Jandals in Japan®

Join us for a face to face interview with Toyota Verblitz players Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith. The boys share their insights into the deep-rooted respect within Japanese culture and sports, and how these athletes navigate their lives on and off the field in Japan. Plus, hear their personal journeys from small-town New Zealand to the international rugby stage and the unexpected quirks of living...

Jessica Tisch, Japan Country Manager for Freshco, joins us to share the lay of the land in the fresh produce sector in Japan. We traverse the topics of the “biggest lake in Japan”, Lake Biwa to candid conversations with Kansai taxi drivers. In this episode, we “peel back the layers” of this market in Japan. As the Country Manager in Japan, Jess shares how she is navigating the intricacies of the J...

We dive into the fascinating world of pet ownership and dog trends in Japan with our guest, Takayuki Ichikawa, from K9 Natural, a premium New Zealand pet food product being sold in the Japan market. Takayuki shares insights into the growing humanization trend for pets in Japan, where they are treated as valued family members. We also explore the success of K9 Natural in the Japanese market, the po...

We are thrilled to bring you a wonderful Jandal: Tony Clifford, who is sharing his experience of working with a Japanese corporation for 30 years. That’s quite some dedication to the relationship between both countries that we don’t often see. You will love Tony’s insights, tips and advice for those who are just getting started, levelling up, or wondering if you are doing the right thing. Let’s ge...

We sit down with the insightful Kerry Ellis, a Senior Business Partner at Decipher Group in Christchurch, who has extensive experience in both New Zealand and Japan. Kerry shares fascinating stories and valuable insights about engaging with the Japanese market, understanding cultural differences, the importance of all kinds of diversity in business and how to successfully transition to work in Jap...

We are getting the download on the tech collaborations between Japan and New Zealand in this episode with guest, Pam Ford from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. Pam shares the potential that is waiting for New Zealand tech businesses in exciting markets like Japan and how cities like Auckland, Fukuoka and Tokyo are working together at this subnational level. In a tech business and want to export to Japan...

Doug Picken is an exceptional individual with unique insights into the world of rugby translation and the cultural intricacies of Japan and New Zealand. In his position as a translator for the DynaBoars rugby team, Doug helps his team to tackle the linguistic and cultural differences daily. We love his passion for wearing the jersey in promoting Japan rugby and his dedication to his podcast, Japan...

Cookie Time is making waves in Japan and Jason Allen, Representative Director, shares how this came to be. If you are thinking of having Costco as part of your product distribution strategy then this episode is for you. We are so proud of the work that Cookie Time has done in Japan over the past 10 years and excited to see what they achieve next. Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode...

Motoko Murata is the country manager for Mainfreight in Japan. Together we delved into what is making Mainfreight stand out in the ultra competitive area of international freight in Japan. Motoko shares the importance of quality in cargo delivery, investment in technology, and the significance of collaboration and customer communication for smooth operations. We also explored cultural differences...

Joe Harawira is co-founder of Wai Mānuka, a premium non-alcoholic beverage company. We　talk about Wai Mānuka's success in both New Zealand and Japan, their collaborations, and their plans for expansion. Join us as we dive into the world of business relationships, trust, and partnerships in Japan.  In this episode you’ll hear: How the idea for Wai Mānuka came up at a New Year’s BBQ Taking cha...

We’re out of office this week, but we didn’t want you to miss your hit of “Jandals in Japan” while we are away, so we thought we would share our New Zealand Podcast Awards 2023 submission with you. You’ll hear five impactful moments from the last year of the show. Please support us in the “Listeners Choice Award”. You can find the links below.  Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episo...

Jude Menezes shares his experiences and insights as the new coach for the Japanese women’s hockey team: Sakura Japan. From discussing the challenges of recruiting players to the cultural nuances of coaching, Jude provides a fascinating perspective on this role and his challenge to bring the Japanese women’s team into the top 6 teams in the world. Grab your jandals and join us as we dive into the w...

