Should I move my business to Tokyo?

Whether you’re a freelance creative, tech entrepreneur, or a consultant for big corporations, Tokyo is brimming with opportunity

Towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and constant innovation across a range of sectors contribute to Tokyo’s reputation as a fast-paced, global city. Boasting one of the world’s largest stock exchanges and major industry in tourism, tech, manufacturing, and the arts, Tokyo is an ideal location for watching your team thrive. 

When you look beyond the bustle, you’ll notice this fascinating metropolis is also home to long-standing traditions and a deeply rooted cultural scene. Between Japanese painting, calligraphy, theater, music, and martial arts (not to mention the sushi and teppanyaki!) you’ll find no end to exploration and epicurean inspiration in Tokyo. 

Whether you’re working in the creative space, launching a tech startup, or consulting for the big corporations headquartered locally, WeWork has the space you need to succeed in Tokyo. Flexible agreements allow you to scale at your own pace, while all-inclusive amenities make settling in easy. With several shared offices dotted throughout the city, WeWork affords you a seamless transition to this vibrant metropolis.

Exciting opportunities in Tokyo

A truly international city, Tokyo is a strategic landing spot if you’re looking to expand your reach into Asia. Each year, the city hosts more than 500 international conferences, giving you ample opportunity to network and pitch new business. Plus, more than 2,300 foreign-affiliated firms are at home here, making it easy to forge connections locally, and around the world.

With a gross metropolitan product close to $1 trillion, Tokyo’s contribution to the global economy is on par with that of medium-size nations like the Netherlands. A major factor is the concentration of Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the city, including Mitsubishi, Sony, and Toshiba. The main driver, however, is the small and medium-size companies that make up 99 percent of the local business community. 

Over the past few decades, the government has worked hard to make the city attractive to foreign companies, with a slew of grants and subsidies available to international entrepreneurs and business owners. You’ll find subsidies for hiring local employees or registering your business in Tokyo—especially if you’re in fintech, telecommunications, medicine, electronics, or the creative sectors. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to preferential tax systems and perks like extended visas for employees.

WeWork in Tokyo
WeWork Hanzomon PREX North in Tokyo.

How much is Tokyo office space?

The same way the opportunities in Tokyo are a draw for your business, the city can be highly competitive when it comes to finding talent and securing office space. Luckily, recent changes to economic policy are enabling investors to build more office space, which is causing a slight decline in office rental costs. In fact, compared to London and New York City, Tokyo is considered one of the most budget-friendly options among global centers.

The takeaway: Now is the time to move to the city, as support for foreign business continues to grow while the cost of office space continues to drop. 

The most risk-averse way to do this? Through office-space solutions like WeWork. In these agreements, the risks associated with traditional leases—long-term commitments and steep upfront costs, for example—are mitigated by flexible, monthly rental fees that allow you to pay only for the space you need.  Below are some of WeWork’s best options in Tokyo.

A modern workspace in bustling Shibuya

Boasting the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world, Shibuya is what comes to mind when you imagine Tokyo. This area is home to the massive corporate headquarters of companies like Casio, so there are plenty of opportunities to network and collaborate. It’s also loaded with boutiques, coffee shops, and sushi restaurants, so there is plenty to occupy your team after-hours.

WeWork Shibuya Scramble Square offers a variety of versatile workspaces, ranging from 100-person offices to single-person desks. The all-inclusive rate gives you access to the beautifully designed lounges and bookable conference rooms. Plus, amenities like fresh fruit water, a microroasted-coffee bar, and frequent community events keep your team connected and inspired. 

WeWork in Tokyo
WeWork Shiroyama Trust Tower in Tokyo.

A creative office in Shinjuku

One of the older wards in Tokyo, Shinjuku is home to charming museums, the peaceful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and small, family-owned restaurants. As well as this, the massive Shinjuku Station provides easy access to many other parts of Japan. The ward also houses headquarters for many manufacturing, construction, and publishing companies.

If this sounds like your team, consider WeWork Shinjuku Minamiguchi, a peaceful and beautifully designed workspace at the heart of the action. Elegant, minimalist designs are punctuated by lush greenery and bright artwork that are sure to inspire out-of-the-box thinking and impress potential clients.

An amenity-rich location in Yotsuya

Known as a trendy and upscale region for both business and residential living, Yotsuya offers a unique selection of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to entertain clients or coworkers. The neighborhood’s quaint homes, boutique galleries, eclectic shops, and leading schools add to the appeal.

WeWork Yotsuya offers expansive workspace that’s ideal for highly collaborative teams. There are also private offices and conference rooms if you need to sharpen focus or host meetings. Plus, an events space with a projector and sound system makes it easy to host presentations or pitch ideas.

Known as a booming economy and a hub of an international business, Tokyo is a vibrant, futuristic city to grow your influence. Easy access to some of the world’s top companies puts your team in good company, while government support for small businesses enables an ongoing stream of innovation. If you’re ready to make the move, WeWork’s dynamic offices in Tokyo will help you hit the ground running.  

Interested in workspace? Get in touch.