---
title: "Opening a bank account in Japan — general overview of the difficulties"
url: https://memocore.ai/memos/6a5f62a563d783ad68709335
project: "Doing Business in Japan"
tags: "japan-business, bank-account"
updated_at: "2026-07-21T12:14:29.788Z"
---

# Opening a bank account in Japan — general overview of the difficulties

Opening a bank account in Japan as a foreign entrepreneur is, by general consensus, one of the hardest parts of doing business here, comparable in difficulty to obtaining a Business Manager visa. Banks routinely refuse foreign directors of young companies, often without explanation, especially when the business is linked to Russia (the director's citizenship or incoming transfers) or to cryptocurrency. The topic breaks down into several large blocks: general risk factors and AML/sanctions-related screening; opening a personal account; opening a corporate account with a bank-by-bank rundown; and international transfers (SWIFT, Wise, crypto, cash). See: Bank account risk factors and red flags for foreigners. See: Personal bank account — bank-by-bank overview. See: Corporate bank account — bank-by-bank overview. See: International transfers for business in Japan — overview.