[Sangetsu]

I had thought of opening an English schooling Japan, but considering the high overhead costs (rent, utilities, equipment, advertising, literature, signs, flags, etc.), I decided it wasn't for me. Instead, I started an internet business selling goods from Japan to foreign markets.

One reason I chose this was the low overhead cost, another reason was that I could base and incorporate my business in America, where I better understand the laws and taxation system. I work part-time in Japan to maintain my visa, and to pay for insurance, pension, and such. The main difficulty with being based in America is that I am getting paid in dollars, which I must exchange for yen. At the current exchange rate I am feeling a little pain.

Once I better understand the regulations in Japan, I will incorporate here, that way I can take advantage of deductions for travel and operating expenses.

I will open a second store this summer, and hopefully a third next year.