TOKYO — The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is asking for 5 billion yen ($47.6 million) in the fiscal 2015 budget to create an environment more encouraging to entrepreneurs.
Japan aims to double the annual business startup rate to 10% as part of its growth strategy.
Toward this end, the ministry will fund trips to the U.S. by interested Japanese entrepreneurs for three- to five-month internships at Silicon Valley companies.
It will also call on schools nationwide to implement teaching programs designed to excite children about the possibilities of starting their own businesses.