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Can an instructor living overseas who comes to Japan several times a year to conduct paid training enter Japan as a 「短期滞在」 (Temporary Visitor)?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 27 October 2026　／　Supervised by 五十嵐博幸行政書士・社会保険労務士

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

Who this article is forAn enquiry from an instructor living overseas about conducting training in Japan.

Answer

We think it does not fall under the exceptions for 短期滞在, such as an honorarium for a lecture that is not given as a business. 技術・人文知識・国際業務 does not strictly require full-time work, and there is a possibility if there is an accepting organisation on the Japanese side, but at a frequency of several times a year and about once a week, it is doubtful whether it would qualify, and it seems likely to count against a decision to grant permission. If you still wish to proceed, we think you would consider 技術・人文知識・国際業務.

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry from an instructor living overseas about conducting training in Japan.

Enquiry type: Status of residence (method of entry)
Application type: 短期滞在 (may not be permitted)
Situation: 2 instructors living overseas plan to use a grant from their home country to conduct, over the coming year, several training sessions of about 1 to 2 days each for non-profit organisations in Japan, on fundraising and writing grant applications. The participants are expected to be Japanese nationals and foreign nationals living in Japan. They plan a total of 4 sessions, 2 each in Osaka and Tokyo, coming to Japan at a pace of visiting Osaka and Tokyo once each within 1 week, and returning with the same schedule a few months later. The income is expected to be a substantial amount, and payment will be received from participants living in Japan. The accepting organisation on the Japanese side has not yet been decided.
Questions: (1) In this case, we think the activity does not fall under the exceptions for 短期滞在 (those set by Ministry of Justice ordinance, such as an honorarium for a lecture not given as a business, or temporary remuneration incidental to daily life) either; is this understanding correct? (2) We considered 技術・人文知識・国際業務 if there were an accepting company, but as it presupposes full-time employment, we think it is ill-suited to activities of 1 to 2 days, several times a year. (3) Are there other options?

Can I conduct paid training while remaining a short-term visitor?

I have no experience with a similar case, but I think your understanding is correct.

I have no experience with a similar case, but I think your understanding is correct. We think it does not fall under the exceptions for remuneration permitted for 短期滞在.

Can I come to Japan under 技術・人文知識・国際業務?

技術・人文知識・国際業務 does not strictly require full-time work.

技術・人文知識・国際業務 does not strictly require full-time work. There is also a 3-month category for the period of stay, so if there is an accepting organisation on the Japanese side, we think it cannot be said that there is no possibility.

Can I obtain permission with activities of 1 to 2 days, several times a year?

Considering a frequency of about once-a-week activity several times a year, it is doubtful whether it would fall under 技術・人文知識・国際業務.

Considering a frequency of about once-a-week activity several times a year, it is doubtful whether it would fall under 技術・人文知識・国際業務. It would also be hard to grant permission in terms of schedule, and it seems likely to count against the decision. If you still wish to proceed, we think you would consider 技術・人文知識・国際業務.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an instructor living overseas receive a fee and conduct training in Japan as a 短期滞在?

We think it does not fall under the exceptions for remuneration permitted for 短期滞在, such as an honorarium for a lecture that is not given as a business.

Can 技術・人文知識・国際業務 be obtained only when working full-time?

Full-time work is not strictly required. However, we consider that it presupposes an accepting organisation on the Japanese side.

If I come to Japan only for 1 to 2 days at a time, several times a year, to conduct training, which status of residence should I consider?

Permission is difficult in terms of frequency, but if you still wish to proceed, we think you would secure an accepting organisation on the Japanese side and then consider 技術・人文知識・国際業務.

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This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Because it is a translation, the meaning may differ from the original in places. Where something affects a decision you are making, please check the Japanese version or ask us. The supervision by a 行政書士 is of the Japanese version.