In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Kenneth Jeng, a Japan Startup Ecosystem Veteran and a long-time ecosystem builder who has worked across the U.S. and Japan.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series recorded in November 2024 with Kenneth.

Kenneth shares hard-hitting insights on what’s really holding Japan’s startup ecosystem back — from the cultural and structural roadblocks to limited business development capabilities and lingering visa barriers for foreign entrepreneurs.

He offers a rare comparison between Japan and the U.S. startup environments, outlining why IPOs in Japan don’t function like exits, how the country’s high living standards may be dulling entrepreneurial hunger, and why so many promising startups stall before reaching scale.

If you're a founder, investor, or policymaker interested in Japan's startup space, this is a must-listen for understanding where things stand and what’s starting to change.

Stay tuned for Part 2 where we go deeper into founder mindsets, investor culture, and the future of Japan’s startup growth.

AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia

This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC.

They can help you with:

- Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian markets

- Strategic performance marketing for measurable growth

- Account‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO

- HubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automation

- Data‑driven implementation with cultural expertise

Learn more about AIM B2B

Show Notes:

00:00 – Introduction

02:55 – Differences in Ecosystems

07:45– Current Narratives and Trends

12:38 – IPO in Japan

16:27 – Immigration and Visa for Startups in Japan

18:57 – Living Standard in Japan for Entrepreneurs

26:30 – Pros of Japan Startup Ecosystem

31:20 – Venturing and Scaling

41:42 – Comparing Growth Rate

46:30 – Importance of Business Development & Team

51:17 – Scaling in Japan

Links from Guest Appearance:

🔗 Connect with Kenneth Jeng on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethjeng/

Coaching with Tyson

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