Dream Businesses: 'Cafes,' 'Restaurants,' and 'General Stores' Top the List! What Are the Reasons Holding People Back from Actually Opening a Store?

■ Have you ever dreamed of owning your own shop?

Have you ever looked at a stylish cafe or a unique general store and thought, 'I wish I could own a shop like this'? However, it is a fact that there are significant hurdles between that dream and reality.

Therefore, in collaboration with Aqua Net Co., Ltd., we conducted a survey of 500 men and women across the country regarding 'owning your own shop.'

※ When citing the contents of this press release, please follow these guidelines:

・State that the source is a 'Survey by NEXER Co., Ltd. and Aqua Net Co., Ltd.'

・Include a link to Aqua Net Co., Ltd. (https://aqnet.co.jp/)

'Survey on Owning Your Own Shop' Overview

Survey Method: Internet survey

Survey Period: March 12, 2026 – March 23, 2026

Survey Target: Men and women nationwide

Valid Responses: 500 samples

Questions:

Q1: Have you ever thought, 'I want to own my own shop someday'?

Q2: What kind of shop did you want to own?

Q3: Please tell us the reason. (For 'Other,' please specify the type of shop.)

Q4: What triggered this thought? (Multiple choices allowed)

Q5: Please share any specific episodes regarding wanting to own your own shop.

Q6: What are the reasons you cannot take the step to actually open a shop? (Multiple choices allowed)

Q7: What kind of support would make it easier for you to take that step?

※ Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding to the second decimal place.

■ 13.0% answered they have thought about 'wanting to own their own shop someday'

First, we asked whether they have ever thought about wanting to own their own shop someday.