Mac OS X Leopard,wooden IT paraphenalia from Marubeni and 'MUSIC PRJECT' from Sony and AU make up these weeks Gadget Watch. Don't miss out on the chance to find out the future of gizmos and gadgets in Japan. Read Now

Because of these issues with a GK, I usually advise people to consider a proper shares-based corporate entity, and this means moving to a Kabushiki Kaisha. Setting up a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) is much easier than it used to be, and in practice it costs around JPY140,000 more than a GK to do. Therefore, I see little point in encouraging those wanting to build a business that they can sell one day, to pursue a GK. Although having said that, you can easily upgrade a GK to a KK.

This week's Gadget Watch looks at Panasonic's wireless headphones, Sony's next generation car navigation system and Clarion's 'modern living' car audio-system.

Back in 2003 I wrote about how you might want to start your own company as a future career path option - especially if you're in a job where there is very little opportunity for upwards promotion. Of course it's easier and lower risk to just go find a new job with another employer - all you need to do is update your resume, practice your presentation, and do some interviews. But if you're moving up in age (over 40), or are in an industry where pricing has been commoditized, or you've been pigeon-holed in a particular position and you don't want to take a big pay cut to reset your career, then starting your own business can be a viable alternative.