Businesses in Japan are launching new services for non-Japanese residents as the country prepares to open its doors wider to foreign workers, starting in April.
A Tokyo-based venture firm called one visa provides visa application support for foreign nationals.
The firm says it is teaming up with Seven Bank, which has automatic teller machines in convenience stores, to assist foreigners open bank accounts immediately after they arrive in Japan.
The firm says it’s planning to expand the service in phases to help new arrivals get insurance and find an apartment.
One visa CEO Albert Okamura says the company hopes to dispel foreigners’ anxiety about life in Japan.
Japanese staffing agency Pasona is also launching new services for foreign residents to support them register as residents and sign utility contracts.
The company says it will offer courses in the Japanese language and business etiquette as well.
Officials estimate that under the revised immigration law up to 345,000 foreigners will be accepted over the next five years in 14 sectors including nursing care and construction.
From NHK World