In today's milestone 40th episode, Jayne and Catherine have plenty to chat about thanks to ChatGPT which has provided the thought provoking questions for this episode. We'll be sharing some Kiwi and Nihongo phrases and traditions that have captured our attention. So grab your own favourite bevvy and join us as we explore language, culture, and quirky customs on Jandals in Japan! Subscribe to our l...

Tim Bunting, also known as the “Kiwi Yamabushi”, shares fascinating insights about his experiences as a Yamabushi practitioner and the philosophy behind their practices. Join us as we delve into Tim's love of an unfamous part of Japan which set him on the path to be invited to become a yamabushi. If you have ever wondered why? about many things that are done in Japan you might just find your answe...

Monique Holmes shares her insightful experiences during her time as a trainee at Nissui in Japan on the Global Fisheries Scholarship. Join us as we explore Monique's observations on the amazing hospitality she experienced in Japan, the importance of embracing new experiences, and the lessons she learned about the aquaculture industry. Let's dive in! 🐟 Subscribe to our list so you never miss an ep...

Annette Azuma, Director at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, in the Auckland office, shares her experiences in facilitating business between New Zealand and Japan. Annette has a long dedicated relationship with Japan and has worked hard to help support the Japan and New Zealand business environment. We are thrilled to share her knowledge with you in this episode. In this episode you’ll hear: How Annette...

Embark on a journey of diplomacy as we delve into the role of the New Zealand Embassy in Japan. We speak with Deputy Ambassador, Dom Walton-France and discover how the embassy strengthens the relationship between our two countries through government connections, trade promotion, tourism initiatives and more. Dom shares his wealth of experience from his early days working at petrol stations and bei...

You might be wondering what NEC actually does these days. We certainly were! Mel Barber, NEC New Zealand Managing Director, shares the range of activities that they are involved in and how NEC is helping to make life better with self sovereign biometrics. You will be seeing more of these applications in your daily life very soon! NEC is striving to become a global company and Mel shares what it’s...

On this episode of Jandals in Japan, join the hosts of the show, Jayne and Catherine as they dive into the various opportunities for intergenerational collaboration between New Zealand and Japan. After more than a year of hosting this show and learning all the dos and don’ts from their experienced guests, Jayne and Catherine surprise each other with questions and answers they didn’t even know were...

Rebecca Thorn, star General Manager for Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, shares her experiences in the hotel industry in New Zealand and how she adjusted to the omotenashi of Japanese hospitality. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in a new culture and how this is helping her as she opens the first Hotel Indigo brand property in Shibuya in August 2023!  Subscribe to our list so...

We are thrilled to bring you Miriana Stephens, a director for Wakatū Incorporation and General Manager of AuOra™. Wakatū recently signed several MOUs with Japanese organisations to further business ties in education and Food & Beverage. They are approaching the Japanese market in a way that is resonating with their Japanese counterparts, so we are excited to hear more about this and their late...

Ichiro Anzai shines a light on the potential for New Zealand fresh produce in Japan with his enthusiasm for our “tiny little fruits” that are achieving big things here. Zespri is a giant NZ company in Japan and what they are achieving may look unattainable to those just starting out, but Anzai san’s tips and information will be of value to anyone at any stage of growing their business in Japan bec...

Do you know the percentage of energy in New Zealand generated from geothermal sources? In this episode we talk with Yoshifumi Imamura who is working to help New Zealand support Japan with its geothermal energy development. There is huge potential for development of geothermal energy in Japan as it tries to become more sustainable in energy production.  Subscribe to our list so you never miss...

Mike Harris arrived in Japan in the 90's to find a wonderland of adventure tourism opportunities. Listen to hear how he was able to persuade local stakeholders to see that adventure tourism is a good thing for an area and how he is helping struggling small towns to create their own destinations. If you are in adventure tourism and looking to expand to Japan or enhance your adventure tourism busine...

Jon Walsh never knew he was dreaming of becoming an urban farmer in Tokyo, until one day when he bought some seeds, a pot and some soil and started growing his own food. Now he inspires the next generation of kids to do the same at schools across Tokyo and has built a garden for a major hotel chain as well. Jon shares how he made his surprise passion for growing food into a business in Japan.&nbsp...