Japan’s Untapped Platform Business Boom: Your Chance to Become a Technopreneur
Are you frustrated by the slow pace of DX (Digital Transformation) in Japanese companies? This lag could actually be a significant business opportunity for you.
Globally, the platform business has formed a massive market, with many companies achieving remarkable success. Well-known giants like Uber, Airbnb, Amazon, and Facebook are all built on the foundation of platform businesses. These companies have achieved explosive growth not just by offering products or services, but by connecting users on their platforms and creating new value.
However, in Japan, the true value of platform businesses is not yet fully understood, leaving it as an untapped market. This means that there are endless opportunities for you to thrive as a technopreneur.
Why is Japan a Platform Business Laggard?
Several intertwined factors contribute to Japan’s status as a platform business laggard.
1. Technical Challenges
Building a platform requires not only advanced system development skills but also expertise in various fields such as data analysis, AI, and security. However, there is a shortage of talent with these skills in Japan, creating a bottleneck in platform development.
2. Financial Challenges
Platform development requires substantial funding. Especially in the early stages, many startups struggle with fundraising as they haven’t yet established a clear path to profitability.
3. Regulatory Hurdles
Japanese regulations are not always favorable to platform businesses. For example, regulations like the Personal Information Protection Law and the Antimonopoly Act could hinder the growth of platform businesses.
4. Mindset Challenges
Many Japanese companies are fixated on traditional business models and haven’t fully grasped the importance of platform businesses. Additionally, there’s a tendency to avoid risk, making companies hesitant to embrace new business models.
Master Platform Building Skills and Pave Your Way as a Technopreneur
These challenges are undoubtedly significant hurdles. However, those who can overcome these challenges are the ones who will be most needed in Japan’s future.
Mastering platform building skills and forging a path as a technopreneur is no easy feat. But the rewards that await are immense: huge business opportunities, the fulfillment of making a social impact, and financial success.
Learn the Latest Platform Building Skills from the US
In the US, a leading country in platform businesses, the know-how surrounding platform building is highly sophisticated. Prestigious universities like Stanford and Harvard offer specialized courses on platform businesses, producing many talented individuals.
You can learn these cutting-edge skills from the comfort of your home in Japan through online training and educational materials. Even if you’re not fluent in English, you can still learn effectively by utilizing Japanese materials or translation services.
Aim for Unicorn Status!
Embarking on the journey of mastering platform building skills and tackling the untapped Japanese market won’t be a smooth ride. However, what awaits at the end is a vast business opportunity. With your ideas and skills, you could potentially create the next Japanese unicorn company.
Platform businesses not only drive company growth but also have a significant impact on society as a whole. For instance, Uber revolutionized transportation, Airbnb transformed accommodation, and Amazon reshaped the retail industry.
You too, through platform businesses, could contribute to making Japanese society better.
Now is the Time to Act
The wave of platform businesses is set to grow even larger in the future. To avoid missing this wave, you need to take action now. By learning platform building skills and forging a path as a technopreneur, you can become a part of shaping Japan’s future.
In the following articles, we will delve into the specific skills required for platform building, learning methods, and success stories. Use this blog as a guide to take your first step as a technopreneur.