japanese regulation regarding bouldering gym and capybara

japanese_regulation.md

Regarding Business Permits for Opening a Bouldering Facility

1. Building Code and Zoning Confirmation

• Confirm whether the building can be used as a "sports facility."
• Depending on the zoning regulations, opening such a facility may be restricted.

2. Fire Service Act Notifications

• As a facility used by the general public, you must appoint a fire prevention manager and submit a fire safety plan.
• Installation of fire safety equipment (emergency lights, exits, extinguishers, etc.) is mandatory.

3. Building Confirmation Application (if necessary)

• If structural changes or wall installations are involved, building confirmation may be required.
• Especially for high walls (e.g., over 2m) or anything affecting structural integrity.

4. Business Notification (Corporation or Sole Proprietor)

• Corporation: Register your corporation and include “sports facility operation” in the articles of incorporation.
• Sole proprietor: Submit a business start notification to the tax office.

5. Insurance

• Due to injury risk, facility liability insurance is essential.
• Consider insurance that also covers instructors in case of accidents.

6. Business Registration / Licensing

• Bouldering gyms are typically classified as “entertainment” or “sports facilities.”
• Not usually subject to the Adult Entertainment Act, but verify based on lighting, hours, etc.

7. Other Considerations

• Prepare terms of use clearly outlining liability.
• Instructor certifications are not mandatory but improve trust.
• If offering kids' classes, educational regulations may apply—check separately.

💡 Note: Regulations vary by prefecture or municipality. Always consult relevant authorities in advance (city planning, fire department, building authority, etc.)

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Additional Requirements for a “Bouldering Café”

Item	Requirement
Restaurant Permit	Approval by health center (including kitchen setup)
Food Sanitation Manager	Must have certification or complete training course
Fire Department Notice	If fire is used, install fire safety equipment
Zoning Confirmation	Re-confirm usage based on zoning and building code
Waste Disposal Contract	Must handle food waste properly

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Requirements for Operating an Animal Café

1. Type 1 Animal Handling Business Registration (Exhibition)

• Required if animals are shown or interact with customers.

• Register with the governor or city mayor.

• Required documents:

  • Application form
  • Legal compliance proof
  • Facility floor plan and neighborhood map
  • Proof of land/building usage rights
  • Certificate of animal handling supervisor training
  • Corporate registry (if a corporation)

⚠️ Appoint a certified Animal Handling Supervisor; they must attend annual training.

2. Restaurant Permit (Food Sanitation Act)

• Required if preparing/serving food onsite.

• Apply to the local public health center.

• Key requirements:

  • Food Sanitation Manager appointment
  • Kitchen and hand-washing station to meet hygiene standards
  • Clear separation between animals and food areas

3. Fire Department Notification

• Applies if fire is used in the kitchen or facility hosts 30+ people.

• Includes:

  • Appointing a fire prevention manager
  • Submitting a fire safety plan
  • Installing extinguishers, emergency lighting, etc.

4. Waste Disposal Contract

• Needed for food waste and animal waste.
• Must contract with certified waste collectors and manage separation/storage properly.

5. Other Procedures

• Business Notification:

  • Corporation: Register and include “animal café operation” in objectives.
  • Sole proprietor: Submit start-of-business form to the tax office.

• Insurance:

  • Get insurance covering animal accidents and facility-related injuries.

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If Combining a Bouldering Café and Animal Café

• Yes, it’s possible, but very high regulatory hurdles due to combining:

  • Sports facility
  • Food service
  • Animal exhibition

✅ Feasible, but requires strict zoning and multi-permit compliance

Element	Required Permits & Considerations
Bouldering Gym	Building/fire compliance, insurance, structural safety
Food/Café	Restaurant license, sanitation management
Animal Exhibition	Type 1 animal business registration, hygiene controls

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🧩 Integration Challenges

1. Animals + Food is Strictly Limited

   • Health laws prohibit shared space.
   • Requires separate zones, ventilation, and entrances.

2. Zoning Design is Crucial

   • Clearly separate:

     • Bouldering zone (with changing area, sink)
     • Café zone (no animals)
     • Animal zone (cleaning, ventilation, noise-proofing)

3. Building Use & Zoning Restrictions

   • Mixed-use buildings may require usage change approval.
   • Some zones do not allow animal facilities or bouldering gyms.

4. Animal Welfare

   • Noise/vibration from bouldering can stress animals.
   • May require improvement based on animal welfare inspections.

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✅ Final Verdict

• Theoretically possible, but significantly harder than opening just a café or gym.
• Most feasible if all areas are completely separated within one building.
• Advance consultation with all relevant offices is mandatory.

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Comparative Table

Type	Main Business	Required Permits & Processes	Authorities
① Bouldering Café	Gym + Food	Restaurant permit, building/fire safety, insurance	Health, Fire, Municipality
② Animal Café	Small animals + Food	Animal registration, restaurant permit, waste, noise control	Health, Animal Center, Fire
③ Combined Bouldering/Animal Café	Gym + Animals + Food	All of the above, strict zoning, structural approvals	All relevant agencies

📌 Notes:

• Restaurant areas must be physically separated from animals (walls, doors, ventilation).
• Animal display requires registration and proper care management.
• Bouldering facilities may be classified as special buildings, and may be restricted by zoning.
• Insurance is practically mandatory for animal accidents and injuries.