Scaling Japan Podcast

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome once again Robert Purss, Founder and Managing Director of McLaren Group. Following our discussion in Part 1, we will explore the ways to find the right marketing agency for your company. This includes paying for and evaluating pitches from agencies, when you should ask for a second-round pitch, and how to structure your contract and scope of...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Momoka Ebi, an accomplished professional specializing in PR, sales, and marketing. At Redhill Japan, Momoka oversees key client management while driving sales, human resources, and marketing initiatives. With Redhill's rapid growth since 2014 and its presence in 22 countries across Asia, Momoka emphasizes the firm's focus on providin...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Kaga Yusuke from JETRO's Startup Support Division and Will Ferguson, an expert in international startup growth. We explored JETRO's role in aiding Japanese and foreign startups, uncovering case studies and tips for navigating the Japanese market. We will also discuss JETRO plans for 2024 to support startups, like their Techstars Acce...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Robert Purss, Founder and Managing Director of McLaren Group, a Tokyo-based bilingual Marketing Consultancy offering end-to-end services including Marketing Strategy, Consumer Research, and Business Development. With over 15 years of experience, Robert's professional journey includes key marketing roles with global giants such as Nielsen...

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Robert Heldt, the CEO of Custom Media. Serving as a comprehensive B2B agency, Custom Media specializes in providing marketing, branding, and PR solutions tailored to global enterprises seeking to establish or grow their presence in the Japanese market. Under Robert's leadership, Custom Media extends its expertise to diverse industries su...

In this episode of the ⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠ , we are joined by Antti Sonninen. Antti is the main organizer of Takeoff Tokyo, the place for internationally ambitious entrepreneurs. Originally from Finland, Antti came to Japan 10+ years ago first bringing the Angry Birds game here as the company's first country director. Antti has also worked on several projects bridging the tech communities...

Welcome to another episode of ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , we welcome Jeff Crawford, the CEO of Zo Digital Japan. They are a Digital Marketing agency based in Tokyo that provides SEO, Content Marketing, PPC advertising, Digital PR, and more to Overseas companies entering Japan, as well as foreign-minded Japanese companies. In this episode, Jeff discusses the fundamental concept of SEO...

In this episode of ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠ , we welcome Dustin Ikeda, the co-founder of Hashi Media. One of the leading social media and marketing agencies in Japan for gaming, tech, and lifestyle. Dustin explores social media platforms that are popular in both the West and Japan, highlighting many unique platforms in Japan. He delves into the differences between Western and Japanese social...

In this episode of ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠ , we welcome Goki Sawada, the co-founder of Mixer, a design service that provides professional digital designs for Japanese businesses. Discover the challenges faced by Japanese companies in accessing global designs due to language barriers and unique design philosophies. Goki delves into the distinctions between Japanese and foreign designs, explori...

In this episode of ⁠⁠ ⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠ , we are once again joined by Joshua Flannery, the CEO of Innovation Dojo and a pivotal figure in Japan's startup landscape. With a keen focus on assisting foreign entrepreneurs, Joshua delves into Japan's startup events, dissecting the advantages of large versus smaller gatherings. Gain insights into the world of pitch contests, discovering th...

In this episode of ⁠⁠ Scaling Japan Podcast , we welcome Joshua Flannery, the founder and CEO of Innovation Dojo Group, delves into the key aspects of the startup ecosystem. He explores the roles of incubators and accelerators in fostering early-stage ventures. Joshua highlights the significance of vibrant startup cities as hubs for innovation and collaboration. Additionally, he shares insights on...

In this episode o f ⁠Scaling your company ⁠, we are delighted to have John Kirch, a Tokyo-based consultant with over 30 years of experience in helping international startups enter the Japanese market and providing B2B software solutions. Today, we'll delve into the world of Proof of Concepts (PoCs) and their significance in the Japanese business landscape. John will share insights on the value...

In this episode of ⁠Scaling your company⁠⁠ podcast, we have Takashi Nishida, the CEO of Sophia Projects and a Business Development and Customer Success consultant. He will discuss the importance of hiring the right salesperson for the Japanese market and the role of a business developer in Japan. Takashi Nishida highlights the need for market assessment, connections to target buyers, and understan...

