Scaling Japan Podcast

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Neil Curtis, founder and CEO of Rising Sun Commerce, who has over a decade of experience helping international brands succeed on Amazon Japan. With hands-on experience supporting Western brands entering Japan, Neil helps companies navigate localization, compliance, and growth in one of the world’s most competitive e-commerce markets. In...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Stef Curcio, founder of Scale Acquisition AI, who has helped over 200 clients and supported more than 1,000 professionals with LinkedIn lead generation. With hands-on experience building outreach systems, personal brands, and AI-assisted workflows, Stef shares how LinkedIn can still be used as a powerful client acquisition channel in 20...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Brittany Arthur, Co-Founder and CEO of Design Thinking Japan, and a leader in human-centered AI implementation. With experience working with companies like Nissan, Honda, and Starbucks, Brittany helps organizations move beyond AI hype into real, practical adoption. She is also an official partner of Microsoft’s Elevate Initiative, suppo...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Shuma Goko, who has extensive experience supporting global companies with trade shows and event marketing in Japan. With hands-on experience helping foreign companies enter the Japanese market, Shuma shares how trade shows can be used as a powerful go-to-market channel in a country where trust, relationships, and in-person interactions...

Most foreign SaaS companies struggle to land even a handful of enterprise clients in Japan. Shay Khosrowshahi helped scale Ulife to 50+ B2B customers in just 18 months, largely through strategic partnerships. In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we break down how he did it. Shay is the co-founder of NXL and former Managing Director of Ulife APAC. After a 100M investment, he was sent to Ja...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we explore the world of copywriting in Japan , a critical but often misunderstood part of doing business in the Japanese market. We’re joined by Yuji Kobayashi , CEO of Kakusha and lead Japanese copywriter for Scaling Your Company, and Asama Toyozawa , CMO of AI Market with past experience at global firms like Spotify and Taboola. Together, we unpack w...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Anna Skrypka, a cultural AI strategist, creative director, and founder of Anna Skrypka Studio. Anna is also the creator of the Augmented Human Method, a framework that unifies cultural intelligence and AI-powered go-to-market (GTM) strategy. With over 15 years of experience in global tech and nearly a decade in Japan, Anna has helped sc...

