Softbank Corp. CEO Masayoshi Son took the world by surprise last month by announcing a $20 billion buyout of U.S.-based Sprint Nextel Corp. In 1980, his startup firm was a two-man computer wholesaler. Now through vigorous mergers and acquisitions it's angling to be the world's third-largest telecommunications business.
While Japan's traditional tech giants continue to lose steam, risk-taking young Japanese entrepreneurs are aspiring to be the next Softbank or Facebook, able to compete in the global marketplace.
Following is a look at the nation's startup landscape: