How does understanding 'Kojin Jigyo-nushi' vs. 'Kabushiki Gaisha' status affect Amazon.co.jp account setup?
Understanding the difference between 'Kojin Jigyo-nushi' (sole proprietorship) and 'Kabushiki Gaisha' (joint-stock company) is crucial for Amazon.co.jp account setup because it dictates the required documentation and legal information needed to verify the seller's identity and business legitimacy. A 'Kojin Jigyo-nushi' is a business owned and run by one person, where the owner is personally liable for all business debts and obligations. Setting up an Amazon.co.jp account as a 'Kojin Jigyo-nushi' typically requires providing personal identification documents, such as a driver's license or passport, along with proof of business registration, such as a 'Kakutei Shinkoku' (tax return) or a business license if applicable. On the other hand, a 'Kabushiki Gaisha' is a corporation, a separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders), offering limited liability. When setting up an Amazon.co.jp account as a 'Kabushiki Gaisha', sellers must provide corporate registration documents, including the company's 'Tokibo Tohon' (registry certificate), corporate seal certificate ('Inkan Shomeisho'), and information about the company's directors and shareholders. Furthermore, the bank account used for disbursements from Amazon.co.jp must be under the same legal name as the registered business entity. Choosing the correct business type during account setup ensures compliance with Japanese regulations and avoids potential delays or account suspension. For instance, failing to provide the corporate registration documents when registering as a 'Kabushiki Gaisha' will prevent the account from being fully verified.