What do you mean so few? If you expect the same hype you get from SV startups yeah it doesn't compare and also the language factor plays a big role there.

But there is a community and Japanese startups, at least the ones targeting Japanese market face unique challenges like Big companies not wanting to work with small/unproved startups.

Here's some resources that might introduce you some startups:

- http://www.disruptingjapan.com/

- http://www.startjapan.org/

- http://japanventureshow.com/

- https://hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp/

- http://www.tokyostartupevents.com/

(shameless plug) I work at a startup here: http://www.mytenten.com

I was browsing Angelist and saw a dismal number of them. Thanks, will dive into this treasure!