Representative Office is established by a foreign company as a location to conduct preparatory and auxiliary activities prior to commencing full-scale business operations in Japan. Such activities are limited to market research, information collection, procurement of goods, and advertising.

Direct business activities, including sales and contract execution, are not permitted.

From a legal standpoint, there are no specific procedural requirements for establishing a Representative Office, and registration under the Companies Act or with the Legal Affairs Bureau is not required.