Owning a shop/business in Japan?

What is necessary to own a shop in Japan? Would it make sense to just partner with someone who lives in Japan and get them to do most of the work ($$$)?

How do VISAs, residency, licenses, insurance, banking, etc work if you want to conduct business there and you are a citizen of another country?

What if I don't want to live in Japan but just visit for 5-6 months of the year?

Thanks for any info!
-Joe

Foreigners can hold ownership of a business without residing in Japan. So, a visa or residency is not required. As licenses, insurance, banking, etc. it depends on the type of business.

Setting up a new business in Japan is a differ issue:
http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/invest/setting_up/

What if I don't want to live in Japan but just visit for 5-6 months of the year?

You will need some kind of working visa in order to live in Japan such a long period per year.

well if you really are from canada, then you should be able to get the 'Working-Holiday' visa, and stay 6 months. So there shouldnt be any problem...

Not sure the requirements..