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Lawyers, legal consultations
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and other services - Ai-mats Administrative Scrivener Corporation
Last updated: 2026/05/03
Ai-mats Administrative Scrivener Corporation
Reliable support for seniors living abroad:
A legal scrivener firm specializing in permanent repatriation and residence status.
An increasing number of people are considering living in Japan after retirement, due to the excellent healthcare and food options available
But returning to Japan involves a lot of unfamiliar paperwork and decisions to make, which can make it difficult to take the plunge, right?
If you have such concerns, please consult with us, administrative scriveners, who are experts in these procedures
Administrative procedures such as registering residency and health insurance, finding a guarantor when moving into a care home, and procedures in case of emergencies... these tasks are difficult to rely on family members who continue to reside overseas, and require specialized knowledge
Our firm specializes in international and administrative procedures, providing comprehensive support for individuals returning from overseas and resuming their lives in Japan
We provide online support even from overseas
Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries
Information
| address | Marine Building 604, 4-23 Kaigan-dori, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture |
|---|---|
| telephone number | 045-827-3640 |
| office@aimats.jp | |
| Business Hours | 10:00am-6:00pm |
| Closed days | Sundays and public holidays |
| Website | https://www.aimats.jp/ |
Information about Ai-mats Legal Professional Corporation
Greetings from the Representative
 |
My name is Ai Matsushita, and I am the representative of Ai-mats Legal Professional Corporation. Our office specializes in obtaining residence status and providing end-of-life planning support
Our administrative scrivener, born and raised in Yokohama and a granddaughter's child, primarily handles end-of-life planning support, while another administrative scrivener, born in Los Angeles and raised in Osaka, primarily handles residence status. We also have two other qualified administrative scriveners on staff. Utilizing our respective expertise, we will fully support you in restarting your life in Japan Our office is located in Yokohama City, but we can handle everything from consultations to procedures online. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have |
Office overview
April 2017: Establishment of the Matsushita Ai Administrative Scrivener Office
Matsushita Sakiyama Legal Professional Office established in November 2018
Name changed to Ai-mats Legal Professional Corporation in November 2025
member
Representative Administrative Scrivener: Ai Matsushita Instagram
Graduated from Waseda University, Faculty of Political Science and Economics
Administrative scrivener: Tokuki Sakiyama
Graduate of the University of Tokyo Graduate School
Assistants: Two certified administrative scriveners, one administrative staff member
Service details
Support for permanent repatriation |
When returning to Japan from overseas, you will need to go through many procedures, including applying for a residence status. Our office, staffed by expert administrative scriveners, will support you with the necessary procedures for your return to Japan. We will help you establish your life in Japan. We also provide guarantor services for those entering senior living facilities |
Startups in Yokohama |
For U.S. citizens considering starting a business in Japan, Yokohama is an attractive option that allows for entrepreneurship utilizing the startup visa program
With expert support, you can start your business smoothly |
Wills of people living abroad |
Even Japanese citizens living overseas can write a will according to Japanese procedures
For those living abroad, inheritance procedures can become complicated in the event of a sudden death. It is important to create a will to avoid burdening your surviving family members |
Posthumous administration contract |
For those concerned about end-of-life arrangements for their family home in Japan
Entrust all post-mortem affairs procedures, including death registration and funeral arrangements, to others, providing peace of mind in case of an emergency Click here for details on "Post-Death Affairs Delegation Contract" >> |
Inheritance of family home |
Are you having trouble with inheriting your family home in Japan?
For inheriting your family home in Japan, it is safest and smoother to consult with a Japanese expert Click here for more details on "International Inheritance" >> |
Grave closure |
Are you worried about your family's grave in Japan?
Managing a grave from overseas can be difficult. Please consider closing the grave to prevent it from becoming an abandoned tomb |
Measures to address vacant houses |
Are you worried about what to do with your family home in Japan in the future?
