What is the difference between establishing a local subsidiary and a representative office?

In general, there may be differences between a local subsidiary and a representative office in terms of legal responsibilities, taxation, and scope of activities in the country concerned, but the systems differ greatly from country to country and region to region.
If you provide us with details, we will be able to introduce you to specialists who can provide advice in the legal field you are inquiring about, as well as professionals who have a network in Japan and abroad and can provide consulting services, or experts who can build such relationships. All of this depends on the details of your inquiry, so please let us know the details first.