KEY TAKEAWAYS

• How can I start up a business in Japan?

• Who can help me to start up a business in Japan?

• How can I be sure my business idea would work in Japan?

• Can TheJEGroup! help me to start up a business in Japan?

HOW CAN A BUSINESS INCUBATION SERVICE WORK FOR ME IN JAPAN?

Daniel TJ International Correspondent Tokyo, Japan

The Interview...

Lisa: Hey, MICHAEL! Thanks for meeting me today. I know you’re super busy helping people start… kind of pretend businesses?

MICHAEL:
(laughs) Yeah, something like that. Not pretend, just… testing businesses before jumping in. You know, try the water before swimming.

Lisa:
Right! Like a trial version or a soft opening.

MICHAEL:
Exactly. Japan can be tricky for newcomers, you know? So many rules, culture differences, even small things like where to put your shop sign can be a headache.

Lisa:
Oh, I bet! So how did you get into this kind of work?

MICHAEL:
Hmm, I work as a Career Search Consultant. Assisting people find jobs. But many of my clients, especially foreigners, said, “I want to start my own business.” So I thought, okay, maybe I can make a safe space where they can test first.

Lisa:
That’s really cool. So it’s like business incubation, right?

MICHAEL:
Yes, but more personal. I call it a “real world sandbox.” You can play, you can test, and you don’t lose everything if mistake happen.

Lisa:
(laughs) A sandbox for grown-ups!

MICHAEL:
Exactly! And sometimes people realize, oh, maybe business is not for me. That’s okay too — they save time, save money, and maybe their heart too.

Lisa:
Better to find out early than crash later.

MICHAEL:
Right. Some people spend ten million yen for an idea that doesn’t work. I put a stop to that and lower their investment before it crashes.

Lisa:
That’s a bargain! What kind of businesses do people test with you?

MICHAEL:
Oh, many kinds! One woman wanted to open a vegan bakery in Yokohama. We tested it with a pop-up booth for two weeks. It went well, but she realized the location was wrong. So she moved to Tokyo — now she’s doing great.

Lisa:
Nice! Any funny or strange ones?

MICHAEL:
(laughs) Yes. A man from Canada wanted to open a “dog yoga café.” Dogs and people doing yoga together.

Lisa:
(laughs) No way!

MICHAEL:
Yes! First day was chaos — dogs jumping everywhere, no yoga at all! But he didn’t give up. He made a new rule — small, quiet dogs only. Then it actually worked! Now he’s got regular customers.

Lisa:
That’s amazing! What’s your favorite part of the job?

MICHAEL:
When I see people smile because their idea comes alive. Even small success — one sale, one happy customer — it makes them so proud. That feeling, I love it.

Lisa:
That’s really touching. Do you mostly work with foreigners?

MICHAEL:
Mostly, yes. But also some Japanese. Many Japanese people are shy to try new ideas. They say, “I’m not entrepreneur type.” I tell them, “You can start small, no need to be Steve Jobs.”

Lisa:
(laughs) I love that advice.

MICHAEL:
And also, I like making connections. Many clients become friends. We still meet sometimes for coffee — like this!

Lisa:
Speaking of coffee, this latte’s great.

MICHAEL:
Oh, yes! The owner was one of my first clients.

Lisa:
Wait, really?

MICHAEL:
Yes, he used to be a salaryman. He tested a coffee stand idea with me for one month. Now, look — small but wonderful café.

Lisa:
That’s so cool. You must be proud.

MICHAEL:
More like… happy father, you know? Watching kids go out to the world.

Lisa:
(laughs) That’s sweet. So, if someone wants to reach you, what’s the best way?

MICHAEL:
They can message me on my website or LinkedIn. But better — come for coffee first. I believe every good idea starts with coffee.

Lisa:
(laughs) I totally agree. Thanks, Mr. X, this was fun and inspiring.

MICHAEL:
Thank you, Lisa. Next time, coffee’s on me — business expense!

Lisa:
(laughs) Deal! By the way, if there is anyone interested in this service, what should they do?

MICHAEL: Easy. Contact us utilizing the form below.

Lisa: Understood. Thank you again Michael. See you next week!

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