Now and Zen Japan - SoundSage

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In this episode, I’m joined by Yuko Tamura, an award-winning writer on the Medium platform and editor of Japonica—the go-to publication for everything Japan. Yuko’s writing is a blend of "Fun Facts about Japan" and what she calls "a little rebellious essays" from Tokyo.

We discuss some of her standout articles, including "The 3 Facts You Should Know Before Marketing to Japan." Yuko has a passion for cross-cultural topics and offers valuable advice for both Japanese and English speakers on how to avoid cultural misunderstandings.

We also talk about her experiences writing for Medium, the opportunities for writers, and why Japonica is a must-join community for anyone covering Japan-related topics.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into themes such as gender inequality in Japan, dealing with internet trolls, and how Yuko became bi-cultural despite never living outside of Japan. We also touch on her experiences working for both Japanese and foreign companies, as well as other fascinating stories from her career. Other topics we discuss:

Discuss her "3 Facts to know before Marketing to Japan" article
"Hone" and "Tatemae" explained from a Japanese perspective
Breaks down the anatomy of internal business meetings at Japanese companies
Why decisions take longer in corporate Japan
Writing and speaking in English being a "liberating" exercise
Only writing in English about gender inequality to avoid internet trolls
The Motivation Behind Her Articles on Gender Inequality and Sexism in Japan
Together we coin a new Japanese word for "Empowerment"
Favorite Japanese word without an exact English translation

Yuko Tamura: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuko-tamura-041b96ab/ Japonica: https://medium.com/japonica-publication

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Now and Zen Japan is excited to welcome Mr. Ed Thompson, a Marketing Consultant and the founder of Concept Design. In this episode, we enjoy some beers while diving into Ed's over 20-year journey in Japan and his extensive career in marketing, branding, advertising, and academia. Ed has also been a lecturer at Temple University for more than 15 years. Known for his straightforward communication and strong opinions on marketing, Ed shares stories from his early days in Japan, including his experiences of being disciplined with bamboo sticks, working alongside bureaucrats, and starting his own business after just five years in the country. He offers a unique perspective on why Japanese brand logos often use words instead of pictograms and discusses how to find your Personal Branding "voice" by critiquing the competition. Ed also explores deeper philosophical themes, such as the concepts of Wabi-Sabi and Kintsugi, and how they relate to perseverance and the Japanese spirit. Additional topics we cover include:

An interesting way to translate the word "marketing"
Understanding self-worth and context when giving yourself an appropriate business title
Why his list of clients in Japan are predominantly foreign affiliated
How "creative" departments differ in Japan and the main role of ad agencies
"Making order out of chaos" . . . the driver for Ed's passion for marketing
Was Omotenashi developed as a social norm or a way to make customers more receptive to your brand?
In Japan, "Being present is more important than being whole"
Why email remains the most important CRM data

Concept Design: https://conceptdesign.io/
Ed Thompson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethompson/

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This conversation is one of the most amazing I've had since starting Now and Zen Japan. This episode could certainly change your life. Especially if you suffer from unhealthy lifestyle habits. Prepare to be blown away by Kaki Okumura's wisdom, demeanor, and insight into well-being and nutrition. Kaki breaks down Japanese based wellness concepts through her "Four Essential Pillars to Healthy Living" in a very convincing and non-preachy way. She is a writer, an illustrator, a wellness coach, and very well could be a therapist or nutrition teacher. In addition to her fascinating backstory which includes her experience with food being a source of stress and anxiety and how healthy eating does not have to be a sacrifice, we get into her business as a writer on Medium, starting her own business just after university, and the various revenue streams she has built for herself. Just start listening to the first 5 minutes and for sure you will be hooked and inspired by her simple and empathetic message. Other topics we discuss:

Improving your overall well-being based on Japanese concepts
Why eating healthy in the US is a challenge whereas its pretty simple in Japan
The power of balanced meals, moderation, and portion management
How retired sumo wrestlers lose weight
What Japanese can learn from the US about healthy living
Why ginger is included with so many Japanese meals
Food is closely linked to environment, experiences, and emotions
Is "organic" really healthier?
Variety, and why this is nutritionally important
How much can one make writing for Medium?
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea
Kaki's two favorite untranslatable Japanese words

Kaki's Website: https://kakikata.space/

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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Part 2 of my interview with author Robert Whiting about his recent best selling memoir "Tokyo Junkie" 60 years of bright lights, back alleys, and baseball. In this episode, Bob tells great stories about colorful foreign players and well-known Japanese baseball stars. Part 2, we talk mostly about the baseball stories from his memoir, but also get into the important story of how writing his first book "The Chrysanthemum and the Bat" completely changed his life. Together with episode #1 this is another important and rare opportunity to hear the history and evolution of Tokyo, from one Olympics in 1964 to the the current Tokyo 2020 games as lived and experienced by a true story teller, Robert Whiting. Other topics we discuss:

The real reason Nomo went to the US to play for the Dodgers
NY Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui's adult video collection story
Being interviewed by Larry King
Reminiscing the time spent with Sadaharu Oh
The Yomiuri Giants 10 Commandments for foreign ball players
How the export of Japanese players to the Major League has changed Japanese baseball
Why there are fewer gaijin cultural transgressions these days
The backstory behind a keepsake he received from a fan . . . and former US President
Why gaijin "used" to get an expanded strike zone
Bob's favorite untranslatable Japanese word

Robert's Books (Tokyo Junkie): https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Whiting/
Robert Whiting: https://tokyojunkie.com/
More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow your website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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I've been a devoted fan of Robert Whiting since I first read "Chrysanthemum and the Bat" in high school during the 1980s. After many critically acclaimed books, I had the opportunity to sit down with Bob to discuss his latest memoir, "Tokyo Junkie: 60 Years of Bright Lights and Back Alleys... and Baseball." In our conversation, Bob shares his firsthand insights into six decades of captivating, dangerous, bizarre, and heartfelt experiences, spanning from the first Olympics in 1964 to the current 2021 games. This is part one of a two-part podcast interview. In this episode, we delve into the "Bright Lights and Back Alleys" of Tokyo Junkie, while the second episode will cover "Baseball" and more. This rare, oral history offers a raw and underground look at Tokyo, narrated by the man who lived it—from soldier to degenerate, to professional, to the rojin—Robert Whiting. Other topics we cover include:

What it's like to have your life threatened by the Yakuza (twice)
Why writing a Memoir was a "painful" process
The big break which changed his life
Befriending gangsters and its repercussions
Back stories of mafia and politics
What led to the writing of his 1st book
After 60 years in Japan what he misses most about the "good old days"
News of his next book, a sequel to "Tokyo Underworld"
Most "Gratifying" professional achievement
Interview tips for a certain podcaster ;-)

Robert's Books (Tokyo Junkie): https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Whiting/
Robert Whiting: https://tokyojunkie.com/
More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Meshida, a former Japanese salaryman turned English language standup comedian, has spent the last ten years crafting his unique brand of comedy, delighting audiences in both Japan and the UK. Alongside his successful career as a standup, he's made a name for himself on YouTube, particularly for his humorous take on Japan's "pink" culture, while also exploring many other "wholesome" cultural topics. In our conversation, we delve into his journey to becoming a full-time comedian, the nuances between Japanese and Western humor, memorable moments from his time on stage, his earnings from viral YouTube videos, the sources of his joke-writing inspiration, and the reactions of his parents and Japanese audiences to his career and content. We also discuss other topics, including:

First open mic experience at 21
Why physical humor is popular in Japan
Turning his insecurities into self deprecating humor
His 1st successful joke which got a huge laugh
Is "Manzai" the Japanese equivalent of Western standup?
Once losing his confidence for 6 months after bombing on stage
The one question he would ask his favorite comic
Why its difficult to monetize YouTube even with millions of views and 60k subscribers
His YouTube strategy to gain more fans and followers
Meeting other international Japanese standup comedians

Funny Japan Project: https://funnyjapanproject.com/
Standup Comedian Meshida: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Have you ever fantasized about the ultimate luxury vacation in Japan? If so, Alex Debs is your go-to guy. As the founder of Hitotoki, the Luxury Travel Designer, Alex specializes in crafting luxurious travel experiences in Japan. In this episode, you'll get an inside look into the world of luxury travel planning, including the most challenging requests his team has faced. We'll discuss how he navigated the pandemic restrictions, the unique challenges of being a small, specialized agency, and his interactions with Japan's large travel associations. Plus, Alex shares exclusive itinerary suggestions for a 2-3 day trip out of Tokyo and insights into booking a seat at the world-famous Jiro Sushi restaurant.

We'll also explore a range of other fascinating topics, including:

The role of a "Luxury Travel Designer" and defining "luxury" in travel
Tips for selecting the best travel guides
How to handle illegal requests in the luxury travel industry
Differences in itinerary preferences among nationalities
Challenges faced by hotels in accommodating foreign luxury guests
Stories from the "Go-To-Travel" program and insights into Japan's travel associations
The untapped luxury market potential of Okinawa
The business opportunity that inspired the creation of HITOTOKI
A "Free Unsolicited Business Idea" from our conversation

Connect with Alex Debs on LinkedIn and learn more about Hitotoki at hitotoki-travel.com. For more episodes of Now and Zen Japan, visit nowandzen.jp.

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It's a truly inspiring chat with the incredibly positive and humble entrepreneur, Anthony Griffin. He's the brains behind Saga Consulting, a company dedicated to helping organizations and individuals share their stories with the world. They specialize in global communications, offering top-notch copywriting, digital marketing, and cross-cultural coaching. Anthony also pens insightful articles for Kokoro Media on LinkedIn, where he shares his passion for Japanese language learning and provides tips for taking your skills to the next level.

In our conversation, Anthony and I both share three essential yet culturally impactful Japanese words that every beginner should learn. We also delve into a variety of topics, including:

Techniques for acquiring new clients as an entrepreneur
How Saga Consulting supports Japanese companies in expanding internationally
Common hurdles Japanese companies face when going global
Balancing Japanese cultural norms with personal style
Anthony's expertise in working with "Foreign Curious" companies
Lessons learned from working for a Japanese company
Early cultural missteps in Japanese corporate life
Recommended Japanese language apps for rapid learning
Simple language tips for fostering better community relations
Favorite untranslatable Japanese word
Unique Japanese words beginners should master

You can connect with Anthony Griffin on LinkedIn, learn more about Saga Consulting at consultsaga.com, and read his articles on Kokoro Media. For more episodes of Now and Zen Japan, visit nowandzen.jp. And if you're looking for Japan adventures in a camper van, discover Dream Drive.

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Discover the art of mastering public speaking, enhancing your presentation skills, and unraveling the secrets to impactful storytelling. Join Dr. Greg Story, the esteemed president of Dale Carnegie Japan and bestselling author of "Japan Sales Mastery" and "Japan Business Mastery," as he shares invaluable insights into successful sales techniques, post-COVID sales process shifts, and a myriad of topics explored in his books.

In this engaging conversation, we delve into the question of whether Greg's six podcasts might be considered "too much content." He regales us with true-life experiences that beautifully complement his business tips, insights, and advice, drawing from his rich background as a 6th-degree black belt in Karate with 38 years of experience in Japan. The episode unfolds as a captivating discussion on how actions and choices can profoundly impact one's life and career. Other topics covered are:

The significance of public speaking skills in advancing your career
Tips to ease nerves before a public presentation
Strategies to "bullet-proof" yourself against challenging audience questions
Greg's simplified four elements of a successful presentation
The rationale behind his decision to "niche-down" with six podcasts instead of one
Greg's biggest "pet-peeve" when listening to other presenters
In-depth exploration of the contents and background of his bestselling books
The transformative influence of Karate on Greg's life, perspective, and career
The profound meaning behind his favorite untranslatable Japanese word, "Zanshin."

