In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Fariza Abidova, CEO of Trusted Corporation, and a seasoned expert in cross-border innovation, corporate partnerships, and global HR development.

Fariza shares what’s really happening inside Japan’s corporate innovation ecosystem from the invisible blockers within large organizations to the cultural nuances that slow down high-potential projects.

She dives into why open innovation often fails to scale, which Japanese cities are becoming more startup and innovation-friendly, and what kind of timeline expectations foreign partners should really have.

She also pulls back the curtain on hard truth facts as: after 3/4 years of running pilot innovation projects, many companies shut them down if revenue isn’t produced, regardless of long-term potential.

If you’re a startup founder, consultant, or part of a government innovation program working in or with Japan, this episode is your inside guide to navigating corporate innovation here.

AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia

This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC.

They can help you with:

• Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian markets
  

• Strategic performance marketing for measurable growth
  

• Account‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO
  

• HubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automation
  

• Data‑driven implementation with cultural expertise
  

⁠Learn more about AIM B2B

Show Notes:

00:00 – Introduction

03:05 – Why Accelerating Innovation in Japan

08:05 – Open Innovation

14:10 – Working with Japanese Corporations

19:45 – Innovation Challenges in Japanese Companies

23:05 – Secret Challenges Only Insiders Know

29:50 – How to Foster Innovation in Corporates

31:50 – Cities in Japan to Launch Innovation Projects

35:30 – Strategies for Accelerating Innovation

43:30 – Government Policy Shifts

50:10 – Tips for Engaging with Large Corporations

52:05 – Timelines: Japan vs Global

56:31 – Final Message from Fariza

Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Connect with Fariza Abidova on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/fariza-abidova/

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