Japan’s ageing population creates whacky business opportunities

This is must read for all would be Japanese entrepreneurs looking to make a buck out of their country’s transformation into Geriatricaville.

How about a sushi bar to augment the next funeral? Japan's $6.8billion funeral industry is one of the country’s fastest growing industries. Another company, I-Can, lets customers visit relatives' graves via the Internet where they can place 'virtual' flowers, light candles or even clean the tombstone.

Then there is the baby goods maker like Pigeon Corp who is venturing into the elderly care business with a new range of older-diapers for incontinent adults. That takes care of what to buy your friends for Xmas.

Home nursing is becoming a booming industry, growing by 19% in 2005. Travel agencies are targeting active seniors with JTB Corp. launching a subsidiary to offer package tours to the 50-plus set.

And so the new business ideas keep coming. You must read this article. Dick Stroud