Business Success Japan

In today's episode, I chat with Sam Thornton: a self-described bridge to Japan for startups and enterprise software vendors. He works to fuel growth in Japan for software companies by working to help employers acquire the talent they need for success in an ever-shrinking working population. In the episode, Sam shares his experiences transitioning from an English teacher to a recruiter, some of the...

In today's episode, I chat with Maya Matsuoka, who is the assistant director at the Japan Association of Travel Agencies, or JATA. Maya is a multilingual professional who has worked in Japan for 19 years with extensive experience in the travel industry. She has also recently launched a great new website called Discover Deep Japan, which provides a bank of high-quality resources to help reader...

In today's episode, I get to share a conversation I had with Katheryn Gronauer, founder of the company Thrive Tokyo. Katheryn is a professional trainer, coach, and content writer who helps high-level professionals understand Japanese business culture through training and coaching programs. She’s a graduate of Sophia University with a degree in International Business & Culture, a qualified Trai...

In today’s episode, I chat with Seira Yun. Seira is the founder and CEO of Discover Deep Japan, and a social entrepreneur with years of experience leading teams across countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. He holds a Master's in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, and is also fluent in Japanese, Korean, English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. Japanese o...

In today's conversation, I speak with Chie Schuller of THK Manufacturing of America, where she is a leader in international relations and cross-cultural engagement with a focus on US-Japan relations. She shares insights from her long history of working as a "bridge" between Japan and the United States. We also discuss the importance of sharing cultural context in situations with potential mis...

In today's episode, I talk with Richard Mort, an international communication specialist who has decades of immersion in Japanese language and culture, cross-cultural understanding, and fluency in French and German. He shares his experiences, and we discuss finding your niche in Japan, finding family and woman/friendly companies, navigating the Japanese education and healthcare system when you need...

Today, I chat with Masanori Nagamine, a Japanese municipal official working to attract global startups, accelerators, incubators, and Venture Capitalists in IT and Life Science to the city of Kobe. Tokyo had better watch out, because Kobe is just one of the cities across Japan are fighting to attract international talent and startups. The city of Kobe is one of these Strategic Economic Zones, and...

Today, I talk with Takahiro Shikano, a global marketing strategist and partner solutions leader specializing in launching and growing sales of cutting-edge technology products across Fortune 500 partner networks who is currently a Global Account Marketing lead at Microsoft Corporation. In today's conversation, he shares his insights into what diversity and inclusion looks like in a Japanese profes...

In today's episode, I share a conversation with Jessica Kennett Cork, Vice President of Community Engagement and Communications at YKK Corporation of America. In this week’s episode of the podcast, Jessica Kennett Cork shares her experiences as a foreign woman working in Japanese companies, as well as her insights into how to successfully navigate cultural expectations regardless of your gender or...

Today, I chat with IT recruiter and consultant Paul Roberts, a Tokyo-based IT recruiter with over twenty years of experience in the industry. He shares his own career and life experiences in Japan, and he touches on many interesting and practical topics such as work visas, networking, entrepreneurship, just to name a few. Today's Word: めいし me-i-shi meaning: business card Paul's Links: LinkedIn:...

In today's conversation, NIHHON founder Johannes Budkiewitz shares his insights into a wide range of topics, including how the Japanese education system offers opportunities for disruption alongside the rise of startups, as well as the unique opportunities that exist for collaboration between Japan and Germany. He also speaks about sustainability issues and initiatives in both countries, as well a...

In today's episode, I chat with Anthony Griffin of Saga Consulting about his experiences helping Japanese professionals gain the skills needed to be successful in an increasingly globalized world. Be sure to listen in to learn more about what skills are essential for finding professional success in Japan, as well as to hear more about the role of LinkedIn and other social media in Japanese ne...

In today's episode, I chat with Graeme Lawrence, an award-winning Japanese specialist with years of experience in translation and interpretation. He shares his own experiences working in Japan and using Japanese professionally outside of the country, as well as his insights into the process of learning Japanese. For anyone who is considering taking their own Japanese studies seriously, no matter t...

