Lemonade Stand True Stories from Running a Japanese Business (ft. some british guys) | Ep. 042 Lemonade Stand 🍋
Dec 17, 2025
Chris Broad, a YouTuber and longtime resident of Japan, shares his journey of running a bar and navigating Japan's complex bureaucracy. He discusses quirky business customs and the challenges of starting companies there. Joining him is Connor, a popular streamer who dives into his experiences living in Japan, the gaming culture, and the impact of foreign media narratives. Together, they explore the benefits of tourism in Japan and reflect on the evolving work culture post-COVID, highlighting both the struggles and joys of life in the Land of the Rising Sun.
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Building A Bar From Ruin To Hit
- Chris Broad described launching a Shibuya bar after renovating a filthy late-night space and turning it into a crowd draw.
- He learned seasonality quickly: strong fall-winter business collapsed in June–August when tourists and locals dropped off.
Use Local Partners To Navigate Japan
- Hire local experts or long-term expats to navigate Japanese regulations and accelerate openings.
- Use partnerships with Japanese companies to unlock property and operational access when you're new.
Formality Explains Slow Bureaucracy
- Incorporating Japanese administrative customs (e.g., hanko stamps) slows business processes but provides formal assurance to local institutions.
- That cultural friction explains why company formation and paperwork in Japan feel slower than in the UK or US.