Welcome to this special episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Today, we're delighted to host two distinguished guests: Satoru Ichihara and Akihiro Mori. Satoru serves as the General Manager of Station AI, an innovative startup support center in Aichi ; Akihiro is the Assistant Director in the overseas collaboration division for Aichi prefecture. They'll talk about why Aichi and Nago...

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Scaling Japan Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, we have Yoshi Nishikawa, he is an innovation specialist for the city of Kobe and he will tell us more today about Kobe city and its approach to startups. He will also share success stories from both local and foreign startups in Kobe This episode is a part of our series on startup cities, and we have interviewed Kobe, Aichi, Sapporo, Fukuok...

In this episode of the  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , we have Younes Hairej, founder and CEO at Aokumo, which helps medium to large corporations simplify their cloud operations through their platform. We will dive into the important topic of system integrators or SIers in Japan, which is a key component to any long-term expansion in Japan for software companies. Links from Guest Appearance ⁠⁠⁠...

In this episode of the  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ , we welcome Gerrard Lai, a Senior Associate at MUFG Innovation Partners, the CVC arm of the well-known Japanese bank. This is part two of our series on Corporate Venture Capital, in part 1 Makoto Shibata of Finolabs gave a great introduction and we would look to go deeper into the topic. You can listen to part 1 here . Links from Guest Appeara...

In this episode of the  ⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠ , we welcome William Ryan, the CEO of Japan Hospitality Consultants, who supports fellow expats to open up their own bars, cafes, or restaurants in Japan. He has managed pubs for more than 20 years and more than 7 years with his own pub, An Solas Irish Pub in Yoyogi. Today he will provide unique insights into how an entrepreneur could open their...

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠ , we are happy to welcome back Ruth Jarman, the founder and CEO of Jarman International KK. She also sits on the board of Directors as outside Director for KADOKAWA and Fujibo Holdings. In our previous episodes together, ⁠episode 38⁠ and episode 43 , she has shared how foreign business owners can build a strong network and understanding Japanese b...

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , we are joined by Yoshiro Tasaka. He works for the Shibuya City Government and runs their startup division. Yoshiro shares some helpful insights into the startup scene of Shibuya, along with success stories of foreign founders. He explains why Shibuya is such a popular location for business owners. Links from Guest Appearance LinkedIn Addit...

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , we are excited to welcome back Miho Tanaka. She was one of the first few guests on the podcast, sharing insight into Japan's government grants and loans for entrepreneurs. Today, Miho will be discussing the benefits of launching a startup in Sapporo city and the support available for business owners. Links from Guest Appearance ⁠LinkedIn...

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ , we are excited to welcome back Rochelle Kopp. She is the founder and managing principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting and serves as a independent board director at MS&AD Insurance and Lightworks Corporation. Last episode Rochelle shared her knowledge on Japanese business culture , so be sure to check that out. Today, she will be diving...

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠ , we are delighted to be joined by Rochelle Kopp. She is the founder and managing principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting and serves as a independent board director at MS&AD Insurance and Lightworks Corporation. As a renowned expert in Japan, she will be sharing her knowledge on Japanese business culture. Links from Guest Appearance ⁠⁠⁠Lin...

In this episode of the ⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠ , we are happy to welcome back Schyler Alexandra Cole, an associate at Incubate Fund and a founder of Startup Co-Creation Community. Be sure to check out our previous episodes together, ⁠Episode 40: VCs in Japan⁠ and Episode 42: Part 2 VCs in Japan , where we talked about how to better understand what venture capitalists are looking for. Today, Schy...

In this episode of the ⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠ , we are happy to welcome back Ruth Jarman, the founder and CEO of Jarman International KK. She also sits on the board of Directors as outside Director for KADOKAWA and Fujibo Holdings. In our previous episode together, episode 38 , she shared how foreign business owners can build a strong network and form new B2B relationships. Today, Ruth will be...