Greg Story: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregstory/
Dale Carnegie Japan: https://www.dalecarnegie.com/ja/locations/japan
Japan Dale Carnegie TV: https://www.youtube.com

Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

More Now and Zen Japan Episodes HERE

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Meet a true Hospitality Professional. Mr. Matthias Sutter, the Rep. Director of Shangri-La Hotels Japan and the GM of the Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo. We discuss Japanese customer service, how different nationalities have different hospitality expectations, his two requirements for anyone to succeed in the hotel business, and how starting off in Food & Beverage helped craft his strong sense of hospitality. We also talk Trip Advisor, hotel rankings, and the guest comments he likes the most. If you are curious about how luxury hotel GM's think, practice, and teach customer service and hospitality, this episode is a must-listen. Other topics we cover:

Why hotels are an "El Dorado" for customer service
The three topics to never discuss with hotel guests
Different cultures have different interpretations of hospitality
Japanese service vs. other Asian countries
Preparations for the Shangri-La Kyoto opening
Guest comments which led to innovative and successful promotions
Hotel "brands" have separate DNA, thus some customer focus differences
Japanese "guest comment" tendencies
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea

The Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo: https://www.shangri-la.com/tokyo/shangrila/

Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

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The phrase "Do what you love and you never have to work another day in your life" fits Mac Salman perfectly. Mac left the finance industry and pursued his passions - Travel, Japan, and tasty spirits. We discuss his customized tour business Maction Planet where he has never conducted the same itinerary twice. Then his pivot to Kanpai Planet when the pandemic halted Japan tourism. We discuss these two businesses and life in Tokyo while we sample three "Japan Related" tequilas. Mac is an inimitable and articulate British gentleman who does his homework. He brings insider knowledge and back stories to Shizuku, Cascahuin, and Don Suenos tequilas and their fascinating Japan connections. Even if you are not a big fan of whiskey or tequila, Mac's stories and insight make for a very lively and enjoyable conversation. Other topics we discuss:

Leaving the lucrative finance industry and pursuing his passion for travel
The philosophy of changing tour guiding from a "commodity to a profession"
Maction Planet's 99.6% rating on Trip Advisor and why its not 100%
25 straight years of whisky consumption decline in Japan. That all changed in 2008
Why he can be found at Jingu Stadium up to 50 times a year
Sample Blanco and Reposado from Shizuku and discover its ties to Fukuoka
Mac's amazing Sake knowledge and how he applies it to tequila tasting
The hierarchy of needs and the 5 reasons Tokyo is the "Greatest Metropolis on Earth"
Taste test the Blanco and an Extra Anejo from Cascahuin created by Japanese "Tetsu" Kageda
The background of the only Tequila brand owned by a Japanese woman - we try the Reposado and Anejo from Don Suenos

Maction Planet: https://www.mactionplanet.com/
Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com
Kanpai Planet: https://www.youtube.com

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Deanna Elstrom is a veteran brand marketer, brand strategist, and consumer insights specialist. She started her own consulting business, Somi Insights, three years ago where she combines her love of branding with a fascination of how culture influences human behavior. The Japanese consumer is a key area of Deanna's expertise where she led two major agencies before starting Somi Insights. We discuss the the Japanese name "Somi" which she coined, we learn the big difference between "insights" and "findings", great examples of how culture influences behavior in Japan, a cultural analysis into why Japan is ranked #58 on the Global Happiness Index, and stories of her first experience in Japan as a teenager and how this crafted her Japan journey. Other topics we cover:

The meaning of "Somi", a made-up Japanese word
Japan and the dilemma of happiness
The difference Somi Insights brings to the Japan market
Findings vs. Insights explanation with examples
Omotenashi and Sustainability balance
She questions my Japan kitchenware market "insights"
Interesting Japan beauty market discoveries
Her favorite untranslatable Japanese word = Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu
The Japanese and Western interpretation of what "home" is
"The researcher is the consumer voice, keep the consumer voice as a superpower"

Somi Insights home page: http://somiinsights.com
Deanna Elstrom:https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-elstrom

Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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Parissa Haghirian is an internationally renowned expert on Japanese Management and Leadership and a Professor of International Management at Sofia University. She is the author of 12 books on Japanese Management, Cross-Cultural topics, and Consumer Dynamics. We examine these as well as some cultural concepts from her latest book. We also discuss how Japanese management practice is uniquely different, successful Japanese corporate survival strategies and what foreign firms can learn, why cross-cultural business issues are often Japan specific, and her favorite language concept "50 ways to say No in Japanese which don't actually include No". Other topics of interest:

In-depth explanation on the fundamental differences between Westerns and Japanese management environments
How "Constant Job Rotation" is a benefit for Japanese management
Why are cute mascots essential in corporate Japan
Insight on how Japanese companies are actually very open-minded
The advantages and disadvantages of the "process driven" nature of Japanese companies
"Cross-cultural growth is based on mistakes, it's a tough and emotional learning process"
Consumer dynamics and the challenges facing foreign brands entering Japan
Explanations of Ganbaru, Gamman, and Enryo from her book "Japanese Business Concepts you should Know"
"The most interesting question for Japanese is how foreigners manage, and the most interesting for foreigners is how Japanese manage" The advise which led to her dedication of researching Japanese management.
The question she wishes people had asked her, but has yet had the chance to answer - until now

Parissa Haghirian:https://www.linkedin.comJapanese Business Concepts You Should Know: https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Business-Concepts More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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Jeff Crawford is the president of Zo Digital, a bi-lingual digital marketing agency he founded over seven years ago. He describes many of the mistakes foreign companies make when setting up their web presence in Japan and explains how to remedy these issues. What hidden gems can be discovered in your site analytics to improve eCom sales. Why Japanese sites are often so busy and loud. Simple and practical advise on how to increase traffic and improve conversion rates through "Authoritativeness" and "Trustworthiness". This might sound a bit technical but Jeff explains it all in a very easy to understand style. I guarantee you will become more digital marketing savvy after listening to Jeff's stories and advise. Other topics we discuss:

The biggest mistakes foreign firms make when launching web sites in Japan
What is a "YMYL" site (Your Money or Your Life)
How Google ranks and evaluates websites
Simple methods to increase your site's E.A.T. (E = Expertise)
Isn't "User Experience" subjective?
The best and worst way to create web "content"
Google voice search SEO is coming
The most important web site page for Japanese (26:23)
Key Word research and how to master the nuance
What many Japanese think about the typical western website
How much companies should invest in SEO as a % of sales
How does understanding analytics specifically improve ones business (29:34)
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea

Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Jeff Crawford:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcrawford/

Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

More Episodes like this HERE: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

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Introducing the remarkable and iconic veteran of Tokyo, Timothy Langley. With an impressive track record of over 40 years in Japan, Timothy is the visionary founder of Japan's premier government and public consultancy firm, Langley Esquire. What sets Timothy apart is his groundbreaking achievement as the first foreigner to work in the Japan National Diet, collaborating closely with senior Japanese politicians. His expertise extends far and wide, having served as the top Legal and Government Affairs Specialist for Apple Computer (Japan), General Counsel to General Motors (Japan), and as a director for numerous companies, ranging from ambitious startups to Fortune 100 giants.

Despite his illustrious career, Timothy is also the Host and Executive Producer of Japan's exclusive Public Affairs-related audio/video series, the renowned "Tokyo on Fire!" And the popular video series "Japanese Politics one on one". When it comes to fascinating individuals in Japan, Timothy Langley shines as the ultimate example. Other topics we cover:

Great stories from serving as handler for Pres. George Bush during his Japan visit
Related stories about "clash of cultures" with the Secret Service
Why foreigners in Japan are often "Agents of Change"
His own incredible "Agent of Change" stories
Spices up politics and explains how and why the LDP stays in power
Why Public Affairs is so import in Japan but yet an untapped market
Motivation and insight for starting one of the first Japan YouTube video series - Tokyo on Fire!
The "Free Unsolicited Business Idea"
What is "Onomatopoeia" and why there are so many in Japan

Langley Esquire: https://langleyesquire.com
Tokyo On Fire! Tokyo on Fire! YouTube
More on the George Bush visit: My Memory Of George H.W. BushTimothy Langley:LinkedIn Profile

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Dive into the world of traditional Japanese sword making with craftsman Taro Asano. He is one of only a handful of practicing "Kajiya" (a person who forges Japanese swords / Katana) still in Japan. He also offers a workshop in English where people come to make their own custom-forged "Samurai knife". It's a unique once in a lifetime experience. We discuss all things Katana, how he became a Kajiya, his future plans - which include taking on a 20-year old American apprentice and creating a You-Tube channel to chronicle their adventures, and why Japanese sword/ blacksmithing is more popular with foreigners than with Japanese. Other topics we cover:

How long and what it takes to become a Kajiya
His thoughts on the Master - Apprentice relationship
Insight on forging steel and the processes he employs
Learn why 70% of his workshop participants come from the same field
The rules and etiquette around handling a Japanese Katana
Why he makes kitchen knives in addition to swords
Is the myth you have to register your Katana with the police true?
Plans for his 20-year old American apprentice
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea

Asano Kajiya: http://asanokajiya.com/en
Asanokajiya Studio (You Tube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/

More Now and Zen episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Award-winning broadcaster and radio host Guy Perryman. Guy's soothing and melodic voice has been heard throughout Japan for the past 30 years starting with the launch of Virgin Megastores in 1990 and then Tokyo's InterFM since 1997. In addition, he's a voice actor, event producer, and writer. He has DJ'd for British Royalty and interviewed 100's of world famous artists and businessmen from Paul McCartney and Sting to Richard Branson and designer Paul Smith. We discuss some of these interactions and hear a couple celebrity stories as well as learning about being awarded the official title of MBE from the British Government. We wrap up this episode with special Christmas song from the Watanabes, co-produced with Guy Perryman called "Christmas Hummingbird". This song can be heard at the 45min. mark of the podcast. Other topics we cover:

How a planned 3-month stint at Virgin Megastores turned into over 30 years in Japan
Being nervous before interviewing world famous artists and who surprised him most
Why celebrities often let their guard down when visiting Japan
The power of music and importance of mentors
His frustrations with Japanese media and celebrity culture
Why it's nearly impossible export Japanese radio shows outside Japan
What he collects - its not autographs
My unsolicited business advise for Guy Perryman
His unsuccessful attempts to export J-Pop in the early days
Why "Genki" is his favorite Japanese word

Guy Perryman: http://www.http://guyperryman.com
The Guy Perryman Show InterFM: https://interfm.co.jp/gps/
The Watanabes: http://thewatanabes.com
Christmas Hummingbird:https:/.youtube.com/watch?v=X7FEas03Xjg

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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This episode we discuss fashion in Japan and premium dog food. Not two topics often mentioned in the same sentence, but very related to today's guest Mr. Loic Bizel. Loic started his own fashion consulting business in Tokyo nearly 30 years ago and runs two very successful fashion related websites (see links in the notes below). He was one of the co-founders of the fashion "flash sales" site Gladd.jp in 2009. He's referred to as a "Trendspotter" and "Cool Hunter" by the media and is considered one of the utmost foreign experts on Japanese fashion trends. In 2017 he started a new DTC business focused on premium dog food. Using his experience in eCommerce, spotting new "trends", and understanding the Japanese psyche, "Leo & Lea" specializes in a growing niche for organic pet food with a unique customer experience. This is another insightful and fun listening episode. Other topics we cover:

Fashion in Japan is about being part of a community
Why Japanese prefer to spend on fashion over home improvement
How fashion trends start in Japan
The role and importance of "Select Shops"
How the Japanese fashion market has changed in the past 30 years
The Moncler story of how puffer jackets went from niche to BOOM in Japan
Defining Fashionable vs. Trendy
Why Tokyo is the best fashion capital in the world
Dogs in Japan are treated as family members
Why Japanese are happy to pay a premium for organic dog food
In Japan you are not a pet "owner" you are referred to as a pet "parent"
Favorite Japanese word (Shoganai)

