Starting a new life in Japan involves several key steps:

Visa: Secure a visa suitable for your purpose (work, study, or long-term stay).
Language: Learn basic Japanese; it’s essential for daily life and work.
Job: Find employment before moving, or shortly after arriving. Use job boards or recruiters specializing in Japan.
Accommodation: Research housing options—renting an apartment is common. Consider starting with a short-term rental.
Culture: Embrace Japanese culture and customs to integrate smoothly.
Legalities: Register at the local city office, get health insurance, and open a bank account.
With preparation and an open mind, starting a new life in Japan can be an exciting and rewarding experience.

Moving to Japan for retirement and aiming to run a small business is an exciting venture. Given your goals, there are a few visa options to consider, but since you have limited funds and prefer not to hire local employees, the options narrow down significantly. Here's what you might want to focus on:

1. Business Manager Visa
Overview: This visa is typically for those looking to start or manage a business in Japan. However, it usually requires a significant investment (at least 5 million yen) and the hiring of at least one full-time employee, which might not align with your current plans.
Alternatives: If you can simplify the business structure or start very small, you might explore partnerships or businesses that don’t require substantial capital or employees, but this still might not be the best fit.
2. Start-Up Visa
Overview: This is a temporary visa that allows you to live in Japan while preparing to start a business. Some regions offer this visa, and it can be extended up to one year. It’s designed to give you time to develop your business plan and secure investment.
Challenges: You would still need to transition to a Business Manager Visa after the start-up period, which requires meeting the investment and employment criteria.
3. Cultural Activities Visa
Overview: If you’re interested in engaging in cultural or artistic activities, you might be eligible for this visa. While it doesn’t allow for running a business, it could be a way to stay in Japan while exploring other avenues for permanent residency.
Consideration: You could focus on cultural pursuits while planning your business in parallel.
4. Retirement and Permanent Residency Path
Long-Term Stay: Although Japan doesn’t have a specific retirement visa, some retirees manage to live in Japan through other long-stay visas (like a cultural visa or student visa) while applying for permanent residency.
Permanent Residency: Generally, you need to live in Japan for at least 10 years (or shorter in certain conditions) before applying for permanent residency. Having a stable income, paying taxes, and being part of the community can improve your chances.
5. Alternative Approach: Self-Sponsorship
Overview: If you can secure a different visa type (like an engineer or humanities visa) based on part-time or freelance work, you could self-sponsor your own visa once in Japan. This route may offer more flexibility in terms of working and eventually running a small business.
Challenges: This path requires finding a way to legally work under another visa type first.
Recommendations:
Consult with an Immigration Specialist: Japan’s immigration laws are complex, and a specialist can provide tailored advice based on your specific situation, especially considering your preference for a low-investment business.
Consider a Low-Cost Business: Explore options like online businesses or consulting that don’t require significant upfront investment or hiring employees, which might align with a Business Manager Visa if structured correctly.
Cultural Activities or Language Study: Use this time to immerse yourself in Japanese culture or language, which could open up more visa options and help you integrate better into the community.
Starting small and gradually building towards your goal of permanent residency while ensuring you meet visa requirements is the best strategy.

Starting a new life in Japan and preparing for retirement there is an exciting endeavor. Given your situation—retirement plans, a modest budget, and the desire to run a small business without hiring local employees—here are some visa options and considerations that might suit your needs:1. Assess Your Financial Situation
Budget: Determine how much you can comfortably invest in starting a business and living expenses in Japan.
Retirement Savings: Ensure you have sufficient savings or income to support yourself in retirement.
2. Consider the Right Visa
Since you have a modest budget and don’t want to hire local employees, here’s a focused recommendation:

Investor/Business Manager Visa:

Investment: Although this visa usually requires a minimum investment of 5 million yen, consider whether you can manage this or look into starting a low-cost business that fits this requirement.
Office Space: Ensure you can secure a physical office space as required by the visa.
Alternative: Long-Term Stay Options:

Tourist Visa: Initially, you could start with a long-term tourist visa if available. This allows you to get a feel for living in Japan while you explore more permanent visa options.
Student Visa: If you are willing to study Japanese, a student visa could be a temporary solution. It’s a longer-term approach but can give you time to establish yourself.
3. Prepare for Moving
Language: Start learning Japanese if you haven't already. Basic proficiency will be helpful for daily interactions and business operations.
Cultural Understanding: Familiarize yourself with Japanese customs and business etiquette to make your transition smoother.
4. Seek Professional Help
Consult an Immigration Lawyer: They can provide tailored advice on the best visa option for your situation and help with the application process.
Business Consultant: If you're starting a business, a consultant can help you with the planning, legal requirements, and operational aspects.
5. Set Up Your Business
Business Plan: Develop a clear and detailed business plan. This will be crucial not only for visa applications but also for the successful operation of your business.
Networking: Build connections within the local business community to support your venture.
6. Plan for Permanent Residency
Residency Requirements: Understand the requirements for permanent residency, such as the length of stay and financial stability. Start planning early to meet these requirements.
Summary
Determine Your Budget: Ensure you have enough funds for living and business expenses.
Choose the Right Visa: Consider the Investor/Business Manager Visa if you can meet the investment requirement, or explore alternative visas for a longer stay.
Prepare for the Move: Learn Japanese and understand Japanese culture.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult with immigration and business experts.
Develop Your Business: Create a solid business plan and network locally.
Plan for Permanent Residency: Understand and prepare for the requirements for permanent residency.
Taking these steps will help you make a smoother transition to life in Japan and work towards your goals of retirement and business ownership.

That sounds like an exciting adventure! Moving to Japan offers a unique blend of rich culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. You’ll get to explore bustling cities like Tokyo, serene temples in Kyoto, and beautiful countryside views. Plus, immersing yourself in the local customs and language will be an enriching experience. What are you most looking forward to about your move?