Case 40 We supported the representative of Heejae LLC, which runs cooking classes and an online cooking salon, in obtaining a startup visa and establishing a company.

Heejae LLC was established in Tokyo in 2024 by Ms. Choi Heejae, who is originally from South Korea. The company runs cooking classes and online salons to teach authentic Korean cuisine, and also sells organic Korean seasonings in collaboration with food companies, based on the concept of 'delivering safe, high-quality Korean food to loved ones'. In 2025, the company collaborated with a Japanese food company to supervise the production of Korean-style Osechi-Ryori (food served during the New Year's holiday) and is involved in a wide range of food-related projects.

The company's representative, Ms. Choi Heejae, who studied art and traditional food culture at university, used to be involved in menu development and consulting for privately-run restaurants while also running a restaurant in Korea.

In addition, she has run a "one day cooking class" in Oksu, Seoul where you can participate in a Korean cooking class in Japanese language, and has also published two cookbooks in Japan, including "Korean TV-show Standard Rice (Kankoku Dorama no Teiban Gohan- published in 2021)".

Ms. Choi says with a smile, "In Korea, many trends come and go quickly, but I am confident that I can deliver the real Korea that will last for a long time to all of you who love Korea in Japan, based on my experience so far." Heejae LLC is currently promoting its business in earnest in order to "deliver safe, high-quality products from Korea to your loved ones".

Support by Business Development Center TOKYO (BDCT)

Advice on starting a business in Tokyo
Support for applying for a startup visa

Reason for choosing to establish the company in Tokyo

After graduating from university in Korea, I came to Japan to study cooking at a culinary school. I made many Japanese friends during my time here, and after returning to Korea, I ran a cooking school for about 10 years, gaining experience and building up a career record in the business of Korean cuisine, which is my specialty. Later, I met people involved in publishing in Japan, and this led to the publication of my cookbook in Japan. The launch of the book and the growing interest in Korean cuisine in Japan led me to decide to start my own business in Japan.

Tokyo is the center of the economy and commerce, and with its large population and many business opportunities, it was an obvious choice as a base.

User feedback on BDCT services

In applying for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's startup visa, I submitted my application documents at the BDCT Akasaka counter, and after having my business plan and other documents checked by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, I was able to obtain the necessary certificate. Then, with that certificate in hand, I was able to go to the immigration control booth at TOSBEC Akasaka, which is on the same floor as BDCT, to apply for a certificate of eligibility to stay in Japan, and without having to go to the Immigration Bureau, I was able to successfully obtain a startup visa after passing the entrance screening.

If there are people around me who are interested in doing business in Tokyo, I try to recommend BDCT. The fact that the consultants can respond in English is also a factor that makes me want to recommend it to others.

Outlook for future business development

Up until now, I have been using my online salon to introduce the 'safe and high-quality' side of Korea to people in Japan. In the future, I would like to make use of the opportunities to appear on TV and radio which I have experienced in the past such as when I published my cookbook in Japan, and focus on making Korean food culture more accessible and enjoyable for people in Japan. I would also like to make use of my experience in developing menus and consulting for privately-run restaurants, and get involved in producing projects that allow people in Japan to enjoy the authentic taste and atmosphere of Korea.

In the future, in addition to the food-related business that is currently our main focus, I would like to participate in select businesses such as the sale of Korean goods, and further promote the safe and high-quality culture of Korea.

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