Loic Bizel: https://lebiz-consulting.comFashion In Japan: https://fashioninjapan.com
Leo & Lea Premium Dog Food: https://leoandlea.com
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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This episode I speak with Brendhan Kelly, the Hospitality Communication Manager for the Tysons Group of restaurants. Tysons is most well known for Ivy Place, Cicada, Smokehouse, and the iconic TY Harbor Brewery in Tennozu Isle. If you have dinned at any of these restaurants you were most likely impressed with the unique level of personalized hospitality. This is a direct result of Brendhan's input and influence. We discuss Tysons brand of "Global Hospitality" and how he trains and imparts this with staff and mentors and empowers them to become "experience creators". You will also hear about how after years of consulting work, he suddenly switched careers in his mid-40's, walked into a Tysons restaurant and said "I want to work here". Other highlights from our conversation:

The difference between "Service" and "Hospitality"
A story about entertaining 350 South Africans during the rugby World Cup
How he empowers staff to give personalized service
Pet peeve about restaurants in Japan
The big break which catapulted him to his current position
Mentoring techniques to teach better hospitality
The best compliment he could ever receive
The story behind the IPA name
How his father's business and childhood influenced his interest in hospitality
The one establishment which has better hospitality than his chain
How hospitality affects the bottom line in the restaurant business

gugu Sleep Company https://gugu.jp
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life
Brendhan Kelly: https://www.tysons.jp/en/recruit/interview-brendanTysons & Company:https://www.tysons.jp/en/about

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This episode I sit down with Katsura Sunshine, the only Western Rakugo Master Storyteller in the world and only the 2nd in the history of traditional Japanese Rakugo. He shares his fascinating journey from Canadian playwright and musical producer to Master Japanese Rakugo Storyteller. We dive into the details of his three-year apprenticeship, the hardships and rewards. How he became an international Rakugo ambassador not only on Off-Broadway but around the world. Toward the end of the podcast we even get to hear a short traditional Rakugo story translated into English. Other topics we discuss:

The genius story behind why his Master made him bleach his hair blond
Why he does not localize the traditional Rakugo stories when presenting in English
How he got his first big break to internationalize Rakugo
The differences between stand-up comedy and Rakugo
Indentured servitude for three years and menial jobs is part of the apprenticeship
The real meaning and purpose behind the apprenticeship
How he convinced his Master to take him as an apprentice
New Yorkers reaction when seeing him in kimono in public
Rakugo stories are very family friendly, but there is an "adult" version as well

Katsura Shinshine's Website: https://www.rakugo.lol More Now and Zen episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.lifegugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp

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I’ve been doing the Now and Zen podcast for exactly 3 years. That’s 80 episodes with many great guests, wonderful stories, fascinating insights, and I’m often asked, who was my favorite guest. That’s a lot like asking a parent, who their favorite child is, it’s obviously a tough choice and one best not publicly announced. However I can say one of my favorite episodes was number #48 from October 2021 with Kaki Okumura. So it’s with much pleasure that I introduce today’s guest, once again Ms. Kaki Okumura. Kaki is Japanese but was born in the US, lives in NYC and was visiting Japan over the New Year holiday when we sat down again to record another awesome episode. We discuss her passion for writing about “Japanese Principles to Live a Longer & Happier Life”. Her insightful, logical, and empathetic writing style is so refreshing to read and is actually changing peoples lives. So much in fact, her writing caught the attention of international literary agents and she will be publishing her first book in March of 2023. We talk about healthy living inspired by Japan, guilt-free snacking, how to overcome self-doubt, and of course her new book titled “Wa, The Art of Balance”. Other topics we discuss:

What she means by “Learn to be healthier inspired by life in Japan”
“Health” is not just about diet and exercise but also feeling comfortable in mind and body
Cultural differences between moderation and portions when dining in Japan vs. the West
The psychology behind why Japanese are so healthy
Japanese empathy (and phrase) toward boredom snacking and the concept of having a “Lonely mouth”
Personal empathy and the connection of living guilt free through moderation and being kind to oneself
The importance of counting memories not calories
Kaki’s challenges of being a successful writer while maintaining her “own voice”
Celebrating baby steps and taking on a playful mindset when setting goals
Explaining “YDK” a Japanese slang term for “Even a child can do it” or “Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained” being an important mindset
The inspiration and back story behind writing her first book “Wa, the Art of Balance”

Kaki"s Website: http://www.kakikata.spaceKaki's Blog: https://kokumura.medium.com/ More Now and Zen episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode I speak with Joseph Delmastro, the author of Cultured Gaijin. It’s a unique book set in 1970s Japan about what happens when Joseph, an airman stationed in Tokyo, breaks free from expectations and fully embraces Japan’s traditional way of living and loving. However it’s much more than just a memoir, it’s also a travelog, a cultural and Japanese language reference guide, and it’s also a love story in more ways than one. You will hear all about the motivation behind writing his first novel, what made the details authentic, how the many colorful characters changed his life forever, and why there may be a second book or even a series in the works, this time focused on the 1980’s and 90’s. Finally Joseph offers free copies of his book to the first five listeners to contact him after listening to this episode. Contact details are at the end of the podcast and also in the show notes below. Other topics we discuss:

How writing comments on a Youtube video led to writing his first book
The life changing influence of climbing Mt. Fuji on his very 1st day in Japan in 1977
The meaning behind the title “Cultured Gaijin”
Explaining the Japanese concept of “Amae” (Dependence) and referencing two classic Japanese culture books every foreigner should read
Highlighting Japanese culture through his own experiences in the late 1970”s
Japanese hospitality has changed in the past 45 years
How friends letters from over 38 years ago helped in many details of the book
“A price will always have to be paid for the privilege of enjoying Japanese culture”
A few favorite untranslatable Japanese words

The Cultured Gaijin Website: https://culturedgaijin.com/Contact Joseph: culturedgaijin@gmail.comBuy the book on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.jp/ More Now and Zen episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/
gugu Mattress Company: https://gugu.jp
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Have you ever thought about working for a Japanese company in Japan, but were turned off by all the stories of long hours, low pay, slow career path, no incentives for performance, archaic hierarchy rule setting, social drinking requirements and more? Then this episode is for you. Alvin Tan is here to discuss his recent controversial article on Medium titled “Why More Foreigners in Japan Should Work for Japanese Companies, Six reasons why you should consider working for one”.

It was quite the combustible article in that it generated nearly 100 negative comments on Social Media. It seems that most of the Twitter-verse Japan experts firmly believe working for a Japanese company is a career death sentence. We discuss his 6 reasons why this is not the case. In fact I have also worked for two Japanese companies and I would not be where I am today without this great experience. Thus, I was inspired to offer my own 6 reasons why foreigners should work for Japanese companies. So together we examine 12 reasons why foreigners should work for Japanese companies. Other topics we discuss:

Was he surprised about the backlash to his article?
Learning a lot about real Japan via Japanese corporate culture
Mastering the Japanese concept of QC, Customer Service, or Hospitality
The difference between Otsukaresama and Gokorosama?
Why Japanese companies don't have clear job descriptions
Credentials being less important than on-the-job training and a can-do attitude
Unless you seriously mess up, one is unlikely to get fired
The pay isn’t good, but the benefits are usually great
Gaining a new circle of friends and meeting a significant other
You get paid to practice Japanese
Being a great stepping stone for better job opportunities
Alvin's two favorite untranslatable Japanese words

Alvin Tan on Medium: https://medium.com/@alvintwrites Alvin Tan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-tan More Now and Zen episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/
gugu Mattress Company: https://gugu.jp
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode we deep-dive into well-know, but often misunderstood Japanese culture topics with Kiyoshi Matsumoto. Kiyoshi is the author of the book “Japan Unmasked, Understanding Japan and its people”. Kiyoshi is Japanese but has lived outside Japan for 33 years working in the travel industry. During this time he has spend countless hours explaining Japanese culture to his foreign guests and realized there are a lot of common misconceptions about Japan and the Japanese. He wrote Japan Unmasked to set the record straight. This book covers many modern and contemporary topics and is not overly academic at all. Its a fun read and covers concepts such as Wabi-Sabi, Ma, Uchi-Soto, and many others. Kiyoshi lists his top three foreign misconceptions and why Face is everything in Japan. Other topics we cover:

Uso mo houben (white lie) and how it relates to harmony in Japan
The backstory behind writing “Japan Unmasked”
Why modern non-academic topics and chapter titles for Japan Unmasked
Wabi Sabi and Ma explained from Kiyoshi’s perspective
Impermanent, Incomplete, Imperfect, the three “I’s” of Wabi-Sabi
4.6 Amazon rating and the one review which made him most happy
“Perfection” in Japan is used as a defense, and relates to face
Why he has not had his book translated into Japanese, but predicts the Amazon ranking
True or false: Japanese only smile in photos when they make the two-finger piece sign
Top three foreign misconceptions of Japanese: Productivity, Personal Space, and No Individuality
Uchi-Soto (in-group & out group) and Omote-Ura (Public face and private face)
His favorite untranslatable Japanese word

Japan Unmasked: https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Kiyoshi-MatsumotoKiyoshi Matsumoto:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiyoshimatsumoto/ More Now and Zen episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/
gugu Mattress Company: https://gugu.jp
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Drinking wine should be a relaxing event and lifestyle enhancer, at least this is how Swirl co-founder Federico Fanelli views it. Originally from Italy, Federico came to Japan on a mission to introduce the wine lifestyle to Japanese. After a few years selling wine B2B, he together with his co-founder started Swirl, an online wine subscription service. Swirl is a very user friendly website incorporating gamification, fun navigation, and a super easy searchable wine cellar with over 140 wines from 5 major wine countries. Today I speak with Federico about the inspiration behind Swirl, scalability in a market not known for wine drinking, why the wine buying experience is usually disappointing, how Swirl creates an enhanced customer experience, and why they chose the company name Swirl, despite this potentially being the hardest English word ever for Japanese to pronounce. Other interesting topics of discussion:

How the business idea for Swirl was born while drinking at a wine bar with his now co-founder
How the Swirl website uses "Gamification" to increase visitor conversion rates
Creating an enhanced customer experience to make a wow wine experience
Free unsolicited business ideas - for Swirl
Why most foreign wine business in Japan usually have a foreign customer base
The wine selection process - Tasting over 2,000 wines to select 140 for the Swirl website
Why there are no Japanese wines on the Swirl website
Karate and a cultural anthropology book became the catalyst for interest in Japan
Favorite untranslatable Japanese word - the Mottainai concept
Importing wine into Japan is simple, but creating a wine business is a lot more difficult
Most important lesson learned working in Japan

Swirl Wine: https://swirlwine.co.jp/
More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode you will hear from Dominic Carter, an expert on Japan market entry, market research, and branding. Dominic shares great insight, knowledge, and current research results, for anyone working in Japan or looking to expand into Japan needs to hear. You will learn the 3 Golden Rules for Japan market entry success, the 4 Marco Trends shaping modern Japan, as well as numerous great quotes about how to succeed in the Japanese market. This is must listen to anyone doing business in Japan. Other topics we discuss:

How the future of Japan will be better with a smaller working population
Doing sales in Japan is more of an art than a science and what is "aggressive positioning"
Why Dominic is overly generous in his offering of free, but valuable market entry content on his blog and social media
The best definition of "insight"
Learn the "Four Macro Trends" shaping modern Japan and how they will affect marketing and the future of doing business in Japan
"Scarcity Value" and how this relates to the youth of Japan
Has the COVID pandemic caused "Internationalization" to go backwards in Japan?
Great marketing examples which exemplify the risk adverse nature of the Japan market
The Three Golden Rules to successful Japan market entry
Keeping your "foreignness" vs. localization for international brands
His favorite untranslatable Japanese word

