- ■ Introduction: An Incident on Mt. Fuji
- ■ Mt. Fuji Is More Than Just a “Beautiful Mountain”
- ■ Residence Status Applications Are Similar to “Mountain Climbing”
- ■ Consult an Expert Before You “Lose Heart”
- ■ What Does “Preparation” Mean in Residence Status Applications?
- ■ Corporate Responsibility in Employing Foreign Nationals
- ■ The Importance of Understanding the Japanese “Heart”
- ■ What We Can Do
- ■ Conclusion: Consult Us Before You “Lose Heart”
■ Introduction: An Incident on Mt. Fuji
On July 18, 2026, a 17-year-old boy from Ireland fell while descending Mt. Fuji and sustained minor abrasions to his head and back. Fortunately, members of the Gotemba Police Department’s mountain rescue team and firefighters took turns carrying the young man on their backs from the 7th station of the Subashiri route down to the 5th station, ensuring his safe rescue. The boy reportedly said, “I lost heart.”
It was a blessing in disguise that he did not suffer any serious injuries such as broken bones. However, this incident offers valuable insights for all of us—especially for foreign nationals living in Japan, their families, and the business owners and HR managers who employ foreign workers.
■ Mt. Fuji Is More Than Just a “Beautiful Mountain”
When viewed from the Shinkansen or expressways, Mt. Fuji is undeniably beautiful. Its graceful silhouette is recognized worldwide as a symbol of Japan. However, Mt. Fuji is not merely a “beautiful tourist destination.”
Since ancient times, Mt. Fuji has been an object of religious worship and regarded as a sacred mountain where gods dwell. It has served as a training ground for Shugendo practitioners, where many ascetics have confronted the harsh forces of nature. It is precisely because the mountain is not easy to climb that it has been revered and worshipped by so many people.
For visitors from abroad, if they approach Mt. Fuji not only with the desire to climb because “it is beautiful,” but also with an understanding of its historical and religious background, they may gain a deeper appreciation of the Japanese “heart” and spirit.
■ Residence Status Applications Are Similar to “Mountain Climbing”
As an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi), I specialize in visa and residence status applications. Every day, I work with foreign nationals living in Japan, their families, and business owners and HR managers who employ foreign workers.
What I constantly feel is that “residence status applications are similar to climbing Mt. Fuji.”
Both share the following common elements:
- Preparation is Essential
Climbing Mt. Fuji requires proper equipment, physical conditioning, and checking the weather. Similarly, residence status applications require preparation of necessary documents, confirmation of requirements, and awareness of legal revisions. - It’s Important Not to Overdo It
If you feel uneasy about the weather or your physical condition, it’s important to turn back without forcing yourself. The same applies to residence status applications—rather than proceeding based solely on your own judgment, consulting an expert is the shortcut to success. - Expert Support is Effective
Just as having a mountain guide allows you to climb with confidence, having an administrative scrivener allows you to proceed with your residence status application with peace of mind. - Take One Step at a Time Toward Your Goal
Both climbing Mt. Fuji and processing residence status applications require taking steady, step-by-step progress. Don’t rush—proceed surely and safely.
■ Consult an Expert Before You “Lose Heart”
In this accident, the boy said he “lost heart.” These words resonate deeply with us.
Residence status application procedures are complex and sometimes difficult to understand. There are many required documents, strict requirements, and frequent legal revisions. For those whose native language is not Japanese, the hurdles are even higher.
HR managers at companies also find it challenging to understand the laws related to employing foreign nationals and to carry out the proper procedures. There may be moments when you feel like you are about to “lose heart.”
But please do not carry the burden alone. Before you “lose heart,” please consult with experts like us.
■ What Does “Preparation” Mean in Residence Status Applications?
What specifically does “preparation” mean in the context of residence status applications?
- Accurate Information Gathering
The first step is to accurately understand the types of residence statuses, requirements, and necessary documents. - Document Preparation
Prepare all necessary documents without omission, such as employment contracts, business plans, financial statements, and identity documents. - Responding to Legal Revisions
Immigration law is frequently revised. It is important to stay updated with the latest information. - Allowing Sufficient Time
Applications take time. It is essential to create a schedule with ample buffer. - Consulting with Experts
If you have any concerns or questions, consult with an expert such as an administrative scrivener as early as possible.
■ Corporate Responsibility in Employing Foreign Nationals
For business owners and HR managers employing foreign nationals, please pay particular attention to the following points:
- Verify the Appropriate Residence Status
Always confirm that the foreign national you are hiring holds a residence status suitable for the work they will perform. - Manage Residence Permit Expiration Dates
Renewal procedures must be completed before the residence permit expires. - Ensure Fair Labor Conditions
By law, foreign workers must be guaranteed the same labor conditions as Japanese workers. - Ensure Compliance
Companies may face severe penalties, such as for aiding illegal employment. - Collaborate with Experts
By partnering with experts such as administrative scriveners and social insurance labor consultants, you can minimize risks.
■ The Importance of Understanding the Japanese “Heart”
Just as foreign visitors to Mt. Fuji can better understand the Japanese “heart” by learning about its historical and religious background, it is equally important to understand Japanese culture and legal systems when applying for residence status or living in Japan.
Japan is a country that places great importance on following rules. However, behind those rules lies a “heart” that values respect for others and harmony.
Residence status applications are not merely “procedures.” They are the “gateway” to starting a new life in Japan and the “beginning of a relationship of trust” with Japanese society.
■ What We Can Do
As administrative scriveners, we provide the following support:
- Certificate of Eligibility Application
- Change of Residence Status Application
- Extension of Period of Stay Application
- Permanent Residence Application
- Naturalization Application
- Certificate of Authorized Employment Application
- Corporate Consulting on Foreign Employment
In addition to document preparation, we also value providing “emotional support,” such as:
- Careful Listening
We listen carefully to our clients’ situations and propose the best solutions. - Clear Explanations
We explain everything in simple, easy-to-understand language, without jargon. - Prompt Response
We respond quickly to ease our clients’ concerns as soon as possible. - Compassionate Attitude
We empathize with our clients’ “hearts” and work together toward their goals.
■ Conclusion: Consult Us Before You “Lose Heart”
Just as the boy who “lost heart” on Mt. Fuji was safely brought down thanks to the dedicated support of police and firefighters, when you feel like you are about to “lose heart” during the residence status application process, expert support can always open the way forward.
To foreign nationals living in Japan, their families, and business owners and HR managers employing foreign workers: please do not suffer alone. Consult with us.
Just as there is history and faith behind the beauty of Mt. Fuji, behind the complexity of residence status applications lies the hope of a new life in Japan.
We are committed to supporting that hope with all our strength.
Please feel free to contact us. We sincerely support your new life in Japan.
【Contact Us】
For inquiries regarding visa and residence status applications, please feel free to contact us. Initial consultations are free of charge.
