules significantly tightened.
An Indian restaurant owner in Japan was left in tears after authorities rejected his application to renew his business manager visa, forcing him to close the doors of the restaurant he had run for 18 years.
Indian Restaurant Owner Forced To Shut 18-Year-Old Eatery In Japan
Manish Kumar, the owner of an Indian restaurant in Saitama Prefecture, said that Japan's Immigration Services Agency recently rejected his visa renewal application under the country's stricter immigration rules.
Speaking at a protest rally in Tokyo, Kumar said that he is devastated by the decision and deeply worried about what lies ahead for his family.
"Two weeks ago, ISA told me to go back to my own country. My children were born and raised in Japan; they only understand Japanese, their only friends are Japanese, but we are being told to go back to India. What am I supposed to do?" he said.
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Visa Crackdown In Japan
Kumar's case highlights growing anxiety among small foreign business owners after Japan introduced sweeping changes to its Business Manager Visa system last year. According to a report by NDTV, citing official data, applications for this visa have plummeted by a staggering 96 per cent since the new rules came into effect in October 2025. Monthly applications dropped from around 1,700 to just 70.
Speaking to the Japan Times, officials stated these strict rules were designed to stop individuals from using the visa for long-term residency without running a genuine business. However, critics argue that these strict rules are affecting small businesses that have been operating lawfully for years.
Japan Overhauls 'Business Manager Visa' Rules: All You Need To Know
According to a report by The Japan Times, the country has significantly tightened eligibility criteria for foreign entrepreneurs seeking a Business Manager Visa.
- Capital Requirement Increased: The minimum capital investment requirement has been raised from 5 million yen (approx. Rs 30 lakh) to 30 million yen (approx. Rs 2 crore).
- Mandatory Full-Time Employee: Applicants are now required to employ at least one full-time local worker. Earlier, hiring staff was optional if the capital requirement was met.
- Language Requirements: Applicants or at least one full-time local employee must demonstrate proficiency in the Japanese language, typically at the JLPT N2 level.
- Experience Verifications: Foreign applicants are now required to show management experience or hold relevant professional qualifications.
- Stricter Scrutiny Of Business Plan: Business plans must now receive professional certification. Additionally, authorities have increased scrutiny of tax records and the legitimacy of offices. 'Home offices' (work-from-home arrangements) are no longer acceptable.