The Carter Group: https://the-carter-group.comDominic Carter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-carter-404b62/ More Now and Zen episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/
gugu Mattress Company: https://gugu.jp
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Sean Nichols has been an entertainer on Japanese TV, a Manzai stand-up comedian, the global representative for Japan's biggest YouTuber, went on tour with Aerosmith, but is most famous for his starring role in the Ultraman series - the only foreigner to ever appear in the 40 year history of the franchise. This episode he discusses the dream journey from watching Ultraman on TV as a child, to becoming "Sean White" for 50 episodes. Sean talks about the Japanese entertainment industry from starting his own talent agency to losing out in the final round of a stand-up competition due to one off-color joke, and taking the biggest risk of his professional career led to going on tour with Aerosmith. Other topics of discussion:

The top 3 things Japanese always find humorous
His autograph seeking demographic ranges for 5 to 65 years old
From actor to international representative for Ultraman
How auditions and talent agencies work in Japan
Best explanation of what is a “Tarento”
Representing the most famous Japanese Youtuber Hikakin and getting him on stage with Aerosmith
Backstage Stories with Steven Tyler and the band
How humor in Japan is different from western humor
Japanese comedy-style Manzai explained
3 tips for foreigners interested in getting into the Japan entertainment industry
Advice on how to be funny in Japanese
Favorite untranslatable Japanese word

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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This updated and re-released episode we get into Hospitality and Retail with professional sales and leadership trainer Masako Yamamura. We discuss Omotenashi possibly leading to world peace, Bartenders are the most fun hospitality people, Commissions and culturally why Japanese avoid the system , Fortune-tellers, and the numerous differences and similarities between the retail and hospitality industries in Japan. Other highlights from our conversation:

What the hospitality industry could learn from the retail industry
Her definition of "Omotenashi" and why she hated the Olympic O-MO-TE-NA-SHI presentation
Using hospitality concepts in retail can differentiate your brand from competition
Why a 5-star hotel experience in Japan is not as positive vs. overseas
Why Japanese "Just In Case" mentality holds back true hospitality
Least popular jobs for todays Japanese youth
Her pessimism regarding the future of Japan
A story about a fortune-teller's shocking but reaffirming message

gugu Sleep Company https://gugu.jp
My Solutions https://www.my-solutions.jp
Masako Yamamura
https://www.linkedin.com/in/masako-yamamura-88060517/

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Have you ever considered opening your own bar, cafe, or restaurant in Japan? It seems daunting and bureaucratic doesn't it? On this episode you will hear just how simple it can be. I speak with William Ryan, the founder of Japan Hospitality Consultants (JHC), and the owner of the An Solas Irish Pub in Yoyogi. William has been running Irish pubs in Tokyo for over 20 years and started his own pub in 2014. With this proven track record he started JHC two years ago when he realized there was an underserved niche advising foreigners on how to open their own F&B places in Japan. We discuss the importance of authenticity, the hospitality niche foreigners have in a country known for excellent service and "omotenashi", the quantitative checklist you will need to open your own place, rules #1 and #2 for every new bar owner, I give William three bar & cafe ideas and he evaluates their success potential, and he discovers the worst F&B idea he's ever heard. Other highlights from our conversation:

The difference between an Irish pub and a British pub
How he got "recruited" to Japan to run an authentic Irish Pub
The importance of "reading the air" for bartenders and why it's difficult to teach hospitality
Misinformation and bad advise lead him to start JHC
Trying to be Japanese and other mistakes foreigners make when opening F&B in Japan
Was starting JHC during a pandemic the best or worst timing ever
The one F&B market need he sees right now
Thinking that owning your own bar will be as much fun as drinking at a bar
When a hobby becomes an obligation, it stops being a hobby anymore
Two favorite untranslatable Japanese words explained
The phrase "Tabi no haji wa, kaki sute" and how this relates to foreign run bars and cafes

Japan Hospitality Consultants: https://www.japanhospitalityconsultants.com/
An SÓLÁS: https://www.facebook.com/AnSolasIrishPub/

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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A topic near and dear to my interests and business: Retail in Japan. Specifically the Outlet Mall industry. This episode we hear from Julien Rey, the Leasing Director for the Outlet! Company. Japan already has numerous outlet malls and Julien explains how his company is differentiating and innovating in this competitive market. The fascinating quantitative and psychological factors behind mall layout, location, and loyalty. The politics of space allocation, the strategies malls use to attract customers and increase "dwelling" time, and which brands are the thrillers and the fillers. It's a great listen and not just because of Julien's charming French accent, the economics behind outlet malls is thought-provoking. Other highlights from our conversation:

The roles of a Outlet Mall Leasing Director: Retailer, Realtor, and Recreation
The "Domino" effect created by certain brands
The challenges of convincing brands to open a store in an outlet mall
How to measure and what is the average outlet customer "Dwelling Time" in Japan
Recent retail trends and innovations you can expect to see and "experience"
The intricate role F&B (restaurants) plays in outlet malls
Pricing "tricks" used by brands to maximize profits
How Japanese outlet mall customers differ from other outlet mall cultures
Leasing contracts: All about the "balance of power"
The one brand Julien really wants in his outlet malls

The Outlets Kita Kyushu: https://the-outlets-kitakyushu.aeonmall.com/
The Outlets Hiroshima: https://the-outlets-hiroshima.com/Laketown Outlets: https://laketown-outlet.jp/

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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This is a deep-dive into those mystifying Japanese business practices foreigners in Japan often struggle with. Intercultural Facilitator Masafumi Otsuka explains the frustrating Japanese business practice of "Why Japanese mangers change jobs every 3 years", and "Why they always see the glass as half empty". The periodic job rotation system and the risk adverse decision process is logically explained by Masa. This episode is filled with many cultural Japanese business concepts often misunderstood by Westerners such as Nemawashi, Genten Shugi, and Kyochosei and Masa explains these in an entertaining and enlightening way. He gets personal with his struggles of returning to Japan as a student, the politics of quitting a high profile job, and his being 1/3 Japanese, 1/3 American and 1/3 "Confused". Other highlights from our conversation:

Why there is no Japanese word for "procrastinate"
The unspoken rule for Japanese overseas returnee students
The priority in Japan is harmonize
What does an Intercultural Facilitator do?
Best ever explanation of Nemawashi
The subtle art of not having to tell everything
Expertise in Japan is 10ft. wide and 1inch deep while in the US its 1inch wide and 10ft. deep
Best ever explanation of Genten Shugi
Strategies for getting a positive outcome from Japanese meetings
The reason Japanese prefer the process vs the outcome

Masafumi Otsuka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masafumiotsuka/More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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Connecting International Curiosity with Japanese Content with 34-year Japan entrepreneur Ruth Jarman. She is the founder of Jarman International and the author of six books in Japanese. We talk about these books, this content, and where her passion for Japan comes from. We also discuss "Reading the Air" and other non-verbal conversation traits in Japan, her top 3 cultural reasons Japanese are uniquely wonderful, and how her new corporate partner is helping solve the nightmare for foreigners that is banking in Japan. She is full of infectious energy and together we share stores laughs, unique insights, and a couple beers at The Rigoletto in Shibuya. Other highlights from our conversation:

Why Japanese are comfortable in being "under the wire" or "avoiding the limelight"
"Taking it to a higher level" or "Give one's All" is ingrained into Japanese psyche
How attracting foreigners is one part of the Japanese government's revitalization strategy for rural Japan
Japan's extreme focus on the "long-term view" of everything
Greatest accomplishment in her 34-years in Japan
The fundamental Japanese concept of always "Being Watched"
Chat about the year 1984, when we both graduated from school
7 of the top 10 denim companies in the world are from Japan

Jarman International https://www.jarman-international.com
Ruth Jarman https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthjarmanjapan/
All Ruth's books at Amazon ルース・ジャーマンMore Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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It's passionate travel stories from rural Japan, fascinating historical story-telling, and insightful cultural observations with Diane Tincher. Diane has been in Japan for 35 years, lived in Kagoshima for 26 years, has 8 children, and is the owner of the must-see website "More than Tokyo".

She is a prolific writer of little known historical stories she has researched in Japanese, an accomplished tour guide for Walk Japan, and her knowledge of Japanese history, folklore, and idyllic rural travel spots is 2nd to none!

This episode you will hear about where you can hike and active volcano, a brief history of Amaterase, the Japanese Sun Goddess and Tanokami, cute little rice-field gods. Also two reasons English in Japan is so wacky and the only occasion when Japanese are never humble.

You will want to take notes on this one. Parts travelog mixed with history, fun cultural missteps, and humorous language faux pax . Other topics we discuss:

Why so many foreigners are writing about Japan these days
The backstory of launching her "More than Tokyo" website
Learn more about Nakasendo, Kumano Kodo, Aomori, Towada Lake, Oirase Gorge, Yamadera, Omoshiroyama, Yamagata, Kirishima, Onami-Ike, Kagoshima, and Wakayama
3 great reasons to visit rural Japan
How much one usually earns writing for Medium
Her article "10 Essential Japanese phrases to learn today"
Her "Three big mistakes learning Japanese"
Two favorite Japanese words without a direct English translation

More Than Tokyo: https://www.morethantokyo.com/
Diane Tincher on Medium: https://diane-japan.medium.com/
Walk Japan: https://walkjapan.com/

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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Serial entrepreneur Tyson Batino, founder of three businesses in Japan including the successful English school chain One Coin English, is the guest this episode. His latest business is 'Scaling Your Company' where he advises and coaches small business owners how to scale their business 5x to 100x! We talk about his start in Japan, how three mentors changed his career and his business life. Tyson even shares the best two pieces of advise from these mentors about working in Japan.

Tyson explains the challenges of scaling a language school into profitability, how managers and CEO's can manage the complexity of growing a new business, on his being a business specialist by being a "Jack of all Trades", and Tyson introduces his own podcast called "Scaling Japan" and why it fills a niche on how to grow a business in Japan. This episode is filled with so many business tips and gems, Tyson suggests listening to it twice. Other topics we discuss:

Most managers "Under value Time and over value Money
Creating a company which values customers and employees equally
His plan to become a therapist helped shape his passion in Japan
The key to training foreign teachers in Japan
The difference between Mentoring and Consulting
A company can only grow as fast as its leader
Cost, Quality, Time, you cannot have all 3 when supporting staff
On his 3 mentors and how they helped shortcut his career in Japan
Compare our podcasting journeys
"A diamond in poop, is still a diamond"
Marketing as a branding tool to attract and recruit talent
Favorite Japanese word without an exact English translation

Tyson Batino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tysonbatino/ Scaling Your Company: https://scalingyourcompany.com/
Scaling Japan Podcast: https://scalingyourcompany.com/podcast/

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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If you are a regular listener to Now and Zen, you'll know many of my fascinating guests are non-Japanese living in Japan. So it's always fun to have a bi-cultural Japanese guest on the show and hear their insights and perspectives. This episode I speak with Yuko Tamura, she is an award-winning writer on the Medium platform and the editor of Japonica - the publication for everything Japan. She describes her writing as Fun Facts about Japan and "a little Rebellious essays" from Tokyo.

We discuss some of these articles including "The 3 facts you should know before marketing to Japan". Yuko is passionate about cross-cultural topics and she offers insightful advice she would offer both Japanese and English speakers to avoid cultural misunderstandings. We chat about writing for Medium, the opportunities for writers, and why these writers of Japan topics should join Japonica.

