In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome back Kenneth Jeng, Product + Operations Lead at Persona, and experienced contributor to startup ecosystems in both Japan and the U.S.

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Kenneth, recorded in November 2024, and focused on the human side of ecosystem building, community, culture, and mindset.

Kenneth shares why Japan continues to struggle with early-stage adoption and authentic community building, and how individuals (not just public programs) must take initiative. He also gives a candid take on grant structures, founder engagement, and what real progress could look like.

If you’re a founder, policymaker, or ecosystem builder working in Japan, this episode offers a unique lens on what’s still missing and what we can each do to contribute.

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

00:43 – Hot Take on Challenges and Gaps

14:00 – Why People are Involved in Startup Ecosystem and Why in Japan

16:20 – Building Network

22:15 – Early Adopters or Not?

27:10 – Contributing to the Community

36:20 – Grants and Funding for Startups

42:00 – Last Messages and Hot Takes

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

Coaching with Tyson

Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with his coaching and advisory services.

📈 Visit here to learn how he can help

🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

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

Looking to take your business to the next level?

Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with his coaching and advisory services.

📈 Visit here to learn how he can help

🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome back Rina Sakuraba, Founder and CEO of Coaching Leaders Japan, for Part 2 of our deep dive into Japanese communication and leadership culture.

Rina breaks down two essential concepts that drive how people communicate and make decisions in Japan, Honne (true feelings) and Tatemae (public face). These cultural dynamics impact everything from feedback and trust to accountability and external negotiations.

You’ll learn how to spot the subtle signs of Tatemae, how to encourage honest feedback (Honne) in your teams, and how to avoid miscommunication that could derail a project.

If you’re a business leader, consultant, or team member operating in Japan, this episode is packed with real-world examples and practical strategies to help you build stronger, more transparent relationships in a culturally respectful way.

AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008. They have recently rebranded to AIM B2B, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC.

• 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 : hi.switchy.io/h7TM

Show Notes:

00:00 – Introduction

01:47 – What is Ho-Ne and Ta-te-maye?

15:16 – How does Ho-Ne and Ta-te-maye affect business?

23:21 – Management, Ho-Ne and Ta-te-maye

26:30 – How to balance Ho-Ne and Ta-te-maye in meetings

30:31 – Applying it in external negotiation with companies

34:20 – How do you know if someone is speaking Ta-te-maye?

43:10 – Methods to gently express Ho-Ne

46:30 – Accountability

49:10 – Key Notes

Links from Guest Appearance:

🔗 Connect with Rina Sakuraba on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rinasakuraba/

🔗 Coaching Leaders Japan – https://coachingleadersjapan.com/

Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with his coaching and advisory services. 📈 Visit here to learn how he can help

🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message