Whether someone will inherit it or it will be sold, it's best to take action early to prevent it from becoming vacant Learn more about "Measures to address vacant houses" here >> |
Information on permanent repatriation support
One-stop service for permanent return to Japan by a legal scrivener firm
As experts in the necessary procedures, our office provides a one-stop service that supports everything from obtaining residence status applications to providing support for daily life, in cooperation with various businesses
Even if you don't have any relatives in Japan you can rely on, please feel free to entrust us with your needs
What are the necessary administrative procedures upon returning to Japan?
When you return to Japan and begin your life here, the following procedures are required
Once you've decided to return home, it's a good idea to do some research and make arrangements in advance to ensure a smooth process
● Choosing a place to live
● Resident registration
● Social insurance procedures
● My Number registration
● Opening a bank account
● Obtaining a residence status
What preparations are necessary for living in Japan?
For seniors returning to Japan after a long absence, it's important to have a reliable support system in place to ensure they can continue living a secure and comfortable life in the future
For example, many people consider living in a paid nursing home after returning to Japan, but a guarantor is required to enter such a home
Furthermore, in this era of increased longevity, the risk of developing dementia increases with age, and physical functions decline accordingly, so it is necessary to prepare for such situations
It's also important to secure someone to handle the final procedures so as not to burden family members or relatives overseas
Therefore, the following preparations will also be necessary
● Guarantor is essential for admission to the home
● Voluntary guardianship contract to prepare for longevity
● Wills and post-mortem affairs entrustment contracts to prepare for unforeseen circumstances
Repatriation support by administrative scriveners, who are experts in the procedures
Our office provides one-stop support, from all the procedures required upon returning to Japan to assistance with daily life in Japan
Three features of our repatriation support
●This will be handled by a legal scrivener firm specializing in administrative procedures
● We provide guarantor services, which are essential for admission to the home, and we also handle any necessary procedures in case of unforeseen circumstances
●We have a reasonable fee structure where we only charge for the administrative work we handle
Please feel free to contact us even if you are overseas
We also offer free online consultations for your first session
Naturalization? Permanent residency?
A detailed explanation of the residency status required for former Japanese citizens who have acquired U.S. citizenship and wish to permanently return to Japan!
| We've been receiving an increasing number of inquiries like this
"I was born and raised in Japan, but I've lived in the United States for many years. I'd like to return to Japan and live a relaxed life in my old age...how should I go about it?" |
We've been receiving more and more inquiries like this. Many people are worried, thinking, "I was born Japanese, so why am I suddenly being treated as a foreigner?" But please rest assured. Japanese law is well-designed to address the needs of people in this situation
You can return to Japan with your spouse, and it's also possible to obtain permanent residency in the future
Your residence status
Even if you acquire U.S. citizenship, the fact that you were born as a Japanese citizen remains unchanged.
Japanese law respects this fact.
The person in question can live in Japan with a residence status of "Spouse or Child of a Japanese National (Biological Child)."
| Key points of this residence status
• There are no restrictions on working. |
Since there is no Japanese immigration bureau in the United States, you cannot apply directly in person.
To apply to the immigration bureau in Japan, you must entrust the application to a specialist such as an administrative scrivener who is qualified to handle applications (application for Certificate of Eligibility).
If the application is approved, a certificate will be issued, and you will use that to obtain a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate and enter the country.
Spouse's residence status
Your spouse (if they are a foreign national) can also come to Japan with you. They can use the "Long-Term Resident" status of residence
This residence status is clearly defined by law, so you can use it with confidence
| Points for permanent residents (spouse)
- You can apply and enter the country at the same time as the person themselves. |
To obtain permanent residency
For those who wish to continue living in Japan permanently, it is possible to apply for permanent residency
The applicant can apply if they have resided in Japan continuously for one year.
This is a significant exception compared to the usual 10 years required for foreigners.
Additionally, some aspects of the scrutiny regarding conduct and livelihood will be waived
The general flow is as follows
| STEP
1 |
Entering Japan with a residence status (spouse of a Japanese national, etc.)