We dive into the topics of gender inequality in Japan, internet trolls, how she became bi-cultural despite never living outside Japan, and other interesting stories from her experience working for both Japanese and foreign companies. Other topics we discuss:

Why create a platform of independent writers on Japan
Discuss her "3 Facts to know before Marketing to Japan" article
"Hone" and "Tatemae" explained from a Japanese perspective
Breaks down the anatomy of internal business meetings at Japanese companies
Why decisions take longer in corporate Japan
How souvenirs from relatives peaked both of our "international interests"
Writing and speaking in English being a "liberating" exercise
Only writing in English about gender inequality to avoid internet trolls
Motivation behind her articles about female inequality and sexism in Japan
Together we coin a new Japanese word for "Empowerment"
Favorite Japanese word without an exact English translation

Yuko Tamura: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuko-tamura-041b96ab/ Japonica: https://medium.com/japonica-publication

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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This episode I step outside my comfort zone and talk about investing with Alternative Investment Specialist Frank Packard. Specifically we discuss Passion Investing, things like art, watches, and fine wine. What are the opportunities and what are the risks. Do you have a collection of something which might be worth a lot of money? Then you know It's not just about portfolio diversification, but also about the joy of ownership. Frank is really interesting, he was actually born in Japan and only moved back to the US when he was seven. So we discuss what that was like in terms of reverse culture shock and being academically ahead of his peers. Frank's insight on navigating both American and Japanese culture is story-telling at it's best. Finally we discuss his 3 golden rules of investing, spoiler alert, #3 is "No Jerks", some great reasons to be bullish on Japan's future, and a cultural analogy / insight on American's love of "beating the clock" vs. Japan's love of silence and patience. Additional topics from our conversation:

Being a Westerner born in Japan and childhood stories from the 1950's
What exactly are "Alternative Investments"
Discuss interest in Antique Maps, Vintage Posters, and Japanese Screens as personal collectable investments
Tells the story of owning (then selling) an original Andy Warhol artwork
The role insurance plays when investing in art and collectables
What is "Yield Margin" and is it high in Japan?
Japan's low interest rates make real estate investing "low risk" - True or false
How growing up in Japan enhanced his professional communication skills
Why Japan is the most sensual country in the world
His favorite untranslatable Japanese word

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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A very entertaining conversation all about the Italian pasta business in Japan. This episode you meet Nikhil Gupte the Managing Director for Barilla Japan. Barilla is a 145 year old family owned Italian food company and Nikhil is responsible for introducing their traditions, values, and world famous pasta to the Japanese market. What happens when Italian authenticity comes up against Japanese Wafu style pasta recipes? Why Barilla's packaging is unique only to Japan? How has COVID changed the way Japanese consume pasta? The cultural reason spaghetti is far and above the most popular pasta style in Japan. Nikhil's very first trip to Japan was when he came to take over the MD position. Yes, business cultural challenges were / are numerous. How has he overcome these? Additional highlights from our conversation:

Only-in-Japan customer complaints
Speak about our mutual respect for Costco and their top management
Which story-telling messages work best in Japan
The innovative story of introducing an industry 1st, paper pasta packaging
How he was able to get staff to speak up in meetings
Why most high-end Italian restaurants don't use Barilla pasta despite its top quality reputation
How living in Japan for 4 years has transformed him professionally
Introduces one of his favorite restaurants in Tokyo using Barilla pasta, it's not Italian
Some pasta history in Japan
Why "strange" shape pasta is not as popular as long pasta
His favorite untranslatable Japanese word

Barilla Japan: http://barilla.co.jp/More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

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I thought it might be a challenge to interview my old friend David Clement. After-all we both grew up in the same small town and have known each other in Japan for over 20 years. However, his wisdom, Japan insight, and most of all, his entertaining stories make this a very fascinating episode. 22 years in B2B sales working with the biggest names in Japan and now the country manager for a "perfect start-up" in Japan. How does one make this big transition? David shares three riveting stories on leadership quirks, negotiating, and my favorite, the hoops and hurdles he overcame to the seal the deal with with the famous Den Fujita the president of McDonalds Japan early in his career. Additional highlights from our conversation:

Debate the English definition of Nemawashi
Why he describes himself as a "corporate entrepreneur"
The challenges foreigners faces working for a Japanese company and "inventing ones position"
David's Dale Carnegie vs. Kaizen theory
Creating your own Gravity for success in Japan
EdgeCast's business explained to a 5 year old
What is an Embarrassment of Pandas ?
"Leadership comes from taking responsibility or the opportunity to lose face the Japanese don't want"
Pro and Cons of relationship building and networking in the pandemic era
Why Kaizen is the enemy of dynamic change
Two favorite untranslatable Japanese words

EdgeCast: https://www.edgecast.com/More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Fascinating innovations are happening in the food & beverage industry around the world and Ugo Bataillard is introducing them to Japan. Ugo is the Founder and CEO of GourmetPro, a startup which began as a Japan market-entry consulting company for foreign food and beverage companies. After a successful 1st year of having too much business, GourmetPro shifted their business model to focus more on plant and cell based foods, sustainability, and other innovations in food and beverage. You will hear all about these developments and how GourmetPro utilizes a network of expert consultants to introduce these to Japan. We also talk about Japan market-entry and the top three transgressions foreign companies are most guilty of, chat about cell based meat, insect protein, The Cheesecake Factory, and review Doutour's soy meat burger. Other highlights from our conversation:

Where the original idea come from to start GourmetPro
Why food trends come and go so quickly in Japan
How the market is changing from distributor domination to direct import and private label
Ideas how to sell The Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes in Japan
What is cell-based meat and is plant based meat really a boom we are lead to believe
How sustainability and food innovation is an initiative for younger generations
How GourmetPro is able to enlist so many expert consultants
Why the Flexitarian movement is gaining popularity
Mistakes made when entering the Japanese market
Favorite untranslatable Japanese word

GourmetPro: https://www.gourmetpro.co/More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Cynthia Usui becomes the 1st ever return guest to the podcast. Less than a year ago, Cynthia was surviving as a part-time supermarket cashier after losing her high profile job, and now, she is the Japan Country manager for a new chain of small hotels in Tokyo! LOF Hotels. Once again Cynthia has reinvented herself. This episode you will hear this amazing story, why she initially turned down the hotel offer, how she's using her personal brand as a marketing tool, what is the business model of this brand new hotel chain, and how she is "paying it forward" by helping single mothers. We also discuss what she discovered about society, hardship, and why working as a part-time cashier gave her confidence . . . at 61 years of age. Other highlights from our conversation:

How she found herself unemployed in late 2020
The only 4 job categories available for 61 year olds in Japan
Working as a cashier was the hardest new job she ever had to start
Overcoming fear and lack of confidence
The two "conditions" she requested before accepting the job offer
How the LOF hotel keeps expenses low and unique marketing strategies
Challenges and success stories of hiring stay at home moms
Why becoming the Country Manager was important to her story
How she is "paying it forward" and why this is an obligation and responsibility
Is being an author of three books profitable?
Favorite and least favorite untranslatable Japanese words

LOF Hotel Shinbashi: https://shimbashi.lof-hotel.com/
Cynthia Usui: Cynthia Usui LinkedInMore Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Now and Zen Japan welcomes Mr. Ed Thompson, a Marketing Consultant and the founder of Concept Design. This episode we share beers and talk about his 20+ years in Japan and professional career in marketing, branding, advertising, and academia. He has also been a lecturer at Temple University for over 15 years. Ed is a straight talker and has strong opinions when it comes to the business of marketing. We discuss his early years in Japan getting beat up with bamboo sticks everyday, working with bureaucrats, and starting his own business after only five years in Japan. Ed has a fascinating theory on why Japanese brand logos tend to be words rather than pictograms, how to find your Personal Branding "voice" from hating-on the competition, then Ed gets deep and philosophical when analyzing Wabi-Sabi and Kintsugi and how this is related to perseverance and the Japanese human spirit. Other topics we discuss:

An interesting way to translate the word "marketing"
Studying Japanese at a martial arts university
Understanding self-worth and context when giving yourself an appropriate business title
Why his list of clients in Japan are predominantly foreign affiliated
How "creative" departments differ in Japan and the main role of ad agencies
"Making order out of chaos" . . . the driver for Ed's passion for marketing
Was Omotenashi developed as a social norm or a way to make customers more receptive to your brand?
"People will believe what you tell them unless you give them a reason to disbelieve"
In Japan, "Being present is more important than being whole"
Why email remains the most important CRM data
His upcoming classes at Temple and takeaways students can expect

Concept Design: https://conceptdesign.io/
Ed Thompson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethompson/

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode is an entertaining and stimulating conversation with a forward-thinking, self-described "Evangelist" for for Digital Transformation in Japan, Mr. Evan Berkosky. Before you decide to tune-out because "Digital Transformation" sounds unexciting, Hold On! Evan makes this topic both insightful and relevant and shares his ideas on how he would initiate quick wins to transform Japan digital landscape if he were to hypothetically, be appointed to the newly created "Japan Digital Agency". What's more entertaining than listening to foreigners give their opinion on how to improve Japan? In this case however, Evan truly knows his area of expertise. We also discuss his early challenges in Japan, starting a successful English school, and how this led to the establishment of a premiere boutique digital marketing agency. He explains how current media monitoring, influencer marketing, and media engagement are vital to every organization, and finally challenges me as to why he should buy a Japanese branded knife from a German knife company. Other topics we discuss:

Historically, disruptions have created a culture of "uncertainty avoidance" in Japan
Why he is so passionate about digital transformation in Japan
The scaleability challenge of creating a chain of English schools
Why Japan, well-known for high tech industries are not leaders in digitalization
What two major initiatives he would implement if he were the head of the Japan Digital Agency
How the traditional Hanko system has slowed business in Japan during the pandemic
Being a bi-cultural "shock-absorber" explained
The positive trends propelling Japan's A.I. technology adoption
The future role of social "Influencers" and how they will evolve
How brands can save time and make money from social media monitoring
Favorite Japanese word w/o an exact English translation

Meltwater: https://www.meltwater.com/en

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode I have an entertaining conversation with an old friend of mine. Yukie Kito is an award winning movie producer with over 20 films to her credit. This is really an "insiders" episode where we talk about her life, challenges, and successes as an independent producer and really gain a lot of insight into the Japanese film industry: What has happened to creativity and how some missteps have allowed S. Korea to become Asia's entertainment powerhouse. She talks about some great memories making movies and anecdotes about Hollywood stars. Other topics we discuss:

What a film producer actually does
When watching films does she view or critique them differently than general audiences
How she got her start in Hollywood
Tears of joy (and envy) when seeing the international success of Korean entertainment
The one film she is the most proud of
Why she makes an appearance in almost all her movies
Her criteria when selecting movie projects
Why so little "Original" content is produced in Japan
Working with Ethan Hawke and their close friendship
How her "win-win" philosophy helps her survive in the film industry
We try to explain "Mono no Aware" and another untranslatable Japanese word

Yukie's Movie list: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2183344/
More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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It's time to get your motor running and head out to the highway. This episode I speak with the president of Ducati Japan Mr. Mats Lindstrom. You do not need to be a "bike guy" or a "gear-head" to enjoy this conversation with Mats. We chat about "Empowerment" in Japan, his unique strategy and reasons for conducting management meetings in English, and his biggest takeaways from days at IKEA when he arrived in Japan to set up the first stores in 2005. Of course we also talk about the bike business, specifically how he differentiates Ducati from the established domestic brands, why Ducati owners are known for their loyalty and passion, and he shares success stories from the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) program he initiated earlier this year. Recorded at the Oak Door, Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Other topics we discuss:

Biker camaraderie and how it differs in Japan
What sets Ducati apart from the established Japanese competition
Becoming a “bike guy” from the age of 3
“People buy for what you help them become”
Who is a Ducati “type” and from which profession are many Ducati owners
Is Ikigai really a Japanese concept
Lessons learned starting up IKEA in Japan
Most unique characteristic of Japanese consumers
Ensuring a consistent level of service and hospitality with over 40 dealers
The Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) explained
Favorite untranslatable Japanese word
The “communication” between a Ducati bike and its owner

Ducati Japan: https://www.ducati.com/jp/ja/home
Ducati Riding / Racing Experience: https://www.ducati.com/jp/ja/contents/dre

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode we are treated to a wonderful conversation with an amazing woman who continues to have a fascinating life. Karen Hill Anton discusses her memoir "The View from Breast Pocket Mountain". Published in late 2020 the book has received numerous literary awards and has a 5 start rating from Amazon. We talk about her motivation behind writing her 1st book, she offers solid advise for anyone contemplating a memoir, dive into some of the back stories and highlights from her book, and the challenges not only she had to deal with but what every writer of a memoir faces. The View from Breast Pocket Mountain is a unique and untold story and a treasure trove of experiences crossing boarders and cultures. If you ever wondered what your life would be like taking that road without a map, this is the book and the episode for you. Other topics we discuss:

