Internships in Japan’s Startup Scene: Opportunities and What to Expect
For years, Japan’s economy has been driven by major corporations and interconnected business networks known as keiretsu, where manufacturers, suppliers, and banks maintain long-standing ties. Well-known names like Mitsui, Mitsubishi, and Sumitomo have been central to the country’s economic growth and international reputation, but now there’s a shift underway and startups are starting to change how business works and how careers take shape.
While places around the world have embraced startup culture early on, Japan’s business scene remained more traditional. Steady jobs and lifetime employment at large companies were the norm, which made it tough for new ventures to get traction, but that’s slowly changing. With the rise of digital tools and evolving attitudes toward work, startups are gaining visibility and credibility. In fact, Tokyo now ranks among the world’s top 15 cities for startups, according to the 2025 StartupBlink Global Ecosystem Report.
This trend is worth paying attention to if you’re thinking about doing an internship in Japan. Startups often offer more flexibility, tight-knit teams, and the opportunity to work on a variety of tasks, making them a solid option if you’re looking for something different from the traditional corporate route.
Startup Growth in Japan: What’s Driving It?
Japan’s startup scene has gained real traction over the past decade, thanks to a combination of public investment, private funding, and shifting attitudes toward entrepreneurship. And what was once a corporate-first economy is now making more space for younger, smaller, and more agile companies to grow, and for international interns to get involved.
A major part of this transformation comes from the government. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has introduced a number of programs to help startups grow, and one standout is the J-Startup initiative, launched in 2018 to give better spotlight to promising companies and help them grow globally by offering investor access, event exposure, and mentorship.
In 2022, the Japanese government introduced a Five-Year Plan for Startup Development to boost its startup ecosystem in a big way: setting goals like increasing startup investment to ¥10 trillion and creating 100,000 new startups by 2027. The plan focuses on key areas like improving access to funding, encouraging collaboration between startups and universities, and making it easier to launch and grow a business. It also pushes larger companies to work more closely with startups and supports corporate venture capital as a way to spark innovation. Part of the effort also includes attracting international talent and simplifying regulations, all with the aim of making Japan a more competitive and connected place for new businesses.
Private funding is surging too, and in 2022, domestic startup investment reached a record ¥877.4 billion (approx. $5.9 billion), nearly triple the amount from five years earlier, according to INITIAL. Japanese VC firms and corporate investors like SoftBank have increased their involvement, while foreign investors are paying more attention to sectors like robotics, cleantech, and fintech.
Starting a business in Japan is also getting easier. With digital registration, quicker legal processes, and startup visas for international founders, the path into entrepreneurship feels more accessible than ever. Cities like Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka are building reputations as startup hubs, with local policies aimed at attracting new talent and ideas.
For interns, this all adds up to more chances to get involved with companies that value creativity, adaptability, and a fresh perspective. Unlike bigger firms, startups often let interns take on a variety of tasks and get close to the core of the business, which makes them a compelling choice for professionals and students trying to break into the Japanese job market.
How Startups Differ from Traditional Japanese Companies
Japan’s traditional corporate culture is known for structure, hierarchy, and long-term employment, and for decades, the standard path involved joining a company right after university and working your way up through seniority until retirement. Job roles tend to be clearly defined, and decision-making often follows a top-down and consensus-based approach. This model has shaped how many large Japanese firms operate today, where stability and predictability are key.
Startups, on the other hand, often flip that structure. Teams are usually smaller and younger, hierarchies are flatter, and everyone tends to take on a range of tasks outside their official job description. The pace might be more hectic, and there’s usually more room for creativity, experimentation, and direct feedback.
Communication styles also differ, and while large companies may still prefer formal communication, many startups, especially those with international teams or global clients, adopt a more casual and flexible style, including the use of English or mixed-language work environments. And remote and hybrid work options are also more common, something still not that adopted in more traditional companies.
All of this creates a very different type of experience, and for those open to more variety, responsibility, and collaboration, interning in Japan at a startup can offer valuable lessons and a deeper understanding of what it’s like to build something from the ground up.
