The forgotten mistake that killed Japan’s software industry

In the 200th episode of Disrupting Japan, the discussion delves into the historical factors that have shaped the often-criticized quality of Japanese software. The speaker highlights that the current landscape is rooted in the post-WWII economic framework, particularly the dominance of Zaibatsu and later Keiretsu, which favored internal business ties over global competition and innovation. While this approach brought success to various industries, it hindered the growth of the software sector. Despite this, the speaker remains hopeful about the future, pointing to the emergence of cloud computing, the rise of smartphones, and a shifting perception of software developers as key elements driving a more competitive and innovative Japanese software industry.