Why everyone should write a memoir
What contributed to the books success, accolades, and awards
The conundrum of "looking inwards" vs. writing for a broad audience
How the narrative of the memoir is split into worldwide adventures & rural life in Japan
The ironic Japanese meaning of "Breast Pocket" and Karen's actual life
The sense of community became a key learning from the 1 year dojyo experience
Why she quite writing her newspaper columns after 15 years
The ability to recall so many details of her early adventures and why this is so important for a memoir
Karen's favorite untranslatable Japanese word
Why the business / corporate experience side of her life was not included in the book

Karen Hill Anton: http://karenhillanton.com

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jp

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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The phrase "Do what you love and you never have to work another day in your life" fits Mac Salman perfectly. Mac left the finance industry and pursued his passions - Travel, Japan, and tasty spirits. We discuss his customized tour business Maction Planet where he has never conducted the same itinerary twice. Then his pivot to Kanpai Planet when the pandemic halted Japan tourism. We discuss these two businesses and life in Tokyo while we sample three "Japan Related" tequilas. Mac is an inimitable and articulate British gentleman who does his homework. He brings insider knowledge and back stories to Shizuku, Cascahuin, and Don Suenos tequilas and their fascinating Japan connections. Even if you are not a big fan of whiskey or tequila, Mac's stories and insight make for a very lively and enjoyable conversation. Other topics we discuss:

Leaving the lucrative finance industry and pursuing his passion for travel
The philosophy of changing tour guiding from a "commodity to a profession"
Maction Planet's 99.6% rating on Trip Advisor and why its not 100%
25 straight years of whisky consumption decline in Japan. That all changed in 2008
Why he can be found at Jingu Stadium up to 50 times a year
How Kanpai Planet was born, the current USP's and future plans
Sample the Blanco and Reposado from Shizuku and discover its ties to Fukuoka
Mac's amazing Sake knowledge and how he applies it to tequila tasting
Mac's hierarchy of needs and the 5 reasons Tokyo is the "Greatest Metropolis on Earth"
Taste test the Blanco and an Extra Anejo from Cascahuin created by Japanese "Tetsu" Kageda
Overcoming bureaucratic challenges foreigners face in Japan
The background of the only Tequila brand owned by a Japanese woman - we try the Reposado and Anejo from Don Suenos

Maction Planet: https://www.mactionplanet.com/
Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com
Kanpai Planet: https://www.youtube.com

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Meshida is an ex-Japanese salaryman turned English language standup comedian. For the past eight years Meshida has been performing his style of comedy in both Japan and the UK. In addition he is a successful YouTuber, mostly known for his comedic commentary on Japan's "pink" culture despite his many other "wholesome" cultural topics. We discuss why he decided to become a full-time standup comedian, the difference between Japanese and Western humor, stories from the stage, how much he earns from YouTube viral videos, where he gets his joke writing inspiration, and what his parents and Japanese audiences think about his career and content. Other topics we discuss:

First open mic experience at 21
Why physical humor is popular in Japan
Turning his insecurities into self deprecating humor
His 1st successful joke which got a huge laugh
Is "Manzai" the Japanese equivalent of Western standup?
Once losing his confidence for 6 months after bombing on stage
The one question he would ask his favorite comic
Why its difficult to monetize YouTube even with millions of views and 60k subscribers
His YouTube strategy to gain more fans and followers
Meeting other international Japanese standup comedians
His current projects in Tokyo and his response to the pandemic

Standup Comedian Meshida: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
Funny Japan Project: https://funnyjapanproject.com/

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This conversation is one of the most amazing I've had since starting Now and Zen Japan. This episode could certainly change your life. Especially if you suffer from unhealthy lifestyle habits. Prepare to be blown away by Kaki Okumura's wisdom, demeanor, and insight into well-being and nutrition. Kaki breaks down Japanese based wellness concepts through her "Four Essential Pillars to Healthy Living" in a very convincing and non-preachy way. She is a writer, an illustrator, a wellness coach, and very well could be a therapist or nutrition teacher. In addition to her fascinating backstory which includes her experience with food being a source of stress and anxiety and how healthy eating does not have to be a sacrifice, we get into her business as a writer on Medium, starting her own business just after university, and the various revenue streams she has built for herself. Just start listening to the first 5 minutes and for sure you will be hooked and inspired by her simple and empathetic message. Other topics we discuss:

Improving your overall well-being based on Japanese concepts
Being overweight OR underweight negatively effects mental health
Why eating healthy in the US is a challenge whereas its pretty simple in Japan
The power of balanced meals, moderation, and portion management
How retired sumo wrestlers lose weight
What Japanese can learn from the US about healthy living
Why ginger is included with so many Japanese meals
Food is closely linked to environment, experiences, and emotions
Is "organic" really healthier?
Variety, and why this is nutritionally important
How much can one make writing for Medium?
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea
Kaki's two favorite untranslatable Japanese words

Kaki's Website: https://kakikata.space/

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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It's a real feel-good conversation with uber positive and incredibly humble entrepreneur Anthony Griffin. He is the founder of Saga Consulting where he "helps organizations and individuals tell their story to the world". It's global communications through excellent copy-writing, digital marketing, and cross-cultural coaching. Anthony often writes insightful and though-provoking articles for Kokoro Media on LinkedIn. He is especially passionate about Japanese language learning and frequently offers tips on how to take ones Japanese to the next level. We both offer our three suggestions for basic but "culturally impactful" Japanese words every beginner of Japanese language should master. Other topics we discuss:

New client acquisition techniques for entrepreneurs
How Saga Consulting helps Japanese organizations expand internationally
Biggest stumbling blocks for Japanese companies when trying to expand overseas
Balancing "trying to do it the Japanese way" vs. keeping his own personal style
Working with "Foreign Curious" companies is his sweet spot, explained
What working for a Japanese company taught him
Early cultural missteps from Japanese corporate life
Best Japanese language Apps for quick learning
Simple language tips for building better relations in your community
Favorite untranslatable Japanese word
Swap culturally unique Japanese words beginners should master

Anthony Griffin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonygriffin/
Saga Consulting: http://www.consultsaga.com
Kokoro Media: https://kokoro-jp.com/

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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We all miss traveling, and this episode I get to speak with long-time, airline professional, Don Bunkenburg. Don is the Senior Director in Japan for the Lufthansa Group. Which includes Swiss Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and Germany's Lufthansa. We talk about how Lufthansa competes in the Japan market renowned for its level of service and hospitality, the "No risk culture" similarities between Germany and Japan, how each airline in the group tailors their service offering to reflect the culture of each country, the steps required to actually fill up an airplane day after day, how Lufthansa changed from a process driven service delivery to a personalized service offering to earn the only European airline ranking of "5 Star" airline, and why the definition of "On Time Departure" is a little more important in Japan than some "other" countries. Other topics of discussion:

How Don, an American, deciding to take a Summer job to improve his German, led to a 30 years plus career working for Germany's largest airline
Do Airline rankings really matter and how this relates to customer service investments
What is "Swissness"
The unique service differentiation between Austrian, Swiss, and Lufthansa
His regret regarding a different, missed opportunity in the aviation industry
How the special relationship shared with ANA gives Lufthansa a big advantage
The biggest challenge of working in Japan
Safety 1st vs. Service 1st. Do Western airlines and Asian Airlines perceive this differently
Lufthansa's response to the COVID Pandemic
Why Brazilians make up a significant % of travelers between Japan and Germany
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Frank Foley is a charismatic 30-year Japan professional with a deep understanding of character licensing, content marketing, and IP management. He was the country manager for Guinness World Records Japan where he successfully shifted the business model from wacky and crazy to a more Japan focused local strategy. Even participating in the record-setting worlds largest beef skewer event. Frank has represented IP entertainment brands from the Rolling Stones and Ariana Grande to children's educational brands including Thomas the Train. Frank is currently the owner of Next Big Thing which is actually the name of one of two TV shows he is pitching to Japanese networks. You will hear about both shows in this episode.
Other topics of discussion:

Corporate world record-setting success stories
"You Gotta Hear This" the untapped Japanese pop music opportunity
The benefits of Thomas the Train toilet paper
Differences between representing music artist IP brands vs. fictional IP brands
Japan Initiatives to differentiate and localize for foreign brands
The length of Ishigaki's world record setting beef skewer
How one gets into the Guinness World Records
Culture as an USP - What keeps him optimistic about Japan's future
Why Japan is a good "testing ground" for foreign product innovation
The next big thing for Next Big Thing

Frank Foley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankfoleyjapan/ More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Part 2 of my interview with author Robert Whiting about his recent best selling memoir "Tokyo Junkie" 60 years of bright lights, back alleys, and baseball. In this episode, Bob tells great stories about colorful foreign players and well-known Japanese baseball stars. Part 2, we talk mostly about the baseball stories from his memoir, but also get into the important story of how writing his first book "The Chrysanthemum and the Bat" completely changed his life. Together with episode #1 this is another important and rare opportunity to hear the history and evolution of Tokyo, from one Olympics in 1964 to the the current Tokyo 2020 games as lived and experienced by a true story teller, Robert Whiting. Other topics we discuss:

The real reason Nomo went to the US to play for the Dodgers
NY Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui's adult video collection story
Being interviewed by Larry King
Reminiscing the time spent with Sadaharu Oh
The Yomiuri Giants 10 Commandments for foreign ball players
How the export of Japanese players to the Major League has changed Japanese baseball
Why there are fewer gaijin cultural transgressions these days
The backstory behind a keepsake he received from a fan . . . and former US President
Why gaijin "used" to get an expanded strike zone
Bob's favorite untranslatable Japanese word

Robert's Books (Tokyo Junkie): https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Whiting/
Robert Whiting: https://tokyojunkie.com/
More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow your website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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I have been a big fan of Robert Whiting ever since I read "Chrysanthemum and the Bat" back in high school in the 1980's. Numerous, critically acclaimed books later, I sit down with Bob to discuss his latest book, a memoir, "Tokyo Junkie" 60 Years of Bright Lights and Back Alleys . . . and baseball. We discuss his firsthand insights into six decades of entertaining, dangerous, bizarre, and heartfelt experiences sandwiched between the 1st Olympics in 1962 to the current 2021 games. This is part 1 of a 2 part podcast interview. This episode covers the "Bright Lights and Back Alleys" of Tokyo Junkie with the 2nd episode covering "Baseball" and more. This is a rare, oral history of raw and underground Tokyo told by the person who lived it, from Soldier to Degenerate to The Professional to The Rojin - Robert Whiting. Other topics we cover:

What it's like to have your life threatened by the Yakuza (twice)
Why writing a Memoir was a "painful" process
The big break which changed his life
Befriending gangsters and its repercussions
Back stories of mafia and politics
What led to the writing of his 1st book
After 60 years in Japan what he misses most about the "good old days"
News of his next book, a sequel to "Tokyo Underworld"
Most "Gratifying" professional achievement
Interview tips for a certain podcaster ;-)

Robert's Books (Tokyo Junkie): https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Whiting/
Robert Whiting: https://tokyojunkie.com/
More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow your website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode is #40, and the content is a little different from the past 39 episodes in that today's guest is . . . myself. It's actually a re-purposed podcast from Dr. Greg Story's "Japan's Top Business Interviews" podcast. I was a guest on his show in early 2021 and took that content and edited it to use for this Now and Zen's 40th episode. The original podcast (thus this episode) we discussed my 30 year journey from department store buyer to helping everybody in love with culinary, achieve their ultimate kitchen lifestyle. We talk about leadership in Japan and my numerous experiences doing business in Japan, since the 1990's. Other topics of interest:

