I'd agree with you for most places in the US vs most places in Japan, but NYC vs Tokyo may or may not be an apt comparison. Putting any lines at all in NYC is a

I'd agree with you for most places in the US vs most places in Japan, but NYC vs Tokyo may or may not be an apt comparison. Putting any lines at all in NYC is a huge hassle. There is basically no clear map of the underground areas. Try getting some quality dedicated lines put in in NYC, it sucks. I can't comment on Tokyo, but it would be a lot easier to run a startup in the suburbs simply for ISP reasons if only the talent would agree (damn fickle trendy programmers).