This is a very interesting topic, but the linked article does not add much. It can be shortened to one sentence: Japanese are conformists, and therefor unlikely to be entrepreneurs. While certainly part of the problem, Japan used to be far more conformist, and companies like Sony and Nintendo still got started. Many of the companies, such as Hitachi, Toshiba and Panasonic were actually founded in the early 1900s, and later turned into hi-tech electronics companies when the opportunity appeared.<p>One issue is that most successful startups in the past two decades have been related to computer software, while Japan's strength has rather been electronic appliances.<p>Perhaps Japan needs to find a path of entrepreneurship that actually appeals to Japanese in their 20s and 30s, rather than desperately try to copy the valley? My interpretation of Japanese history is that the country is very resistant to change, but when it does change, it can happen very quickly and in surprising ways.
This article reminded me of a bit in an article that was on HN a couple weeks ago:<p><i>Starbucks evolved from a small chain of cafes to a huge one by consistently introducing new products, constantly pushing the envelope. Right? So what the hell? [Chokokuro Cafe] just immediately changed their name to reflect the name of the first product that brought them moderate success.<p>A Japanese friend who works in marketing told me this is the "Japanese resolve." A company sees its fate and resigns itself to it. I think it sounds more like someone just giving up and settling for what they have.</i><p><a href="http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1173679" rel="nofollow">http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1173679</a>
Anyone who talks about Entrepeneurship in Japan and doesn't talk about the housing situation & concentration of industry in Tokyo is following fancy rather than reality.<p>When you are unable to rent anything other than the oldest (most undesirable) places without corporate approval, you are not likely to start your own business.<p>When all business deals are done in the most expensive part of the country, you and your sales staff are not likely to have experience dealing with problems that average people are going to deal with.
First line:<p>"For a nation that once boasted the likes of Sony, Toyota and Mitsubishi as its entrepreneurial heralds"<p>Well that's problem number 1, founding years: 1946, 1926/1937, and 1870.
It's all about the education. Internet start-up are now cheap to start. So I think most students/developers in Japan can do it. There are two factors that can affect it: 1) education and 2) the network.<p>When you have a network like the Bay Area, this will encourage, enthusiast new young students to become entrepreneurs and start their venture. If they are successful the money and funding will come.