Can Amateur Athletes Be Invited Under the Entertainer (Kogyo) Visa?
- We operate a sports club team. The player we plan to sign is not a professional, but we would like them to participate in matches to boost our brand exposure. Our company does not run sporting events as a core business. Can we apply under the “Entertainer (Kogyo)” category?
- For foreign athletes who join Japanese club teams, if they enter and stay in Japan under a contract to perform as an athlete for a Japanese public or private institution, the applicable statuses of residence are generally “Entertainer (Kogyo)” (No. 3) or “Designated Activities” (Public Notice No. 6).
As a broad guideline, professional athletes usually fall under the Entertainer (Kogyo) Visa, while amateur athletes often fall under the Designated Activities Visa specified in Public Notice No. 6.
For amateur athletes in this context, the qualifying activity typically refers to an individual who has competed in the Olympic Games, World Championships, or other international competitions; who is employed by a Japanese public or private institution to help promote and raise the standard of amateur sports in Japan; and who will receive monthly remuneration of at least JPY 250,000 for activities performed for that employer as an amateur athlete.
Given the facts here—your objective is not “entertainment” operations, the participation is for your company’s promotional purposes, and the contracting organization does not operate sporting events as a business—it is more likely to fall under “Designated Activities” (Public Notice No. 6) rather than “Entertainer (Kogyo)” (No. 3).
Entertainer Visa Q&A Index
For a 3-day event, Entertainer Visa or Temporary Visitor?
What counts as “artist credentials” for the Entertainer Visa?
Can you change from a Student visa to an Entertainer visa?
Entertainer Visa vs. Designated Activities Visa
Who qualifies for the Entertainer visa?
Remuneration structures under the Entertainer visa
Relaxation of Entertainer Visa criteria: changes to “Entertainer” 1–4 effective August 1, 2023
Related Service Page:
Entertainer (Kogyo) Visa Application
This status of residence is required when foreign models, singers, actors, actresses, dancers, artists, and professional athletes carry out concerts, events, and other entertainment activities in Japan.
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