The Japanese government announced its ‘Startup Development Five-year Plan’ in November 2022. Now-former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida presented the Five-Year Startup Plan as part of his grand design for a new form of capitalism in Japan. While Abenomics led to higher stock prices and corporate profits, it did not translate into higher wages.

The Japanese manga (comics) industry is experiencing a rapid transformation. The shift from print to digital continues to accelerate, while global revenue structures are also evolving. This article explores the current state of Japan’s manga industry, its challenges, and what the future may hold.

The Challenge of Next-Generation Freezing Technology to Protect "Deliciousness" - Masayuki Kinoshita, CEO of Daybreak Inc.

In Japan, where population decline is a pressing issue, startups are seen as the key to the country's economic growth. In 2023, The Tokyo Metropolitan Government established "Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB)," Japan's largest startup support hub.

Tokyo was named the world's best trending destination in Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations 2024. The number of foreign tourists visiting Tokyo has been increasing rapidly in recent years, with the city ranking 4th in the “Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023” published by Euromonitor International. Tokyo is attracting increasing attention.

An explanation of the innovation ecosystem that is spreading in Tokyo, the premier destination for start-ups.

In the Japanese capital of Tokyo, the number of shisha shops has surpassed the number of Starbucks and McDonalds in the past few years. How has this rapid trend come about?

Yokohama City has built a diverse ecosystem that provides support to both domestic and international entrepreneurs and startups, making it an attractive city, especially for foreign entrepreneurs.

Kyoto’s hidden paths, Zen meditation, tea ceremonies, and traditional crafts all inspire creativity, fostering mindfulness and fueling entrepreneurial growth.

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is renowned for its millennia-long cultural and political significance. The city is home to some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, such as Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera, Ryoan-ji, and Fushimi Inari Shrine, all of which serve as stunning examples of Japan’s architectural and spiritual heritage. However, Kyoto’s appeal extends far beyond its historic temples and shrines.

In Kyoto, a startup company called ”funfo” is providing mobile ordering systems for restaurants. Founders Mr. Qiao and Mr. Wang started the company with four other members during their graduate studies, driven by a desire to support digital transformation in the restaurant industry.

we learned Tsukuba’s claim to fame: having more researchers per capita than any other city in Japan. But how did the city come to be a thriving center of research and technology?