Early Quote by Masayoshi Son
“In the early stages of Internet in Japan, many said that Japanese and Americans are different. There are 10 reasons why Japanese Internet is not taking off. I said none of them are right; it's just a time lag. And, of course, Japanese Internet took off.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Japanese Internet Development, early 1990s
The perceived cultural gap was a myth; adoption lagged only because technology and market conditions were immature.
In simple terms: Japanese Internet lag was due to timing, not culture.
Key Takeaway
Recognize timing factors over cultural stereotypes.
Themes
technology adoption
culture
market timing
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
observational
strategic
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- technology rollout
- cross‑cultural collaboration
Key Concepts
diffusion of innovation
cultural perception
technology lag
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we separate myth from data in tech adoption?
- What timing factors matter most today?
A Different Perspective
Cultural explanations can still influence policy decisions.
![“One of the reasons they [the Japanese] have bad eyesight is probably these microscopic characters [furigana] which have many lines and strokes to them.& We wonder why they went mad and bombed Pearl Harbor when they knew they couldn't win. That [the Japanese language] would be a reason.” quote by L. Ron Hubbard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/052/l-ron-hubbard-881_character_one-of-the-reasons-they-the-japanese-hav_3216431.jpg)
![“Deeply versed in history, [John Adams] said over and over that America had no special providence, no special role in history, that Americans were no different from other peoples, that the United States was just as susceptible to viciousness and corruption as any other nation. In this regard, at…” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0d/gordon-s-wood-13199_america_deeply-versed-in-history-john-adams-said_940303.jpg)
