Texas: (Section 1001.004 & 1001.301)
Prohibits the use of the “Engineer” title and engagement in the “Practice of Engineering” by unlicensed persons.

California: (Business and Professions Code Section 6700-6799)
Protects titles such as “Electrical Engineer” and restricts technical consulting under protected titles like “Consulting Engineer.”

New York: (Article 145, Section 7202 & 7209)
Prohibits unauthorized practice. Unlicensed services can be classified as a Class E Felony.

Professional Engineer Act of Japan: 

In Japan, providing EMC advisory services for consumer electronics does not require a specific national license as a prerequisite for business.

Legal Operation:We operate a legitimate consulting business under the principle of free economic activity in Japan, ensuring we are not in a state of “unlicensed activity” regarding U.S. P.E. laws.

Assurance of Expertise:Regardless of national certification, we provide high-level technical expertise backed by a proven track record of patent filings and extensive practical experience.

Security Export Control Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA): 

We strictly comply with Japan’s “Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.” We conduct Classification (Kaihi-Hantei) in advance to ensure our technical know-how is provided legitimately as civilian technology.

Implementation of Classification (Gaihi-Hantei):We perform a formal classification in advance to ensure that the EMC mitigation know-how provided does not fall under “list-controlled” technologies for military diversion. This ensures that our expertise is provided legitimately as civilian technology.

Transaction Transparency:We guarantee that our transactions comply with Japan’s export control regulations. This eliminates the risk of our clients becoming inadvertently entangled in international regulatory violations.

Compliance with Professional Titles: We strictly avoid using any titles that may be confused with local license holders (e.g., Professional Engineer). I operate as an independent “Technical Consultant.”　Ref: Article 8.1

Technical Advisory Only: Our services are limited to “Analysis” and “Technical Recommendations” regarding EMC mitigation, rather than “Engineering Practice” which requires exclusive local licenses.　Ref: Article 2.3

Operational Restrictions: To avoid unlicensed technical practice, we do not perform physical modifications (e.g., soldering) or use tools on-site. We focus on providing instructions and advice to your engineers. Ref: Article 2.3 and 8.1

Compliance with Export Control: We conduct a “Gaihi-Hantei” (Classification) before the start of each project to ensure that our technical know-how complies with Japanese and international export control regulations.(Mandatory inclusion in contracts and quotations) Ref: Article 8.1

I don’t touch the tools
My Stance: I will clearly point out where to modify on drawings or boards, saying, “Please change this part like this.”
Request: Please do not ask me to handle tools such as soldering irons or screwdrivers myself.
Reason: The moment I handle a tool, my activity may be classified as “Manual Labor” rather than “Advisory,” which risks violating local labor regulations.

The Final Call is yours

My Stance: I provide a professional assurance (Recommendation) that “In my technical opinion, this modification will satisfy the standard.”
Request: The final “Sign-off” for mass production must be performed by your own authorized personnel.
Reason: For an external consultant to take over final decisions would blur the lines of your design liability.

Respecting the Chain of Command

My Stance: I respect the designated contact person as a technical partner and provide proposals through them.
Request: I do not give direct commands to your staff like a supervisor.
Reason: I am strictly an “Independent Contractor.” By respecting your organizational boundaries, I protect you from complications regarding local labor laws and taxation.

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 101(a)(15)(B): This section defines a “Visitor for Business (B-1).” It stipulates that such visitors shall engage in “temporary business activities,” such as commercial negotiations or consulting, rather than “labor” or “local employment” for which compensation is received from a domestic employer.

8 CFR 214.2(b): A regulation of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that defines the permissible scope of activities under B-1 status. We ensure that the “professional advice” we provide remains strictly within these “Legitimate Business Activities.”

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) / 22 CFR 41.2: The legal basis for Japanese passport holders to engage in activities equivalent to B-1 status using ESTA. This guarantees that our activities are legitimate for short-term stays (up to 90 days) without the requirement of a work visa.

Compliance with the Immigration Control Act and Visa Waiver Agreements:
As a holder of a valid Japanese passport, I conduct all international entries and departures in strict accordance with the Japanese “Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act” and the specific Business Visitor frameworks established under international visa waiver agreements.

