Japan looks to take startup ecosystem to next level with more government help

In a scene in a TV drama that began airing last month, a young female entrepreneur, played by popular actress Mei Nagano, speaks enthusiastically about her dream of turning her education-focused tech startup into a “unicorn firm” — just like Mercari or Uber — during an interview with a media outlet.

The drama, titled “Riding a Unicorn,” features the entrepreneur overcoming a series of challenges to grow her company — and indicates a sea change in attitudes.