In this follow-up to Part 1, we continue our conversation with Ryosuke (Ryo) Murai , CEO and co-founder of AI Market and former CSO of Connected Robotics, where he led a ¥1.7B Series B raise. This episode is all about how to stand out as a potential co-founder , what really matters during the decision-making process, and how to build a founding team that can last, especially in the Japan startup e...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Ryosuke (Ryo) Murai , CEO and co-founder of AI Market and former CSO of Connected Robotics, where he led a ¥1.7B Series B raise. Ryo shares what it actually takes to find a strong co-founder in Japan and opens up about how he and Tyson teamed up to start AI Market. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation where we dive deep into co-fou...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Ignacio Dávalos , Content Strategy Director at AIM B2B (a Custom Media company), and an experienced marketer who has led multi-channel B2B and B2C strategies for global brands like L’Oréal, Gengo, and Lionbridge. Ignacio breaks down how LINE Ads work in Japan, why they are so effective across multiple industries, and how the platform differs...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Ignacio Davalos , Content Strategy Director at AIM B2B (a Custom Media company) and an experienced marketer who has led full-funnel B2B and B2C programs for brands like L’Oréal, Gengo, and Lionbridge. Ignacio breaks down how LinkedIn is actually used in Japan, who the real users are, what types of campaigns perform well, and why Western lead...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Sam Bird , a marketing and communications executive with over two decades of experience in digital strategy, business development, and B2B marketing. He has served as COO of Custom Media and AIM B2B, and has trained executives and multinational teams across Japan. Sam breaks down how AI is transforming search behavior , and why traditional S...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome back Kenneth Jeng, Product + Operations Lead at Persona, and experienced contributor to startup ecosystems in both Japan and the U.S. This is Part 2 of our conversation with Kenneth, recorded in November 2024 , and focused on the human side of ecosystem building, community, culture, and mindset. Kenneth shares why Japan continues to struggle...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Kenneth Jeng , a Japan Startup Ecosystem Veteran and a long-time ecosystem builder who has worked across the U.S. and Japan. This is Part 1 of a two-part series recorded in November 2024 with Kenneth. Kenneth shares hard-hitting insights on what’s really holding Japan’s startup ecosystem back — from the cultural and structural roadblock...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome back Rina Sakuraba , Founder and CEO of Coaching Leaders Japan , for Part 2 of our deep dive into Japanese communication and leadership culture. Rina breaks down two essential concepts that drive how people communicate and make decisions in Japan, Honne (true feelings) and Tatemae (public face). These cultural dynamics impact everything from...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Rina Sakuraba , Founder and CEO of Coaching Leaders Japan, an executive coach and cross-cultural leadership expert who helps professionals build deeper communication and emotional safety inside Japanese companies. Rina breaks down the concept of ne-mawashi , Japan’s behind-the-scenes alignment process and why it’s essential for getting real...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Robert Heldt , CEO of AIM B2B , to explore how marketing in Japan is transforming. Robert shares exclusive data and insights from the 2025 State of Marketing report in Japan and across APAC. From skyrocketing AI adoption to a sharp dip in content marketing effectiveness, this episode unpacks what’s changing, why it matters, and how comp...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Fariza Abidova , CEO of Trusted Corporation, and a seasoned expert in cross-border innovation, corporate partnerships, and global HR development. Fariza shares what’s really happening inside Japan’s corporate innovation ecosystem from the invisible blockers within large organizations to the cultural nuances that slow down high-potential proj...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Bela Schweiger , President and CEO of Enter Japan K.K. Bela brings over 20 years of leadership experience at global firms including The Coca-Cola Company, Nokia, Häagen-Dazs , and L’Oréal . Bela shares essential insights on how retail distribution works in Japan , including the roles of trading houses , drugstores , convenience stores , and...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome back Robert Heldt, CEO of Custom Media—a comprehensive B2B marketing, branding, and PR agency serving global enterprises expanding into Japan. Robert shares new insights from their latest survey on B2B content marketing trends, revealing what surprised him most and how Japanese companies approach storytelling differently than their Western c...

Welcome to another special episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of Japanese government subsidies for startups and small businesses, featuring insights from a seasoned subsidy and fundraising expert, Nobuji Kanai . This discussion is designed to guide both local and non-Japanese entrepreneurs in navigating the challenges and opportunities of Japan’s...

Welcome to an extra episode on the Scaling Japan Podcast. Today, we're bringing you an insightful, in-depth conversation on how to effectively localize your marketing in Japan. Join experts Nanako Aramaki and Nathan Hoernig as they share practical strategies and crucial insights to help businesses adapt to the Japanese unique marketing environment. Throughout this episode, we’ll cover the essentia...

Resources on Getting a Startup visa: Getting help to apply for a startup visa More information on Startup visa in Japan Incorporate your business in Japan --- Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast! In this episode, we’re thrilled to host Vijayalakshmi, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 13 years of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and education. Vijayalakshmi is the fou...

Welcome to another episode of the Japan Scalers Podcast! This week, we’re thrilled to have Paul McMahon, founder of Tokyo Dev, a leading platform that helps software developers navigate and secure job opportunities in Japan. Tokyo Dev has become an essential resource for those looking to break into Japan’s competitive tech industry. In this episode, Paul takes us through his entrepreneurial journe...

Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Arnar Jensson, CEO of Cooori, a cutting-edge AI-powered language learning platform. Dr. Arnar brings a wealth of experience in scaling businesses in Japan's unique market. Cooori has made waves with its innovative approach to language learning, combining advanced technology and human-centered design to enhance...