The Japanese band Mahousyoujo-ni-naritai was popular at SXSW in Austin.
Japanese companies have become good at exporting their cars and electronics. Japanese food is mainstream in most countries.
When it comes to musical talent and startup technologies, there is a long way to go even if the product is good. Web marketing and e-commerce is not tailored to an overseas audience (http://mahousyoujoninaritai.com/en/index.html).
I believe this will only change when the Japanese government promotes entrepreneurial education, and allows its people to embrace international business culture. Japan’s immigration problem is far worse than the US. The gates are essentially locked to foreign talent. Japanese knowledge workers struggle to keep up with the pace of change, while Chinese and Indians race ahead.
If you are launching in Japan, make sure your product is feature-rich and easy to use.