Yep! There used to be a product called a "signature loan" in the US which was an unsecured debt without a piece of plastic attached to it, at a rate materially lower than credit cards. These are very difficult to get these days; I was rejected three times, generally on a "You're asking for an amount of money that we'd find difficult to profitably underwrite and your business wouldn't qualify for it anyway; have a nice day; consolation prize we'd LOVE to give you a credit card" basis.

This is complicated by my business being international in character, where banks in two countries both think that perhaps a bank in the other would be more appropriate.

Why does your US bank need to know that you are in Japan?

Same in the US. While I can't speak for Japan, where credit cards are rare, I'd imagine it's the same. You pay for the convenience of instant credit.