Relaxation of Entertainer (Kogyo) Visa Requirements: Criteria Changes Effective August 1, 2023
- Regarding the relaxation of Entertainer (Kogyo) Visa criteria: we understand that the Ministerial Ordinance standards for “Entertainer” have been revised and that, from August 1, 2023, the criteria for Entertainer Nos. 1–4 will change. What specifically is changing?
-
Until now, to ensure lawful operations at certain venues such as clubs and live houses, strict requirements were imposed on theater, variety performance, popular song, dance, or musical performances carried out at fixed locations. With this revision—centered on the former Nos. 1 and 2—requirements have been relaxed as outlined below.
[Entertainer No. 1] *The former Nos. 1 and 2 have been consolidated.
(i) When the host organization has a proven track record of properly accepting foreign nationals under the Entertainer status in the past, the acceptance requirements are substantially relaxed (a newly established requirement).
(ii) Even where accepting a foreign national for the first time, if the risk of problems is low, the requirements are relaxed (this corresponds to the former No. 2).
(iii) Cases that do not fall under (i) or (ii): applications will proceed under the (former) No. 1 requirements and are not subject to this relaxation.
As noted above, in addition to easing the requirements for organizations with prior acceptance records, elements of the former No. 2 (notably the “Ro” item) have been revised and incorporated into the new No. 1.
Please also note: because the former No. 2 (items i–ni) has now been integrated into the new Criterion No. 1, the former No. 3 is renumbered as the current No. 2, and the former No. 4 is renumbered as the current No. 3 (no substantive requirement changes were made for these).
In line with this, application forms have been updated, so please take care to use the revised formats when filing.
ACROSEED files applications with the Immigration Services Agency twice each week and continually monitors operational updates following law and policy changes. If you have questions about the Entertainer Visa relaxation, please feel free to contact us.
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.
Since 1986, ACROSEED has specialized in immigration and visa services for foreign employees in Japan. For nearly 40 years, we have advised corporate HR teams on compliance, procedures, and workforce planning.
Consultations are available via phone, email, online, or in person. English-language support is always available.
