Japan Business Manager Visa Changes Impact Small Foreign Firms: The Kumar Family Case

An Indian family in Japan is facing possible deportation after a visa renewal refusal. The Kumar family says tougher Japan immigration rules affected the Business Manager Visa application. The family has lived in Japan for almost 30 years. The family also ran an Indian curry restaurant in Saitama Prefecture for nearly 18 years.

The case has drawn strong reactions online and added to a wider policy debate. Many comments focus on long-term residents and foreign-run small businesses. Supporters say the family built roots through work and taxes. Critics of the change say sudden rules can disrupt settled lives, even without wrongdoing.

At a public rally inside Japan’s parliament, restaurant owner Manish Kumar described the family’s situation. Kumar said immigration authorities denied a Business Manager Visa renewal. The refusal led to the closure of the long-running restaurant. Kumar told the crowd, "My children were born and raised in Japan. They only speak Japanese. Their friends are Japanese. Yet we are being told to return to India,"

Kumar also rejected any claim of misconduct and spoke about the impact. The family says Japan is the children’s only home. Kumar said, "I've done nothing wrong. It's cruel to tell people to return to their home country just because the rules have suddenly changed," The family says it is now being asked to leave despite decades in Japan.

The controversy started after Japan tightened Business Manager Visa conditions last October. The visa is widely used by foreign owners of restaurants, shops, and small firms. Under the revised policy, applicants reportedly must show ¥30 million in capital. The earlier requirement was ¥5 million, according to reports.

The updated requirements also included staffing and language rules. Reports said applicants must employ at least one full-time Japanese worker or permanent resident. Applicants also must show Japanese ability equal to JLPT N2 level. Authorities said the tighter rules aimed to stop misuse of the visa route.

Below is a summary of reported requirements under the updated Business Manager Visa policy.

Business Manager Visa backlash as Japan immigration rules hit small firms

Critics say the new financial threshold hits small foreign-run businesses hardest. Many family-run restaurants reportedly struggle with the capital requirement. Supporters say some firms operated legally for years. They point to taxes paid, workers employed, and stable operations. They argue long-term residents should not be judged mainly on capital.

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) data reportedly showed a steep fall in applications. Reports said applications dropped by about 96% after the change. Monthly applications reportedly fell from nearly 1,700 to around 70. The figures added weight to claims that the updated policy reduced access to the visa.

Online petition on Business Manager Visa urges Japan immigration rules review for Kumar family

An online petition linked to the issue has gathered more than 53,000 signatures. Supporters asked authorities to consider tax contributions, business history, employment records, community ties, and long-term residency. Activists at the rally said screening should focus on the "substance" of a business, not only capital value.

Activist Taro Tsurugashima, who launched the petition, called for more practical checks. The debate has also raised questions about identity and belonging in Japan. Japan has long kept strict immigration policies, even with labour shortages and an ageing population. For now, the Kumar family remains uncertain as authorities continue reviewing the case.