<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false"><li>MVPs, meant to test assumptions and gather early feedback, are often misunderstood in Japan as sloppy or incomplete, posing reputational risks for both vendors and customers.</li><li>Cultural norms in Japan, emphasizing harmony and reputation, lead to hesitation around MVPs and a fear of failure, which is more deeply felt in a shame-based society.</li><li>While agile methodologies can be effective in Japan, trust must be established first, and risk carefully managed from the beginning to navigate the cultural context.</li><li>Japan stands out not for its fear of failure, but for the lack of mechanisms supporting second chances, making visible failures carry long-lasting consequences compared to other countries.</li></ul>

Why MVPs Struggle in Japan

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