Seeking Advice on a Restaurant (LLC, GK) in Japan with Business Manager Visa

Hi everyone,

I'm currently living in Europe and I’m planning to open a restaurant in Japan. However, after hours of searching, I could not find any answer to this question.

I'm trying to minimize my financial risk, so I’ve come up with a plan and would love some advice or feedback from those who have experience with the Japanese visa process or business setup.

Step 1. Appoint a Japanese collaborator as my food hygiene manager. (service contract)

Step 2. Secure a small office by Jetro or another institution (for a limited period until the visa arrives). Go to Japan, Establish an (LLC, Godo Kaisha) as the director.

Step 3. Apply for a BM visa, using the office as my physical business location instead of a fully operational restaurant. The idea is to avoid the financial risk of renting a restaurant space until my visa is approved.

Is it possible to apply for a Business Manager Visa in Japan with an office-only setup, without having a physical restaurant yet?

TLDR:

Is it possible to > Go to Japan > Secure office > Establish a GK > Apply for visa with a physical office but without a physical restaurant (yet) > wait for approval?

If I were to set up a rental contract and get rejected, that would mean all my money would go down the drain. An absolute nightmare.

Is there any angle I can look at this? Is there any other option?

Thank you and I look forward to any help.