Raising Capital for Tokyo Business – What are the Options? Terms?

My friend and I are thinking of starting a niche sports club in Tokyo and are exploring options for funding it. We'd love the perspective of someone who has built a brick-and-mortar business in Japan before:

  1. We are aware we can self-fund, apply for JFC loan, apply for an bank's investment loan, or get external investment. Is there anything we are missing?
  2. Some external investors (existing club owners in the same sport) have offered to put in money. Are there standard terms for such an investment? I.e., should this be structured like a loan, equity, convertible debt, etc.?

Any perspective from someone who has done this would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

by sun_machine