Crypto assets and doing business overseas

Mr. Yanagisawa and I participated in a dialogue for Gentosha Gold Online in 2018. We discussed the crypto asset environment and tax systems relevant to doing business overseas.

Since discovering Bitcoin in 2011, I have worked to promote blockchain and connect projects in Japan and abroad. This field changes quickly, and new initiatives sometimes bring unfamiliar regulatory and practical issues. I have maintained a relationship with Mr. Yanagisawa in which we can discuss that business context as well.

Starting with preparations before departure

I also consulted Mr. Yanagisawa in 2021 when preparing to move abroad. Beyond resident registration procedures, what Japanese tax matters needed to be arranged, and by when? He checked each item against my departure schedule.

At the time, I did not fully understand the specific role of a tax agent. Through our conversations, I learned what needed to be done and asked him to handle the practical work as well as provide advice.

Before departure, preparations for life and work overlap with many administrative procedures. I appreciated being able to check things I would not have noticed myself. I felt it mattered to receive advice tailored to my plans, rather than only general explanations.

A continuing contact for Japanese tax after departure

His firm has acted as my tax agent from my departure to the present, serving as my point of contact in Japan for income tax and resident tax.

Around December each year, the firm sends me a Google Forms questionnaire so I can report my circumstances for the year. They do not simply check once at departure; they review subsequent changes annually. Based on my answers, they determine whether I need to file a Japanese tax return and what other action is required. If filing is necessary, they handle it by the following year's return deadline, generally March 15.

Moving overseas does not mean that every Japanese tax matter is finished. When documents arrive, for example, I can first consult him and check what needs doing. Recently, I contacted him on Messenger and sent documents to the office for handling.

One benefit of a long relationship is being able to consult someone who understands my circumstances from before departure, rather than explaining the history from scratch each time. While running my business, it is reassuring to have someone to turn to about Japanese tax.

Future work and our ongoing relationship

As a co-founder of INTMAX, I am now working to make blockchain accessible to more people. Even as technology and services evolve, sustaining a business requires attention to practical matters, including tax.

Our relationship has continued from the 2018 dialogue through pre-departure advice to the current tax agent engagement. I intend to keep taking on new challenges and hope to continue consulting Mr. Yanagisawa.