With a storied legacy of cutting-edge technological breakthroughs and industrial leadership in sectors like automotive, robotics, and consumer electronics, Japan has long stood as a global innovation heavyweight.

Backed by a resilient economy and home to iconic corporate giants, the country has historically shaped the frontier of advanced industries.
Yet today, that position is increasingly under pressure.

At the turn of the century, Japan accounted for 22% of the Fortune Global 500. Today, that share has shrunk to just 8% – a reflection of shifting global dynamics and intensifying competition.

As the global race for innovation accelerates – driven by rising geopolitical tensions and growing economic fragmentation – Japan faces a pivotal challenge: transitioning from a traditional, low-risk corporate employment culture to a vibrant scaleup economy.
One where entrepreneurial drive, private investment, and forward-thinking corporate engagement work in synergy to spark new waves of growth.

The good news?

• First, the foundation is solid.
Japan’s innovation tradition is deep and resilient. Japanese corporates have a strong global outlook: 80% of the country’s innovation leaders have established outposts in Silicon Valley and other major tech hubs to anticipate emerging trends and act ahead of the curve.

• Second, the tech scaleup ecosystem is reaching critical mass.
Japan is now home to 2,268 tech scaleups that have collectively raised $46 billion – particularly in Tokyo, which has entered the elite circle of global hotspots powering the tech revolution. And in today’s innovation landscape, where concentration matters, that’s a good place to be.

The challenge now is to unlock this potential.
More capital and deeper open innovation are needed. Platforms like SusHi Tech Tokyo and the Mind the Bridge Scaleup Summit can help connect the Japanese ecosystem more closely with the global innovation network – and catalyze its next wave of growth.