Japan to address unfair startup contracts to breed more unicorns

TOKYO -- The Japanese government plans to create an environment that is more conducive to the birth of billion-dollar-plus unicorn companies by helping startups sign fairer contracts with large enterprises.

Japan has a vast spectrum of small businesses in such fields as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, fuel cells and medical care. But they fail to grow sufficiently, because they often serve as subcontractors for larger companies under unfavorable terms, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry believes.