My three key aspects of leadership
The sales conference story where I proved to my staff they could default to the opportunity vs the risk
Why "engagement" is low in Japan
The family influence which got me interested in Japan
How I was able to study Japanese in university as a high school student
3 pieces of advise for any new foreign leader coming to Japan
Delegation in Japan
Early days in Japan and struggles working at a large Japanese company
Gaining trust as a new leader in Japan

More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Japan's Top Business Interviews: https://podcasts.apple.com

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Have you ever dreamed of an ultimate luxury vacation in Japan? If so, then Alex Debs is your man. He is the founder of Hitotoki, the Luxury Travel Designer. This episode you will hear all the intimate details of luxury travel planning in Japan including the most demanding request his team was tasked with. We find out how he has been coping despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the struggles as a small & specialized agency and dealing with the large Japan travel associations, exclusive itinerary suggestions for a 2-3 day-trip out of Tokyo, why he launched a club for smaller travel suppliers, and how to book a seat at the world famous restaurant, Jiro Sushi. A fascinating look into a world most have never experienced. Other topics we cover:

"Luxury Travel Designer" explained & "Luxury" defined
Secrets to selecting the best travel guides
How to deal with illegal requests
The pandemic business pivot
Itinerary preferences differentiated by nationalities
Why many hotels are not prepared to accept foreign luxury guests
The "Go-To-Travel" fiasco stories and how Japan travel associations work, or don't
Okinawa has the best luxury market potential but not yet foreign market oriented
The business opportunity he saw which led to starting HITOTOKI
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea

HITOTOKI: https://hitotoki-travel.com/
Alex Debs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-debs/ More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow your website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Parissa Haghirian is an internationally renowned expert on Japanese Management and Leadership and a Professor of International Management at Sofia University. She is the author of 12 books on Japanese Management, Cross-Cultural topics, and Consumer Dynamics. We examine these as well as some cultural concepts from her latest book. We also discuss how Japanese management practice is uniquely different, successful Japanese corporate survival strategies and what foreign firms can learn, why cross-cultural business issues are often Japan specific, and her favorite language concept "50 ways to say No in Japanese which don't actually include No". Other topics of interest:

In-depth explanation on the fundamental differences between Westerns and Japanese management environments
How "Constant Job Rotation" is a benefit for Japanese management
Why are cute mascots essential in corporate Japan
Insight on how Japanese companies are actually very open-minded
The advantages and disadvantages of the "process driven" nature of Japanese companies
"Cross-cultural growth is based on mistakes, it's a tough and emotional learning process"
Consumer dynamics and the challenges facing foreign brands entering Japan
Explanations of Ganbaru, Gamman, and Enryo from her book "Japanese Business Concepts you should Know"
"The most interesting question for Japanese is how foreigners manage, and the most interesting for foreigners is how Japanese manage" The advise which led to her dedication of researching Japanese management.
The question she wishes people had asked her, but has yet had the chance to answer - until now

Parissa Haghirian:https://www.linkedin.comJapanese Business Concepts You Should Know: https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Business-Concepts More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/

Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Everything you ever wanted to know about the grocery & convenience store business in Japan with Haribo Japan President, Paul Craft. He is an expert on Japan's packaged consumer goods market. Paul started his Japan career 13 years ago with Starbucks Japan, then launched HoneyBaked Ham (their first ever foreign expansion), and has been the country manager for Haribo Japan since 2018. We discuss the production of a localized Haribo TV commercial with real Sumo wrestlers, inside info on distribution and sales strategies at CVS and grocery stores, his successful experiences earning "brand legitimacy", packaging localization advise and tactics, and why chewing gum has lost popularity, not just in Japan but around the world. Other topics we discuss:

Early days setting up the pre-packaged ready-to-drink business for Starbucks Japan
The "Ruthlessness" of the convenience store market - demonstrated every Tuesday
Modern vs. Antiquated = Convenience stores vs. Grocery stores
Convincing the HoneyBaked Ham family on Japan expansion
Gaining Japanese consumers "Stamp-of-Approval"
Why brand "legitimacy" is so important in Japan and two examples he used
Getting the Japan Sumo Association approval for the Haribo TV commercial
Are Japanese flavored Gummy Bears on the horizon?
Detailed and cultural explanation of "Ho Ren So"
The importance of "precedence" in Japan
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea

Haribo International: https://www.haribo.com/enHaribo Sumo Wrestlers: https://www.youtube.com/Paul Kraft:https://www.linkedin.com

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Jeff Crawford is the president of Zo Digital, a bi-lingual digital marketing agency he founded over seven years ago. He describes many of the mistakes foreign companies make when setting up their web presence in Japan and explains how to remedy these issues. What hidden gems can be discovered in your site analytics to improve eCom sales. Why Japanese sites are often so busy and loud. Simple and practical advise on how to increase traffic and improve conversion rates through "Authoritativeness" and "Trustworthiness". This might sound a bit technical but Jeff explains it all in a very easy to understand style. I guarantee you will become more digital marketing savvy after listening to Jeff's stories and advise. Other topics we discuss:

The biggest mistakes foreign firms make when launching web sites in Japan
What is a "YMYL" site (Your Money or Your Life)
How Google ranks and evaluates websites
Simple methods to increase your site's E.A.T. (E = Expertise)
Isn't "User Experience" subjective?
The best and worst way to create web "content"
Google voice search SEO is coming
The most important web site page for Japanese (26:23)
Key Word research and how to master the nuance
What many Japanese think about the typical western website
How much companies should invest in SEO as a % of sales
How does understanding analytics specifically improve ones business (29:34)
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea

Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Jeff Crawford:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcrawford/

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Neil Butler is a 40-year Tokyo veteran and CEO / Publisher of Metropolis Magazine. Neil is well-known in Japan from his successful 13 year stint with Australian Meat & Livestock where he coined the catch-phrase "Aussie Beef" and you will hear this great marketing success story during this episode. However for the past 13 years, he has been the driving force behind the free Tokyo magazine Metropolis and its on-line version. Neil talks about his numerous challenges he has faced in the publishing business and some of the opportunities he has discovered during this pandemic. He offers advice on working in Japan, his proudest career accomplishment in 40 years, and why he loves working for Metropolis magazine despite the financial difficulties. I used to work for Metropolis back in the 90's when it was still called Tokyo Classifieds, so we exchange a couple of interesting stories about working for this iconic, 27 year old publication. This was great opportunity to catch up with an old friend, share a couple beers, and swap stories, and that's exactly what this episode sounds like. Other topics we discuss:

The Meat Marketer to Metropolis Publisher story, in his words
How a free paper generates revenue, and these challenges
What sets Metropolis Magazine apart from other publications in Japan
Waffle machines, consulting, and Augmented Reality (AR). How Metropolis has discovered opportunities during this pandemic
Why gaining trust has been his biggest challenge working in Japan
"If the magazine does not make money, why continue publishing it?"
The sales pitch which convinced the Tokyo Metro to put Metropolis magazine into their kiosks
The Japanese "shoganai" culture and we create a new word: Shoganai-shugi
The great "Aussie Beef" marketing success story
Two Free Unsolicited Business Ideas, at least I tried

Metropolis Magazine: https://metropolisjapan.com/

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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A fascinating look into the on-line gaming business in Japan with Aiko Smith, the CEO of Aloha Shark Casino. Aiko has more than 15 years experience in this exciting industry and is one of the pioneers in the Japanese on-line casino market. This episode you will hear how Aloha Shark localizes their site for Japanese players, learn about on-line casino’s “Payout Percentage” and how this compares to other forms of gambling in Japan. How the potential future legalization of land casinos in Japan will effect her business, who is a typical on-line casino player in Japan, the largest payout on Aloha Shark most recently, and finally Aiko offers a free $20 trial bonus for Now & Zen listeners. If you are lucky, listening to this episode could literally be worth your time! (Details at the 31:30 mark) Other topics we discuss:

Click HERE to claim your free $20 bonus (Once on Aloha Shark site, go to the top right corner and click "Create Account")
Why on-line gambling is a legal gray-area in Japan
What is required to start an on-line casino
Analyze the culturally risk-adverse Japanese society and how this fits with on-line casinos
Her most important duties as CEO of Aloha Shark
How she got started in this industry
Discuss the 還元率 Kangenritsu “RTP%” The Return To Player % of on-line casinos
The most popular on-line casino games in Japan
How players “cash-out” after winning
The Pandemic effect for Aloha Shark
The importance of Customer Support or as Aloha Shark calls it “Casino Concierge”
How Aloha Shark has localized their site and games specifically for Japan
Suggestions for 1st time players, including a risk-free $20 offer
Click HERE to claim your free $20 bonus (Once on Aloha Shark site, go to the top right corner and click "Create Account")

Now and Zen Japan: https://www.nowandzen.jp/
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Katheryn Gronauer is the founder of Thrive Tokyo. She is a cross-cultural trainer and business coaching entrepreneur based in Tokyo. We speak about the most common cultural frustrations newcomers to Japan face and how she helps them overcome these challenges. As a young entrepreneur, discuss self-branding and how she markets her services, how her early start in health coaching led to the beginnings for Thrive Tokyo, an in-depth analysis of Japanese communication styles and why this topic is often the biggest mystery for foreigners in Japan, and the "Oh crap" moment and results, when she landed her first big corporate client. Other topics we cover:

How to balance "localizing" oneself vs. keeping true to your own style
Discovering many cultural issues are similar and predictable
Most effective methods for marketing herself
Using her youth and upbringing as a competitive advantage
Cultural struggles vs. emotional struggles for foreigners in Japan
Explains her new membership program called the "Accelerator"
Dives into some unique Japanese cultural values
Not one but two, "Free Unsolicited Business Ideas"

Thrive Tokyo: https://www.thrivetokyo.com/
Katheryn Gronauer:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katheryngronauer/

Upgrade your future = Dale Carnegie Japan: http://enjapan.dalecarnegie.com
Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Learn how to become a confident public speaker, a more effective presenter, and the formula for influential story-telling. Dr. Greg Story is the president of Dale Carnegie Japan and the best-selling author of "Japan Sales Mastery" and "Japan Business Mastery". We discuss successful sales techniques and how the sales process will change post COVID and other topics from his books. We debate if his six different podcasts is "too much content", and Greg tells stories of true-life experiences which compliment his great business tips, insights, and advise. Being a 6th- degree black belt in Karate and 36 years in Japan, this episode is a really fascinating talk on how actions and choices effect ones life and career. Other topics we cover:

Why public speaking skills are so important to your career
Tips on how to relax before a public presentation
How to "bullet-proof" yourself against hostile audience questions
The 4 elements of a successful presentation - simplified by Greg
Why he decided to "niche-down" and have 6 podcasts instead of 1
His biggest "pet-peeve" when listening to other presenters
Discuss the contents and background of his two best-selling books
How Karate changed his life, his perspective, and his career
The meaning behind his favorite untranslatable Japanese word = "Zanshin"

Greg Story: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregstory/
Dale Carnegie Japan:https://www.dalecarnegie.com/ja/locations/japan
Japan Dale Carnegie TV: https://www.youtube.com

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Deanna Elstrom is a veteran brand marketer, brand strategist, and consumer insights specialist. She has recently launched her own company called Somi Insights, where she combines her love of branding with a fascination of how culture influences human behavior. Japanese consumers is a key area of Deanna's expertise as she led two major agencies during the past seven years in Japan. We discuss the the Japanese name "Somi" which she coined, we learn the big difference between "insights" and "findings", great examples of how culture influences behavior in Japan, a cultural analysis into why Japan is ranked #58 on the Global Happiness Index, and stories of her first experience in Japan as a teenager and how this crafted her Japan journey. Other topics we cover:

The meaning of "Somi", a made-up Japanese word
Japan and the dilemma of happiness
The difference Somi Insights brings to the Japan market
Findings vs. Insights explanation with examples
Omotenashi and Sustainability balance
She questions my Japan kitchenware market "insights"
Interesting Japan beauty market discoveries
Her favorite untranslatable Japanese word = Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu
The Japanese and Western interpretation of what "home" is
"The researcher is the consumer voice, keep the consumer voice as a superpower"

