Founder support associate
Walk alongside foreign founders building companies in Okinawa, from incorporation through launch, handling the Japanese-side work in English. Includes work on Okinawa Prefecture's startup visa programme, which HAKKI operates under contract to the prefecture.
- Employment
- Fixed-term employee (part-time also possible, paid hourly)
- Location
- Okinawa (Naha and Onna)
- Salary
- JPY 250,000 to 400,000 per month
Foreign founders setting up in Okinawa arrive with world-class technology or ideas and stall in front of procedures and business customs that only exist in Japanese. This role stands beside them, works out with them what is needed, and moves the practical work forward.
You will be dealing with scientists, engineers and business people from many countries, building trust in English and bridging to government offices, licensed professionals and banks.
What you will do
- Regular meetings with founders to understand where the business is and what comes next
- Handling applicants to Okinawa Prefecture's startup visa programme, which HAKKI operates under contract, and running its day-to-day operations
- Moving incorporation, loan applications, accounting and labor administration forward with colleagues and licensed professionals
- Coordinating with government, banks and professionals, and explaining outcomes to founders in English
- Planning and running events and meetings for founders
Required
- Business-level English, especially spoken
- At least three years of work experience
- Experience working with non-Japanese colleagues or clients
- Experience in B2B sales or similar people-facing negotiation
Welcome (any of)
- Experience launching a business or in new-business development
- Experience at an accounting or tax firm
- Experience running a programme commissioned by a government body
It is fine to just ask first.
If you have questions about the work or the way we work before applying, we can start with an informal conversation. We reply within two business days.