# Getting started in Japan This guide covers the steps to start using Stripe in Japan, including common issues with account verification, payouts, and payment method setup. ## Sign up and complete your business profile 1. [Sign up for a Stripe account](https://dashboard.stripe.com/register). 1. Verify your email. 1. You’ll receive an email immediately after signing up with a link to verify your email address. If you don't see it, check your spam folder. 1. Complete your [business profile](https://dashboard.stripe.com/account/onboarding) in order to [activate your account](https://stripe.com/docs/payments/account/activate). This is necessary to enable certain capabilities for your account, such as accepting live payments, and for Stripe to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. ### Information required in Japan - Category - Required information --- - Business information - Legal entity name (as registered), address, corporate number, industry, business description, website URL --- - Representative information - Full name, date of birth, address, phone number --- - [Identity documents](https://docs.stripe.com/acceptable-verification-documents?locale=ja-JP) - Japanese passport, Driver's license, Residence Card, My Number Card, with photo, Residence Certificate --- - Bank account - [Add a bank account for payouts in Japan](https://support.stripe.com/questions/add-a-bank-account-for-payouts-in-japan) ### Tips for a smooth verification * A Specified Commercial Transactions Act (Tokushoho) disclosure is required. See [how to create a commerce disclosure page](https://support.stripe.com/questions/how-to-create-and-display-a-commerce-disclosure-page). * Be specific about your business description. Instead of "ecommerce" or "services," describe what you sell, to whom, and at what price. * Enter your 13-digit corporate number accurately. You can look it up on the [National Tax Agency Corporate Number Publication Site](https://www.houjin-bangou.nta.go.jp/). * Sole proprietors should register under their personal name, not a trade name. ### Verification timeline * Verification typically completes in 2–3 business days. If additional documents or reviews are needed, it may take 1–2 weeks. * Check your verification status in [Dashboard > Settings > Account](https://dashboard.stripe.com/settings/account). * If Stripe needs additional documents, you'll receive an email. Responding promptly helps speed up the process. ## Test in the sandbox Use the [sandbox](https://docs.stripe.com/sandboxes) to test Stripe features and try new functionality without affecting your live environment. * Use [test card numbers](https://docs.stripe.com/testing#cards) to simulate payments * You can test while your live mode verification is still in progress ## Choose your integration type and payment methods ### No-code options - Option - Use case --- - [Payment Links](https://docs.stripe.com/payment-links) - Accept payments by sharing a URL. Share via social media, email, or QR code --- - [Invoicing](https://docs.stripe.com/invoicing) - Send invoices by email and collect payments online ### Code-based integration * [Stripe Elements](https://docs.stripe.com/payments/elements): Embed a payment form directly on your site * [Stripe Checkout](https://docs.stripe.com/payments/checkout): Integrate a prebuilt, optimized payment page, either as a redirect or embedded on your site. * [API reference](https://docs.stripe.com/api): Full customization * [Sample code](https://github.com/stripe-samples): Implementation examples in multiple languages ### Payment methods available in Japan In addition to card payments, you can offer popular local payment methods to your customers in Japan. Enable them with one click in [Dashboard > Settings > Payment methods](https://dashboard.stripe.com/settings/payment_methods). Click a payment method to view its integration guide. - Payment method - Description --- - [Credit Cards](https://docs.stripe.com/payments/accept-a-payment) (Enabled by default) - Visa / Mastercard / American Express / JCB / Diners Club / Discover --- - [Konbini](https://docs.stripe.com/payments/konbini) (Convenience Store Payments) - Pay with cash at Lawson, FamilyMart, Ministop, and Seicomart --- - [Bank Transfers](https://docs.stripe.com/payments/bank-transfers) - Automatically issue a unique virtual bank account for each customer --- - [PayPay](https://docs.stripe.com/payments/paypay) - QR code payments (Japan's largest mobile payment service) --- - [Installments](https://docs.stripe.com/payments/jp-installments) - Credit card installment payments For other supported payment methods, see [local payment method pricing](https://stripe.com/jp/pricing/local-payment-methods). ## Payouts (receiving your funds) Funds from your payments are automatically deposited into your registered bank account. [Add a bank account for payouts in Japan.](https://support.stripe.com/questions/add-a-bank-account-for-payouts-in-japan) ### Payout schedule in Japan * Default setting: Manual * First payout: Funds become available 7 days after your first payment following account activation * You can change your payout schedule in [Dashboard > Settings > Payout schedule](https://dashboard.stripe.com/settings/payouts) (manual, weekly, or monthly) ### Checking your payout status * View pending, upcoming, and completed payouts in [Dashboard > Balances](https://dashboard.stripe.com/balance/overview) * If a payout hasn't arrived, see [Late or missing payouts](https://support.stripe.com/questions/late-or-missing-payouts) ## Frequently asked questions ### Who can submit the account application? Any employee can create and open a Stripe account as the account representative on behalf of their company. The account applicant (account representative) must submit identity documents to meet KYC requirements. See [who can apply for a Stripe account](https://support.stripe.com/questions/%E3%82%A2%E3%82%AB%E3%82%A6%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88%E3%81%AE%E7%94%B3%E8%AB%8B%E3%81%AF%E8%AA%B0%E3%81%8C%E8%A1%8C%E3%81%86%E4%BA%8B%E3%81%8C%E3%81%A7%E3%81%8D%E3%81%BE%E3%81%99%E3%81%8B?locale=ja-JP) for details. ### What would cause my application to be rejected? Common reasons include: your website lacks product information or a Specified Commercial Transactions Act disclosure, your business falls under a [restricted business category](https://stripe.com/jp/legal/restricted-businesses), or your identity documents are unclear. ### Can sole proprietors use Stripe? Yes. You can register as a sole proprietor regardless of whether you have filed a business registration. ### Is 3D Secure (cardholder authentication) required? In Japan, Stripe automatically triggers 3D Secure 2.0. Check [3DS Mandate in Japan](https://support.stripe.com/questions/3ds-mandate-in-japan) for best practices. ### Can I issue qualified invoices (for Japan's Invoice System)? Yes. See [Best practices for setting up invoices in Japan](https://stripe.com/jp/guides/best-practices-for-setting-up-invoicies-in-japan). ### Can I use Japan Post Bank (Yucho)? Yes, with one restriction. Japan Post Bank is not supported for Connect accounts under non-Japanese platforms. See [Can I receive payouts to Japan Post Bank](https://support.stripe.com/questions/can-i-receive-payouts-to-japan-post-bank). ## Helpful resources ### Stripe docs * [Stripe Docs](https://docs.stripe.com/get-started): Integration guides, API reference * [Stripe Support](https://support.stripe.com/) Help articles, contact support ### For developers * [Quickstart](https://docs.stripe.com/payments/quickstart): Get a payment integration running fast * [Stripe CLI](https://docs.stripe.com/stripe-cli): Local development and testing tool * [Webhooks](https://docs.stripe.com/webhooks): Receive event notifications * [Sample code](https://github.com/stripe-samples): Implementation examples on GitHub ### For businesses * [Stripe pricing](https://stripe.com/jp/pricing) — Fee structure in Japan * [Customer stories](https://stripe.com/jp/customers) — How businesses in Japan use Stripe This guide is for users starting with Stripe in Japan. For the global Getting Started guide, see [Stripe Support Getting Started page](https://support.stripe.com/topics/getting-started).