Japan tightened the business and management visa regime in October, raising the minimum capital to 30 million yen, and requiring at least three years of management experience (or a degree), plus N2-level Japanese language ability, and the applicant must employ at least one Japanese national or permanent resident full‑time. While some applicants truly aim to start ventures, many use shell companies, with offices left unmanned; reports have found Chinese‑registered firms in Osaka occupying old buildings. By year-end 2024, 41,615 foreigners held the visa, with Chinese at 21,740 (about 52%). The crackdown has surprised many who were drawn by online claims that relocation was possible with 5 million yen, effectively dampening the Japanese dream.