Dream Businesses: 'Cafes,' 'Restaurants,' and 'General Stores' Top the List! What Are the Reasons Holding People Back from Opening Their Own Shop?

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own shop? Have you ever seen 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 Aquanet Co., Ltd., we conducted a survey of 500 men and women across Japan regarding 'owning your own shop.' ※ When citing the contents of this press release, please follow the guidelines below: ・State that the source is a 'Survey by NEXER Co., Ltd. and Aquanet Co., Ltd.' ・Include a link to Aquanet Co., Ltd. (https://aqnet.co.jp/) 'Survey on Owning Your Own Shop' Overview Method: Internet survey Period: March 12, 2026 – March 23, 2026 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 'Yes' to having thought about owning their own shop someday First, we asked whether they had ever thought about owning their own shop someday.