Independence of Business: As an independent contractor based in Japan, we conclude all service agreements and receive all compensation within Japan. This structure ensures that no local employer-employee relationship is established in the host country, maintaining full compliance with business visitor regulations.

Implementation of Proper Entry Status: We maximize the use of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for the U.S. and other host countries. Specifically, we guarantee entry under a legal short-term business status (equivalent to B-1) by obtaining an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) in advance for U.S. visits.　Ref: Article 8.2

Total Exclusion of Manual Labor: To completely eliminate the risk of unauthorized employment, we contractually define that we will not perform any physical work (Manual Labor), such as soldering or wiring modifications, on-site.　Ref: Article 2.3

Compliance Commitment: We contractually guarantee that we will conduct all business activities in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the host country.
Ref: Article 8.1

Commitment to Transparency: Should any inquiries arise during immigration or your company’s internal review, we will clearly explain our “business purpose” and our policy of “not performing manual labor” at any time. If necessary, we will carry documentation specifying the purpose of the visit to ensure high transparency during travel.
Ref: Article 12.2

Commitment to Mutual Trust:
We believe that clear communication is the foundation of a successful project. Should any unforeseen issues or ambiguities arise, we are committed to resolving them through professional, good-faith consultation in accordance with our standards.
Ref: Article 12.2

Official Engagement: 
To maintain the highest level of professional responsibility, our on-site services officially commence only upon receipt of a formal Purchase Order (PO) and confirmation of the required advance payments.  Ref: Article 2.4

Logistics Support:
To focus entirely on technical troubleshooting, we request that the Client arrange for transportation between the airport, hotel, and the test site. Ref: Article 3.5(3)

I am a Business Visitor

My Stance: I visit as a “Business Visitor (B-1 Visitor)” from Japan.
Request: Please do not ask me to perform “physical repair or modification work” on-site.
Reason: The moment I handle tools and start manual work, my activity shifts from “consultation” to “labor,” creating a risk of being suspected of unauthorized employment.

Short-term Focus

My Stance: I implement the necessary countermeasures in the shortest possible time and return to Japan promptly.
Request: It would be highly appreciated if you could prepare the necessary data and equipment in advance of my visit.
Reason: Overstaying can be seen as acting outside the scope of a business visa. I aim to determine the best solution within a short period (approx. 1 week) to complete the mission within legally safe boundaries.

Full Transparency

My Stance: I will clearly and confidently explain my activities to immigration officers exactly as described on this page.
Request: If your compliance department has any questions, please feel free to share this page with them at any time.
Reason: Maintaining full transparency is the safest way to conduct business for both parties.

IRS / U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 1441: This section imposes a 30% withholding tax on payments to foreign persons. We properly execute the necessary exemption procedures under the applicable tax treaty to relieve our clients of this withholding and reporting obligation.

U.S.-Japan Income Tax Treaty: Under the treaty, payments made to us as a Japanese resident are eligible for a total exemption (0% rate) from U.S. federal income tax withholding, provided that the appropriate tax forms (such as Form W-8BEN) are submitted.

183-day Rule: We strictly manage our physical presence to ensure it remains temporary and does not exceed 183 days in any tax year, thereby guaranteeing that no U.S. personal income tax filing obligation arises.

Income Tax Act of Japan: As a resident of Japan, I am required to report and pay taxes on my worldwide income to the Japanese authorities. This status as a Japanese taxpayer serves as the essential legal basis for avoiding double taxation under international treaties.

Issuance of Certificate of Residence: Upon request, we can provide a “Certificate of Residence” issued by the Japanese tax authorities (the equivalent of U.S. IRS Form 6166) to support the formal procedures for preventing international double taxation.

