Entrepreneur Stories Japan

Guest writer Masaru Ikeda brings us an overview of the Japanese AI startup ecosystem courtesy of JETRO.

June 25, 2026

At first glance, the phrase “Japan and Physical AI” may sound somewhat paradoxical, since Japan is often ranked among the slowest adopters of AI technologies among advanced economies. Whether in generative AI utilization or software-based AI development, the country is frequently portrayed as having fallen behind the digital transformation wave. How, then, could Japan emerge as a leader in Physical AI?

June 23, 2026

MoRo is an industry cluster focused on next-generation mobility and robotics, operating under Tokyo's TIB CATAPULT startup support program. Led by DMM and supported by a diverse network of corporate and institutional partners including Haneda Future Development, MoRo is designed to support startups throughout the entire commercialization journey, from technology development and field testing to initial deployment and international expansion.

June 18, 2026

5G rarely gets the attention of AI or climate tech, but it may be the most consequential infrastructure investment of the decade. This article explores Tokyo's strategy for the sector and introduces the startups turning high-speed, low-latency connectivity into real businesses.

June 16, 2026

JETRO interviews Sara Doolotbekova, co-founder of BeART World JAPAN, on her founder's journey via the Startup Visa program in Hokkaido.

June 11, 2026

If you plan to build and grow your business in Japan for the mid-long term, learning Japanese will definitely help you work here, as it helps you move faster and build trust. In the startup scene especially, being able to explain your product in Japanese and building friendly relationships are the first steps to diving into the community and earning trust.

June 9, 2026

This article explores the evolution of Japan's wearable technology market from this perspective and develops the idea that conceptual fashion is a core requirement for the next stage of growth.

June 4, 2026

JETRO sits down with French fashion designer, artistic director, and founder of Fukui’s 7amour Virginie Lefevre to talk about how a foreign eye can join with local inspiration to create avenues of unexpected artistic (and business!) success.

June 2, 2026

As the global dating app market enters a mature phase and interest in AI advancements and the Singularity grows, columnist Tatsuya Yajima finds himself wondering where the “next-generation dating service” will emerge.

May 28, 2026

We sit down with wunderkind Christian Park, youngest selectee for Softbank’s Masayoshi Son’s successor program and 20-year-old founder of UNCHAIN, to find out about his company, his views on entrepreneurship, and what a blue cartoon cat has to do with AI in Japan.

May 26, 2026

Four years ago, Sebastien Hebert decided to build his company in rural Japan. That decision has meant going back to language school at 40, navigating regional startup visa rules, searching for office space in a small coastal town, and restarting operations after an earthquake. JETRO sat down with him to go over the hows and whys.

May 21, 2026

The event Japan Meets Singapore brought together members of the startup communities from both countries for a night of ecosystem insights, founder pitches, and networking. More than just a social gathering, the event highlighted the growing momentum behind cross-border collaboration between two of Asia’s most strategically positioned innovation hubs.

May 19, 2026