In this week's interview, I chat with Ken Okamoto of Ken One World Consulting. We chat about the importance of a healthy work-life balance, why that can be so difficult to achieve in Japan, and we delve into the topic of Japanese business meetings. Be sure to listen in to  some insight into what you will likely encounter, and how to put in the work ahead of time to set yourself for success in...

In today's conversation, I chat with Natalie Meyer of Tokyoesque, a localization and market research company. In the episode, Natalie shares her insights into some unique aspects of the Japanese marketplace, as well as common difficulties foreign companies face when entering Japan, and vice-verse. Today's Word: ほんね ho-n-ne Meaning: one's true opinion, real intention, motivation Natalie's L...

In this week's episode, I chat with Byron Barón of Contactojapon about the importance of a concept called "ma" to effective communication in Japan.  Since "ma" means time, pause, or space, it can be a difficult concept for many speed-obsessed Westerners to wrap their heads around at first. However, an appreciation of Japanese art, as well as cultivating quiet and space in your own life may ho...

In today's episode, Angel Guevara shares his observations on the interplay between self-confidence, individuality, and creativity in the Japanese market. How can you master the art of honoring your host culture while being true to your passions? Be sure to listen in and find out. Today's Word: かいぜん ka-i-ze-n Meaning: betterment, improvement Angel's Links and Suggestions: His Company: Hypermilk...

In today's episode, I chat with Bonson Lam about his research into the effects of the current Covid-19 situation on tourism, as well as the possible opportunities that could arise in the industry both during and after the crisis. Today's Word: りょかん ryo-ka-n Meaning: a traditional Japanese-style inn Bonson's Links: Japantravel check out Metropolis Bonson's Story of the Kimono Chest Bonson's Sto...

In today's episode, I chat with Mac Salman, founder of the Japan-based travel company Maction Planet. He shares his experiences moving to and falling in love with the country, as well as his practical insights into how best to build and maintain relationships in Japan. We also discuss an important concept for foreigners living and doing business in Japan to know called the "gaijin-card," so you de...

In today's episode, I interview Anil Raj, a serial entrepreneur in Japan. He shares his experiences, advice for successfully navigating entrepreneurship in Japan as a foreigner, as well as his views on the importance of mentorship in the country. Today's Phrase: かんぱい ka-n-pa-i Meaning: "Cheers!" [used while drinking] Related Past Episodes: Business Meeting Basics Making the Most of a Nomikai G...

In today's episode, Anne Hooghart walks us through the differences between high- and low-context cultures, as well as the common misunderstandings that commonly occur between people from cultures on different ends of the spectrum. Today's Phrase: わかりません wa-ka-ri-ma-se-n Meaning: I don't know/I don't understand Previous Episodes to Learn More: Japanese Body Language Groupism and Nommunic...

In today's episode, I chat with Sébastien about his experiences in Japan. As the community manager of Japan Travel, Sébastien is passionate about helping others through making Japan more accessible even to those with nonstandard diets. Vegetarians, vegans, and those with religion-based dietary restrictions have frequently voiced their frustrations about how difficult it is to find the food th...

In today's episode, I go into more detail about taking buses in Japan. Although the system is a bit more complicated than subways and trains, buses are still a very convenient way to get around in Japan. And for people traveling on a budget, highway buses and bus passes are by far the most cost-effective way to get around the country. Be sure to listen in to learn more. Today's Phrase:  ごち...

Today I chat with Faye Valtadoros, a  Japanese teacher in Michigan who lived in Japan and taught English there through the JET Program. She shares her experiences, what she's learned, and what she teaches her students about how to make the most of their time in the country. This episode will be particularly useful to anyone looking to move to Japan for any length of time, though her stories a...

In today's episode, I talk about some basics information that'll be useful for navigating the transportation system in Japan. Honestly, it can be complicated and overwhelming at times, but having an idea of the situations you'll face will go a long way to making sure you end up in the right place. But when in doubt, don't be afraid to ask for help. And be sure to take advantage of resources like t...