Japanese seniors embracing life in second career as entrepreneurs

In Japan, seniors are increasingly embracing entrepreneurship as a second career, leveraging their experiences and extensive personal networks. A recent study by Teikoku Databank Ltd. revealed that the percentage of newly established companies led by individuals aged 60 and older reached 20.5 percent in 2025, up 3.2 percentage points from the previous year.

This marks the first time the figure has topped 20 percent. In response, various support mechanisms have been put in place to assist aspiring senior entrepreneurs in the country known for its rapidly aging population. For instance, the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center, a city government-affiliated organization, is hosting a competition for individuals aged 55 and above to pitch their business ideas.

Similarly, Nara Prefecture is offering subsidies of up to 2 million yen to support senior entrepreneurs. Mio Katagiri, president of Ginza Second Life Corp., attributes the reduced barriers to starting a business to the enhanced support from both central and local governments. Ginza Second Life Corp. provides consulting, rental office services, and clerical assistance to senior entrepreneurs.

Unlike their younger counterparts, who typically aim to commercialize innovative services or products, senior entrepreneurs are encouraged to pursue ventures they can manage effectively. Chizuko Fukatsu, who founded apparel company Fukufuku-Ya LLC in her 60s, credits her experience in purchasing clothes for her elderly mother for the inception of her business.

After observing the limited clothing options for her mother and peers in their 80s and older, she decided to create such products, focusing on combining style and functionality. Fukatsu emphasizes the importance of building connections through local government support, stating that collaboration is key to the success of senior entrepreneurs.