Japan’s Ministry of justice eliminated at least one resident as a representative director.

On March 16 2015, Japan’s Ministry of justice eliminated a longstanding law requiring foreign companies to appoint at least one resident of Japan as a representative director. The Ministry made the change and promote foreign investment. The change applies to two of the three most typical entity option with limited responsibility for foreign companies expanding into Japan. KK (Kabushiki Kaisha, similar to joint stock companies) and GK (Godo Kaisha similar to limited liability companies). However,  branch office of foreign organization is still required to register a local resident for a representative branch.