I've been making websites and programming for years but I haven't launched anything on the app store yet and I'm finally have some apps ready to launch. I have read that the safest way is to register as a business on the app store to remove personal liability and added privacy etc.
I have been looking into setting up an LLC in Japan but there is an overwhelming amount of info. I am just wondering what kind of LLC is possible to set up for my use case. I read there is white / blue types. What is the difference?
Will I need to have a physical office? Employ workers? If this is true it seems like a lot to deal with for small developers like myself.
by 0__O0–O0_0
1 comment
There isn’t a LLC in Japan. The closest thing is a godo kaisha which is sometimes called an LLC in English, but has significant differences from an American LLC.
A company in Japan doesn’t offer you a significant increase in privacy. As a managing partner your name and address will be publicly available.
It does add a theoretical level of liability protection, but you’ll still need to deal with any lawsuits brought against your company. I personally think it is unlikely that something you release to an app store will bring legitimate legal action against you, unless you’re doing something that’s shady.
Personally I’d start as a sole proprietor in this situation. This is an article I wrote about my own experiences: https://www.tokyodev.com/articles/companies-vs-sole-proprietorships-in-japan
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