What Interns Can Expect in a Startup Environment
Interning at a startup in Japan often means stepping into a role that involves you and evolves from day one. Since these companies are still growing, there’s more room to take initiative, and instead of shadowing someone for weeks, you might be contributing to important projects since your first day.
One of the biggest advantages is the chance to work directly alongside the leadership; in many startups, interns often collaborate with founders or core team members, something that is uncommon in larger companies. This gives a clearer sense of how business decisions are made and it's also a rewarding way to see your work make a visible impact.
Startups are also great for developing soft skills that are important in any profession, such as adapting to change quickly, multitasking, and creative and fast problem-solving.
On the cultural side, startups tend to be more relaxed and collaborative, but that doesn’t mean casual. Professionalism still matters, and respect for others’ time and contributions goes a long way. Teams are often international or internationally-minded, and while English might be the working language in some places, having some Japanese ability opens more doors, socially and professionally. Respect, accountability, and showing you’re eager to contribute will always be appreciated, no matter the company style.
The Future of Startups in Japan and Their Role in Shaping the Economy
Japan’s startup growth isn’t limited to Tokyo, it’s part of a broader national effort. As the country pushes to stay globally relevant and more digitally advanced, startups are taking on a bigger role as engines of innovation. In recent years, local governments and institutions have stepped up to spread these efforts beyond the capital. One example is the Union of Kansai Governments, which is working on “Deep Tech Valley Kansai,” a project aimed at turning the region into a top R&D center, and by 2021, Kansai was already home to more than 865 startups, and that number continues to grow.
Another example from the Kansai region is Osaka, where efforts like Hack Osaka are helping build a startup-friendly ecosystem by connecting international entrepreneurs with Japanese companies and local investors. But these initiatives are not limited to government efforts, as universities like the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are also investing in entrepreneurship, hosting programs and hackathons that provide support for students' projects and encourage them to follow their own path.
Supportive policies are also giving this trend a boost. Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has relaxed rules around digital banking and cryptocurrency, which has helped the fintech space expand. The Startup Visa is also gaining momentum: as of May 2024, over 716 people had been granted residence status under the program, with many moving on to long-term visas like 'Business Manager' to continue running their businesses.
Why Startups Are on the Radar of Interns in Japan
Startups are becoming a more popular option for international students and professionals doing an internship in Japan; they often offer the chance to get more involved and try different things, since roles aren’t always divided as strictly as in larger companies. There may not be separate departments for areas like marketing or sales, so tasks can overlap, and this variety helps build a wide range of skills, especially useful for people still figuring out what kind of work they enjoy and would like to pursue in the future.
Many startups value the input of international interns, and this 'from the outside' perspective can help teams better understand how their work connects with a global audience, and how a product or message translates internationally, making it the perfect opportunity to bring fresh ideas to the table and actively contribute.
Startups also attract foreign professionals and students alike who are considering Japan as a long-term option for work but want something different from the more traditional corporate style, being drawn by the pace and openness of newer companies where ideas are always evolving. And for those with experience or a specific expertise, working at a startup can be a great way to apply their skills in a more flexible environment, as well as a chance to be part of a company that’s still growing, which can make the work feel more impactful and personally fulfilling.
Intern in a New Japan
As Japan’s startup scene continues to grow, it’s creating new possibilities for anyone interested in experience living and working in Japan. Compared to traditional routes, internships in Japan at startups offer more flexibility, broader learning opportunities, and a clearer window into the country’s evolving business culture. For those interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, or just trying out a different work environment, these internships are a perfect match.
From Tokyo to regional hubs like Osaka and Kyoto, the rise of Japanese startups is reshaping how global talent can contribute, and choosing a Japanese internship at a startup can allow you to gain more insight into the industry, build confidence, and see firsthand how Japan is adapting to global change.
----
🚀 If you’re the type of person who thrives in this kind of environment, our internships in Japan offer the chance to work with innovative teams and discover a newer and evolving side of Japan. Ready to take the leap? You can apply directly on our website! Still unsure? Feel free to reach out, we’re happy to help you figure out if this path is the right fit for you!
