Women Founders in Japan: Breaking Through One of Asia’s Toughest Startup Ecosystems

As Japan accelerates its efforts to build a globally competitive startup ecosystem, a fundamental question remains unresolved: how inclusive is that ecosystem for women?

Platforms such as SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 are positioning the country as a hub for future cities innovation, bringing together startups, investors and policymakers from across the world. Yet behind this global narrative lies a structural imbalance that continues to shape Japan’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Women founders remain significantly underrepresented in Japan’s startup ecosystem.

A Persistent Gender Gap

Despite being one of the world’s largest economies, Japan has one of the lowest levels of female entrepreneurship among developed nations. Government and industry studies have consistently shown that female-led startups receive a disproportionately small share of venture capital funding, often estimated at around one to two percent in certain segments.

This gap is not unique to Japan, but it is more pronounced compared to other major innovation hubs such as the United States or parts of Europe. The result is an ecosystem where women founders face structural barriers at multiple stages, from access to capital and networks to mentorship and scaling opportunities.

Structural Challenges

Several factors contribute to this imbalance.

Japan’s corporate culture has traditionally been hierarchical and male-dominated. Women remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles, and this lack of representation often extends into venture capital and startup ecosystems.

Social expectations also play a role. Career interruptions related to caregiving responsibilities continue to disproportionately affect women, making it more difficult to pursue entrepreneurial paths. In addition, access to informal networks, which are often critical for fundraising and partnerships, can be limited.

Signs of Change

Despite these challenges, there are signs of gradual progress.

Government initiatives aimed at supporting startups are increasingly recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion. Universities and research institutions are also encouraging a broader range of entrepreneurs to commercialise research.

Events such as SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 provide platforms where women founders can gain visibility, connect with global investors and showcase their technologies within the Tokyo startup ecosystem. The growing international participation at such events may also help introduce new perspectives on inclusion and leadership.

Why Inclusion Matters for Innovation

The underrepresentation of women in startups is not only a social issue, it is also an economic one. Diverse leadership teams have been shown globally to improve decision-making, drive innovation and deliver stronger business outcomes. In sectors such as artificial intelligence, climate tech and robotics, diversity of thought can be particularly important.

As Japan seeks to strengthen its position within the global innovation ecosystem, addressing gender imbalances will be critical.

The growth of SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 reflects Japan’s ambition to build a more dynamic and globally connected startup ecosystem.

The next phase of that growth will depend not only on technological advancement but also on the inclusiveness of the ecosystem itself. If Japan can create an environment where women founders are better supported, it has the potential to unlock a significant source of untapped innovation.

SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, the global innovation conference organised by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, will take place from 27–29 April 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight. The event brings together startups, investors, corporations and policymakers exploring technologies shaping the future of sustainable cities and the global innovation ecosystem.