居住者証明書　リンクはるならここね

Prompt Submission of Tax Forms (W-8BEN, etc.): We promptly submit IRS Form W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status) and other required documents upon contract execution to minimize your administrative burden.　Ref: Article 3.7

Declaration of No Permanent Establishment (PE): We maintain no branch, office, or other permanent establishment within the U.S. This eliminates the need for your company to perform complex determinations regarding “U.S. Trade or Business” income.
Ref: Article 8.1

Transparent Payment Processing:
We utilize Stripe for On-site Payment (Immediate Settlement) to ensure full transparency and security in international transactions. Ref: Article 3.4

Clear Fee Structure:
Our fee structure is strictly defined to avoid any hidden costs. We clearly distinguish between Daily Consulting Fees (for travel and on-site work) and the Success Fee, ensuring a fair and predictable investment for our clients. Ref: Article 3.2

No need for 30% withholding (Tax Treaty Benefits)

My Stance: I will promptly provide the necessary documents (such as Form W-8BEN) to utilize the U.S.-Japan Tax Treaty.
Benefit: Your company can skip the burdensome process of withholding and remitting 30% federal tax, allowing for smooth payment of the full invoice amount.
Reason: This proves to the IRS that I am a professional paying taxes properly in Japan, thereby protecting your company from tax compliance risks.

Administrative Simplicity

My Stance: I operate strictly as an “Independent Contractor” without any office or permanent base in the U.S.
Benefit: Your accounting team is relieved from the complex risk of determining “Permanent Establishment (PE)” or dealing with special IRS reporting.
Reason: I believe that keeping administrative procedures simple is the best way to stay focused on the success of the technical project.

Responsive Documentation

My Stance: I will immediately provide any required documents, such as a “Certificate of Residence” issued by the Japanese government.
Request: If your company has its own specific tax forms or submission rules, please let me know at the start of the project.
Reason: I aim to be a partner who is reliable not only in technology but also in professional business conduct, ensuring every transaction is completed without error.

Restatement (Third) of Torts: Products Liability, Section 1 & 2: These are the guidelines adopted in many states across the U.S. They define that if a “Design Defect” exists, there is a possibility of Strict Liability, regardless of whether there was negligence. We operate with a deep understanding of these principles.

California Civil Code Section 1714 (California Product Liability): This is the statute of California, known for having some of the strictest standards in the U.S. It demands a high “Duty of Care” from the entire supply chain, including advisors, particularly regarding designs that fail the “Consumer Expectation Test.”

Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 2-314/315: These provisions relate to the “Implied Warranty” of a product. We recognize the contractual responsibilities that arise if technical advice fails to meet the “Fitness for a Particular Purpose.”

Final Design Authority: Any adoption of our recommendations is subject to the final approval of your Quality Assurance department, after verifying the overall safety of the product (insulation, thermal, flame resistance, etc.).　Ref: Article 2.4

Safety Compliance: We ensure overall product safety by requiring that our EMC mitigation proposals undergo a verification process by your safety engineers to ensure they do not conflict with existing safety standards (UL/IEC, etc.).　Ref: Article 7.6

No Physical Modification: To avoid confusion regarding manufacturing or construction liability, we do not perform any manual labor (e.g., soldering). This clarifies the boundary of responsibility for manufacturing quality.　Ref: Article 2.3

Limitation of Liability: To protect both parties’ businesses from unforeseen litigation risks, we limit our liability to a reasonable range (the amount of the Retainer Fee paid).
Ref: Article 7.2

EMC & Safety Double-Check

My Stance: I propose the best technical solutions to mitigate noise (Recommendations).
Request: Please have your safety officer conduct a final check to ensure my proposal does not violate your internal safety rules (insulation, heat, etc.).
Reason: This is a professional double-check to prevent the tragedy of “noise stopped, but fire started.”

Final Sign-off is yours

My Stance: I provide technical assurance that “this measure will satisfy the standard.”
Request: The final “Approval” to adopt the measure into the actual mass-production specifications must be made by your person in charge.
Reason: If an external consultant takes over the decision-making authority, it blurs the lines of your design liability and risks leaving you unable to legally protect your own product.

Teaching vs. Making

My Stance: I am a professional who provides the “prescription” for improvement.
Request: Actual board modifications or assembly must be performed by your designated personnel according to your own standards.
Reason: If I perform the physical work, it becomes impossible to prove that the product was made through your “official manufacturing process,” which could compromise your quality assurance system.