> and also in Japan, it is common for businesses to rely on close relationships with banks to get the financing they need. This works if you're a megacorp (or

> and also in Japan, it is common for businesses to rely on close relationships with banks to get the financing they need. This works if you're a megacorp (or maybe an "established" company). Japanese banks are really stingy when it comes to making loans* and it might be neigh impossible if you're a tech startup. Actually, even opening a business bank account might be tricky. * Apparently that's why government is threatening them with negative interest rates (more than threatening: they're here and without limits on how negative is the latest comment!); i.e lend the money to someone or pay!