Failure or Fuel : the key to transforming Japan’s entrepreneurial mindset

How do you consider failure ?

My first company ended after one year with a big check and … a burn-out

My second company came to a natural halt with the birth of the 3rd one

My 3rd company started after my encounter with sandrine Monette, my business partner.

Lucky me, I had learned that mistakes and failure are part of the learning process.

In Japan's collectivist society, where conformity, harmony and social cohesion are highly valued, experiencing failure in a business venture can be particularly stigmatizing

Entrepreneurs who encounter setbacks or bankruptcy may feel a sense of shame and embarrassment, as it reflects negatively on their reputation and social standing.

By reframing failure as a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey, we can challenge the stigma and fear associated with it in Japanese society. Shifting cultural perceptions to view failure as a valuable learning experience empowers individuals to take calculated risks and pursue innovative ventures without fear of judgement or shame.

Embracing failure builds resilience, grit, and perseverance.
Embracing failure brings opportunities for iteration and improvement.
Embracing failure encourages experimentation, creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.

As an entrepreneur, which failure made you grow the most ?

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal : It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Winston Churchill