Japadog fits the definition of entrepreneurship to a tee, according to the various definitions of the word found on quickMBA.com. Japadog has presented a new and unique product, acquired a niche market and was started by Noriki Tamura, a man who works for himself and has “pioneered change”.

If you are a Vancouverite you already know what Japadog is. If you just moved here, like myself, you’ve probably been asked at least half a dozen times if you’ve had one yet.

When Tamura moved to Vancouver from Japan in 2005 he had dreams of opening a sidewalk crêpe store. However, he quickly discovered street-venders here were only allowed to sell beverages, muffins and pre-cooked hotdogs. He was able to obtain a permit by lottery, and instead started to develop a unique hotdog menu.

Japadogs is what happens when your metropolitan city’s street-corner hotdog kiosk meets a japanese restaurant. The hotdogs menu is extensive, an array of toppings: wasabi, japanese mayo, cabbage, seaweed, teriyaki sauce and much more.

A questionable combination perhaps, but upon consumption your taste buds won’t be doubtful. Tamura provided Vancouver’s downtown with a unique feature enjoyed by all.

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