For almost every startup, there comes a point where it leaves its home market and enters new markets. But which market fits the strategy? How do you connect with partners? What makes customers tick? And what cultural differences do you need to be aware of? In our new series "Going Global," guest authors examine various markets. We begin by looking at a high-tech country with traditional business ideas: Japan. A guest article by Nikolaus Mach-Hour, head of the German office of the Japan Consulting Office.