No more welcome mat? Japan’s tough visa rules spur foreign businesses to look elsewhere

AI Summary

New Japanese visa regulations have sharply increased costs for a British couple who have lived and run businesses in Japan for more than a decade. The changes are prompting concern that foreign entrepreneurs may relocate their businesses elsewhere.

Five years ago, Sarah and her husband were optimistic about Japan’s economic future and were expanding their small businesses across several sectors. Today, that optimism has been replaced by concern over a sense of hostility towards two hard-working foreigners who feel they have contributed to the society that they have worked hard to fit into. New regulations that took effect on Thursday mean the two Britons, who have been in Japan for more than 10 years, now face significantly higher costs...