Samurai Immigration Law Firm
Building Stronger Immigration Cases Through Evidence

Samurai Immigration Law Firm approaches immigration work in Japan as an exercise in evidence rather than form completion. Whether a case involves employment, a change of status, business establishment, permanent residence or reapplication after denial, the firm begins by examining whether the applicant’s background, intended activities and supporting documents tell a consistent and legally persuasive story. In denied cases and new businesses especially, how that explanation is constructed can shape the outcome.

“Our aim is to be not a one-off agent for procedures, but a partner supporting the entire span of a client’s life and career in Japan,” says Kentaro Kojima, Representative.

That approach starts at the initial consultation available nationwide through Google Meet or in person through Samurai’s offices. Samurai reviews education, professional history, intended duties, employment conditions and immigration records before assessing the appropriate status of residence and the strength of the case. For business establishment, it also examines the plan, office requirements and capital. For employment changes and transfers, it tests whether the new role remains consistent with the applicant’s background. Since 2012, its accumulated record of approvals and denials has helped the firm give realistic assessments based on comparable cases.

Building the Evidence Behind the Application

Samurai’s work extends beyond preparing forms. Detailed interviews inform statements of reasons, business plans and document checklists tailored to the case. Foreign-language records and overseas certificates are reviewed alongside other evidence before the complete file is checked for consistency and submitted to the immigration bureau by qualified staff.

This structure is supported by more than 90 staff across seven offices in Ueno, Shinjuku, Yokohama, Omiya, Chiba, Nagoya and Osaka. Cases are assigned to specialist teams, while records and know-how are shared across the firm. Each file is reviewed by someone other than the preparer, helping maintain accuracy while keeping cases moving. Extended weekday hours plus weekends and holidays give applicants and HR teams more flexibility.

A recent Business Manager case shows the model under pressure. An international student launching an e-commerce company had only two weeks remaining on the existing period of stay. Samurai handled company formation while preparing the business plan and supporting evidence, completing the application within ten days. The client obtained the visa and now operates the business.

Supporting Employers From Recruitment Through Retention

For employers, Samurai treats foreign hiring as a continuing responsibility. It assesses candidate eligibility before hiring, handles Certificates of Eligibility and status changes, tracks renewals, reviews immigration status when employees transfer or change roles and obtains certificates of authorized employment where needed.

One licensed staffing agency needed work visas for two Filipino employees. Samurai secured them within 40 days of the initial consultation, helping the employer keep its hiring plan on schedule.

For Specified Skilled Workers, Samurai provides post-acceptance services as a Registered Support Organization. Samurai Job Co., Ltd. supports recruitment of highly skilled and Specified Skilled talent, while the group’s real estate services help foreign employees secure housing. Together, the group connects talent acquisition, immigration procedures and daily-life support after acceptance.

Staying Alongside the Client

The same continuity applies to individuals. A person’s immigration needs can change from first employment to job changes, family relocation, permanent residence and naturalization. Samurai manages renewals, reviews status as circumstances change and advises clients on building the residence record required for longer-term applications.

When an application is denied, the firm confirms the reasons with the immigration bureau, analyzes what went wrong and rebuilds the strategy for re-application.

Guided by its philosophy to accelerate the globalization of Japan, Samurai wants to be the first place employers, HR leaders and foreign professionals can turn to when working, hiring or establishing a business in the country. Its recognition as the Top Immigration Law Firm in Asia 2026 reflects an approach grounded in careful evidence, realistic assessment and long-term support.