Sakana AI put world-class AI researchers in Tokyo and bet on efficiency over brute-force scaling.
Startup · Topic
Startups & Unicorns
Expert guides, analysis and tool comparisons on Startups & Unicorns from the kurums.com Startup desk — written for business decision-makers and updated as the market moves.
- 5 guides
- Updated Jul 25, 2026
Latest in Startups & Unicorns
SmartNews: A Japanese App That Tried America
SmartNews became a rare Japanese consumer unicorn and made a serious run at the American market.
Preferred Networks: Japan’s Industrial AI Champion
Preferred Networks bet that Japan’s AI advantage lies in factories and robotics rather than consumer apps.
Mercari: Japan’s Flagship Startup Success
Mercari made selling used goods effortless in Japan, then discovered the formula did not export easily.
Why Japan Has So Few Unicorns
Japan’s startup shortage is structural, not cultural cliche, and several of those structures are now changing.
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