On: Japan eyes startup visa program

[laurieg]

Hello fellow Fukuokarite!

The city has definitely been pushing hard for foreign startups but the changes they are making are only baby steps and PR in my opinion. I thought it was rather strange that the press conference held by the mayor to promote foreign startups had to have an interpreter because the mayor couldn't manage any English and the foreign entrepreneurs on stage didn't speak Japanese.

[agibsonccc → laurieg]

I've talked to some folks from Fukuoka and it definitely seemed that way when I talked to them.

FWIW, JETRO is like that too. A lot of the process happens in Japanese (it's basically only foreigner friendly in name)

It's still a good start but it's definitely not what it's spun to be.

I have people I'm complaining to and they are changing though (even if it's taking them a few months)

The willingness to change is definitely new for Japan.

[romanovtexas → laurieg]

I went to the Startup cafe a couple of times, but I failed to grasp all the general amazement around it. I hoped to meet new people and learn about their entrepreneurial activities, but again, the people didn't speak English; and those that did, didn't seem interested.