GUIDE · ACCOUNTING

Choosing accounting software in Japan

会計ソフトの選び方Invoice-ready, e-records ready — and possibly half price

Japan's invoice system and electronic record rules make cloud accounting almost essential. Choose software that fits them — and check whether the Digitalization & AI Subsidy can pay up to half.

PR · This page contains affiliate links. How we earn

Updated October 22, 2026 · Checked against the official site by our editors

Invoice system

Since 2023

Qualified invoices from Oct 1, 2023

E-records

Keep as data

Invoices received electronically

Subsidy

Up to 1/2

Digitalization & AI — Invoice track

Buy

After

The grant decision, from a registered vendor

Two rules your software must handle

Rule	What it means for you
Invoice systemインボイス制度	Registered businesses issue qualified invoices with a registration number (T + 13 digits) and tax by rate, and keep copies for 7 years. Your customers need them to deduct consumption tax.
Electronic records電子帳簿保存法	Invoices and receipts you receive electronically (email, PDF, online) must be kept as data, with search and anti-tampering rules.

Registering as a qualified invoice issuer is voluntary and only for taxable businesses. Ask a tax accountant whether you should register.

What to check before you choose

Invoice-ready — creates qualified invoices and records the registration numbers of suppliers
E-records — stores received invoices with search by date, amount and partner
Bank and card feeds — imports transactions automatically
Tax filing — prepares returns or exports for e-Tax and your tax accountant
English — which screens are in English, and whether support answers in English (this differs by product and by screen)
Registered for the subsidy — if you want the subsidy, the product must be registered as an IT tool

Getting up to half paid back

The Digitalization & AI Subsidy (formerly the IT Introduction Subsidy) covers accounting, ordering and payment software for the invoice system — plus a PC or tablet (up to ¥100,000) and a register (up to ¥200,000) when bought with that software.

Do not buy first

You apply together with a registered IT vendor, and only tools registered by that vendor count. Software bought before the grant decision — including through an ordinary online sign-up — is not covered.

01
Pick a tool and a registered vendor ITツール・IT導入支援事業者
Search the official IT tool list and ask the vendor for a quote.
02
Apply together 交付申請
You need gBizID Prime.
03
Buy after the grant decision 交付決定後に契約
Pay from the business account.
04
Report 事業実績報告
The subsidy is paid after the report.

Common mistakes

Signing up online, then trying to claim the subsidy afterwards
Choosing software your tax accountant cannot work with
Keeping emailed invoices only as printouts
Assuming every screen is in English — try the free trial first

FAQ

Is there accounting software in English in Japan?

Some Japanese cloud accounting products offer English screens or English support for parts of the service, and international products exist too. Coverage differs by product and screen, so try the free trial and check that it handles the invoice system and Japanese tax filing.

Can I get a subsidy for accounting software in Japan?

Yes. The Digitalization & AI Subsidy can cover up to half the cost of registered accounting and invoicing software, applied for together with a registered IT vendor before you buy.

Do I need to register for the invoice system?

Registration is voluntary and only for businesses that pay consumption tax. If your customers are businesses, they may prefer qualified invoices. Ask a tax accountant.

Sources

This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.

NEED HELP IN ENGLISH?

Talk to an English-speaking expert

Tax accountants and registered IT vendors who set up accounting for foreign-owned businesses — in English.

See experts →

PR · Paid listings

USEFUL TOOLS

Zeirishi.com — find a tax accountant (free enquiry) ↗Japanese-language service

PR · Affiliate links