You will obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Residence through an administrative scrivener or similar professional in Japan, and then apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate to enter the country |
| ↓ | |
| STEP
2 |
1To reside in Japan continuously for a year
We handle procedures such as resident registration, taxes, pensions, and health insurance |
| ↓ | |
| STEP
3 |
Permanent Residency Application
I will submit the application to the Immigration Bureau. The processing time is approximately several months |
The option of naturalization (regaining Japanese citizenship)
There is also the option of "naturalization," which allows you to regain Japanese citizenship
Former Japanese citizens can apply with a shorter residency period than usual (approximately 3 years)
If you become a naturalized citizen, you can invite your spouse as a "spouse of a Japanese national," which simplifies some of the procedures
| Important points to consider when thinking about naturalization
Becoming a naturalized citizen may result in losing your U.S. citizenship. |
Comparison of options
| Residence status (Japanese spouse) + permanent residency | naturalization | |
| Living in Japan | ○ | ○ |
| Maintaining U.S. citizenship | ○ | △(In principle lost) |
| Invitation of spouse | Permitted as a permanent resident | Applicable as a spouse of a Japanese national |
| Permanent Resident (the individual) | Applications can be submitted after one year | Not required (Japanese nationality) |
| Please feel free to contact us first
The procedures and required documents vary depending on each individual's situation. |
To all entrepreneurs – The choice to start a business in Yokohama
For U.S. citizens considering starting a business in Japan, the choice of city is a crucial one.
Among these cities, Yokohama is a particularly attractive option for those looking to utilize the startup visa program.
We will introduce the advantages of starting a business in Yokohama and the support services our firm provides
Advantages of starting a business in Yokohama
1. Eligibility for the Startup Visa Program is possible
With the legal revisions in October 2025, the requirements for obtaining the "Business Manager" residence status have been significantly tightened
(including capital of 30 million yen or more, employment of at least one full-time Japanese employee, and securing an office)
. The Startup Visa program is a very effective system that allows individuals to steadily prepare for starting a business while staying in Japan, in the face of these high hurdles.
2. The government's support system is well-established
Yokohama City has established business support centers and consultation services, and its support system for foreign entrepreneurs is relatively comprehensive.
It also offers an environment where it's easy to collaborate with the government regarding refining business plans and various procedures.
3. It can be located close to Tokyo while keeping costs down
Yokohama is adjacent to Tokyo, offering excellent access to business opportunities.
At the same time, office rents and other costs are lower compared to central Tokyo, making it suitable for cost management during the startup phase.
4. Brand as an international city and living environment
Yokohama has a long history of having a large foreign population and is well-equipped to accommodate international residents.
Its safe and secure living environment makes it a very attractive place for long-term stays.
About our firm's support (one-stop service)
Our firm provides the following comprehensive support to foreign entrepreneurs:
1. Support for startup visa applications
, assistance in creating business plans
, preliminary consultations and coordination with Yokohama City,
application for Certificate of Eligibility
, and application for change of status of residence (Designated Activities → Business Manager).
We have a proven track record and can provide concrete support based on practical experience
2. We collaborate with affiliated professionals (judicial scriveners, tax accountants, etc.) to provide support for company establishment and various permits and licenses
- Company establishment procedures
- Acquisition of various business licenses
- Establishment of tax and accounting systems
We provide one-stop service for everything from start to finish
3. Ongoing Support After Business Launch Starting a business
is not the end goal.
Our firm provides ongoing support after
- Renewal/change of residence status
, contract drafting
, legal consultation
We also provide support necessary for business continuity, such as the above
4. Life support with a view to the future (end-of-life planning and inheritance):
When conducting business in Japan for the long term, preparing for one's future is also important.
We will also provide support for any concerns you may have in your daily life, taking into account your personal circumstances and your family's situation
Please feel free to contact us
Starting a business in Japan is a big challenge, but with the right support, the chances of success increase significantly
We are fully committed to supporting your startup in the fascinating city of Yokohama.
Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.
