事業を立ち上げる

You use this phrase when you are the one in charge. It is a proactive expression. You combine 事業 (business/enterprise) with the verb 立ち上げる (to stand up/launch). You can use it to talk about your future dreams. You can also use it in a business meeting to describe a new department. It sounds very intentional and determined. Just remember, it is a bit heavy for a simple hobby.

This phrase is perfect for networking events. Use it when explaining your career goals to a mentor. It is also great for LinkedIn profiles or professional bios. If you are talking to your parents about quitting your job, this phrase makes you sound serious. It shows you have a real plan, not just a whim. You will often hear it in the tech and startup world in Tokyo.

Do not use this for small, casual activities. If you are selling old clothes on an app, don't use it. That would sound like you are opening a global fashion house! Avoid it for short-term projects that have no future. It is not for a weekend lemonade stand. Using it for minor things makes you sound a bit over-dramatic. Keep it for ventures with long-term goals.

Japan was traditionally a land of lifetime employment at big companies. Starting your own business was seen as very risky and rare. However, the 'startup' culture has exploded in recent years. This phrase has become a symbol of the new Japanese dream. It reflects a shift from being a 'salaryman' to being a 'founder.' It captures the energy of a changing economic landscape.

You might hear 起業する (kigyou suru), which is the formal word for 'starting a business.' Another common one is 会社を作る (kaisha o tsukuru), which literally means 'to make a company.' 立ち上げる is the most active and modern-sounding of the bunch. It feels like you are physically lifting the business into existence. It is the favorite phrase of young entrepreneurs in Shibuya.