Somi Insights home page: http://somiinsights.com
Deanna Elstrom:https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-elstrom

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Eric D'Ignazio is a 14-year Japan hospitality veteran who's resume includes InterContinental Hotels and the The Accor Group. Eric has spent his entire professional life working in Japan and has had a very non-traditional hotel career path where he eventually became Representative Director at Accor for seven years. It seems his destiny was to work in hospitality as he got his start as a child working at his grandfather's Italian restaurant in Philadelphia. Eric recants the training and cultural insights gained from his career start with a very traditional Japanese company. We talk about his new company AssistINT he co-founded, focused on hospitality industry consulting and IT development for Japan market-entry. And, we discover numerous mutual coincidences among our Japan journey, which leads to some interesting comments. Other topics we cover:

Childhood lessons from working at his grandfathers Italian restaurant
What makes Japanese hospitality the best in the world
The "Omakase" mindset and guest expectations in Japan
The difference between Omotenashi and Hospitality
Consistence and Courtesy - What foreign companies can learn from Japanese hospitality
Predictions for the future of Japan
The challenges of hospitality recruiting and training and how to address this
Tekizai Tekisho - the Japanese 4 character idiom explained
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea

AssistINT: https://www.assistint.com/
Eric D'Ignazio:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dignazio/

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Dive into the world of traditional Japanese sword making with craftsman Taro Asano. He is one of only a handful of practicing "Kajiya" (a person who forges Japanese swords / Katana) still in Japan. He also offers a workshop in English where people come to make their own custom-forged "Samurai knife". It's a unique once in a lifetime experience. We discuss all things Katana, how he became a Kajiya, his future plans - which include taking on a 20-year old American apprentice and creating a You-Tube channel to chronicle their adventures, and why Japanese sword/ blacksmithing is more popular with foreigners than with Japanese. Other topics we cover:

How long and what it takes to become a Kajiya
His thoughts on the Master - Apprentice relationship
Insight on forging steel and the processes he employs
Learn why 70% of his workshop participants come from the same field
The rules and etiquette around handling a Japanese Katana
Why he makes kitchen knives in addition to swords
Is the myth you have to register your Katana with the police true?
Plans for his 20-year old American apprentice
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea

Asano Kajiya: http://asanokajiya.com/en
Asanokajiya Studio (You Tube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Meet a true Hospitality Professional. Mr. Matthias Sutter, the Rep. Director of Shangri-La Hotels Japan and the GM of the Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo. We discuss Japanese customer service, how different nationalities have different hospitality expectations, his two requirements for anyone to succeed in the hotel business, and how starting off in Food & Beverage helped craft his strong sense of hospitality. We also talk Trip Advisor, hotel rankings, and the guest comments he likes the most. If you are curious about how luxury hotel GM's think, practice, and teach customer service and hospitality, this episode is a must-listen. Other topics we cover:

Why hotels are an "El Dorado" for customer service
The three topics to never discuss with hotel guests
Different cultures have different interpretations of hospitality
Japanese service vs. other Asian countries
Preparations for the Shangri-La Kyoto opening
Guest comments which led to innovative and successful promotions
Hotel "brands" have separate DNA, thus some customer focus differences
Japanese "guest comment" tendencies
The Free Unsolicited Business Idea

The Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo: https://www.shangri-la.com/tokyo/shangrila/

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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An amazing and iconic Tokyo veteran - Timothy Langley. With over 40 years experience in Japan, Timothy is the founder of Japan's premier government & public consultancy Langley Esquire. Most unique about Timothy, he was the first foreigner to work in the Japan National Diet working alongside many senior Japanese politicians. In addition he has served as top Legal & Gov't Affairs Specialist for Apple Computer (Japan), General Counsel to General Motors (Japan) and director of numerous companies from start-up to fortune 100. Although on hiatus he is also Host & Executive Producer of Japan's only Public Affairs-related audio/video series, Tokyo on Fire! When you think: "Fascinating people in Japan", Timothy Langley is indeed the poster child. Other topics we cover:

Great stories from serving as handler for Pres. George Bush during his Japan visit
Related stories about "clash of cultures" with the Secret Service
Why foreigners in Japan are often "Agents of Change"
His own incredible "Agent of Change" stories
How with all his accomplishments in Japan, his most important success story is still a work in progress
Spices up politics and explains how and why the LDP stays in power
Why Public Affairs is so import in Japan but yet an untapped market
Motivation for starting one of the first Japan YouTube video series - Tokyo on Fire!
The "Free Unsolicited Business Idea"
What is "Onomatopoeia" and why there are so many in Japan

Langley Esquire: https://langleyesquire.com
Tokyo On Fire! Tokyo on Fire! YouTube
More on the George Bush visit: My Memory Of George H.W. BushTimothy Langley:LinkedIn Profile

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Award-winning broadcaster and radio host Guy Perryman. Guy's soothing and melodic voice has been heard throughout Japan for the past 30 years starting with the launch of Virgin Megastores in 1990 and then Tokyo's InterFM since 1997. In addition, he's a voice actor, event producer, and writer. He has DJ'd for British Royalty and interviewed 100's of world famous artists and businessmen from Paul McCartney and Sting to Richard Branson and designer Paul Smith. We discuss some of these interactions and hear a couple celebrity stories as well as learning about being awarded the official title of MBE from the British Government. We wrap up this episode with special Christmas song from the Watanabes, co-produced with Guy Perryman called "Christmas Hummingbird". This song can be heard at the 45min. mark of the podcast. Other topics we cover:

How a planned 3-month stint at Virgin Megastores turned into over 30 years in Japan
Being nervous before interviewing world famous artists and who surprised him most
Why celebrities often let their guard down when visiting Japan
The power of music and importance of mentors
His frustrations with Japanese media and celebrity culture
Why it's nearly impossible export Japanese radio shows outside Japan
What he collects - its not autographs
My unsolicited business advise for Guy Perryman
His unsuccessful attempts to export J-Pop in the early days
Why "Genki" is his favorite Japanese word

Guy Perryman: http://www.http://guyperryman.com
The Guy Perryman Show InterFM: https://interfm.co.jp/gps/
The Watanabes: http://thewatanabes.com
Christmas Hummingbird:https:/.youtube.com/watch?v=X7FEas03Xjg

Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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Japan veteran and savvy businessman Seth Sulkin. He is the founder of Pacifica Capital an international hotel developer and operator. He has also recently become a disruptor in the restaurant food delivery business with the launch of his new gourmet restaurant food delivery app Food-e. In this episode we learn all about this booming industry, why before Food-e high-end restaurants couldn't or wouldn't join delivery apps, and the innovations which convinced these reputable restaurants to sign on. As Seth states, "It's the quickest sell I've done in 35 years of doing business in Japan". We also discuss developing hotels in Japan and the importance of overseeing all customer touch-points and the Instagram angle. Other topics we cover:

What led to the inception of Food-e
The inside stories of food delivery apps and restaurant economics
The problems with current food delivery apps and how Food-e solves them
How Seth was able to convince high-end restaurants to join Food-e
My crazy ideas on how to improve the Food-e experience
Why Pacifica Capital only develops International Hotels
The reason why "chairs" are so important
Unique ideas for instagram-able breakfasts
Favorite Japanese word (Okamochi)

Seth Sulkin: Pacifica CapitalFood-e: https://www.food-e.co.jp
The Moxy Tokyo: Moxy Hotel Tokyo Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode we discuss fashion in Japan and premium dog food. Not two topics often mentioned in the same sentence, but very related to today's guest Mr. Loic Bizel. Loic started his own fashion consulting business in Tokyo nearly 30 years ago and runs two very successful fashion related websites (see links in the notes below). He was one of the co-founders of the fashion "flash sales" site Gladd.jp in 2009. He's referred to as a "Trendspotter" and "Cool Hunter" by the media and is considered one of the utmost foreign experts on Japanese fashion trends. In 2017 he started a new DTC business focused on premium dog food. Using his experience in eCommerce, spotting new "trends", and understanding the Japanese psyche, "Leo & Lea" specializes in a growing niche for organic pet food with a unique customer experience. This is another insightful and fun listening episode. Other topics we cover:

Fashion in Japan is about being part of a community
Why Japanese prefer to spend on fashion over home improvement
How fashion trends start in Japan
The role and importance of "Select Shops"
How the Japanese fashion market has changed in the past 30 years
The Moncler story of how puffer jackets went from niche to BOOM in Japan
Defining Fashionable vs. Trendy
Why Tokyo is the best fashion capital in the world
Dogs in Japan are treated as family members
Why Japanese are happy to pay a premium for organic dog food
In Japan you are not a pet "owner" you are referred to as a pet "parent"
Favorite Japanese word (Shoganai)

Loic Bizel: https://lebiz-consulting.comFashion In Japan: https://fashioninjapan.com
Leo & Lea Premium Dog Food: https://leoandlea.com Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode I speak with Cynthia Usui. Author of Eight things Full-time Housewives Should do Before Entering the Workforce . After 17 years as a stay-at-home mom, Cynthia successfully re-launched her career and quickly rose to the managerial ranks. She now coaches housewives who want to return to the workforce, how to follow in her footsteps. Cynthia shares many tips and much wisdom from her amazing journey "from Mother to Management". Other highlights from our conversation:

The work-life balance should be measured from a long-term perspective
Why it was easier for her to re-invent her career with a non-Japanese hotel
3 metrics to evaluate housewives when re-entering the workforce
On using a SWOT analysis for her students before job interviews
The success of her government sponsored tourism coaching programs
What she would do if she were in charge of the 30% "Women in Leadership" mandate
Why Japanese hospitality needs more personalization
Career mapping for the 100-year-life and goal setting in 2021 and beyond
How she quickly progressed from part-timer to management in 7 years
Why can't the achievements and experiences of rasing a child be included on a resume?
Favorite Japanese phrase (Read the Air)

Cynthia Usui: Cynthia Usui LinkedIn
Her book: 8 things Full-time Housewives Should do Before Entering the Workforce Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Japan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode I speak with Brendhan Kelly, the Hospitality Communication Manager for the Tysons Group of restaurants. Tysons is most well known for Ivy Place, Cicada, Smokehouse, and the iconic TY Harbor Brewery in Tennozu Isle. If you have dinned at any of these restaurants you were most likely impressed with the unique level of personalized hospitality. This is a direct result of Brendhan's input and influence. We discuss Tysons brand of "Global Hospitality" and how he trains and imparts this with staff and mentors and empowers them to become "experience creators". You will also hear about how after years of consulting work, he suddenly switched careers in his mid-40's, walked into a Tysons restaurant and said "I want to work here". Other highlights from our conversation:

The difference between "Service" and "Hospitality"
A story about entertaining 350 South Africans during the rugby World Cup
How he empowers staff to give personalized service
Pet peeve about restaurants in Japan
The big break which catapulted him to his current position
Mentoring techniques to teach better hospitality
The best compliment he could ever receive
The story behind the IPA name
How his father's business and childhood influenced his interest in hospitality
The one establishment which has better hospitality than his chain
How hospitality affects the bottom line in the restaurant business

gugu Sleep Company https://gugu.jp
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life
Brendhan Kelly: https://www.tysons.jp/en/recruit/interview-brendanTysons & Company:https://www.tysons.jp/en/about

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This episode I welcome back Mike Howard. It has been seven months since we first met on this podcast to promote his just published book "The Salaryman". Since then, there have been a lot of changes in Mike's life - many good, some negative, and one huge life altering decision. Mike discusses these developments as they relate to his book. This episode was spontaneous as we had originally planned to just meet for a "farewell" drink (spoiler alert) but we ended up recording and it became pretty self-reflective but also a lot of fun. Some other highlights from our conversation:

A spin-off project from the "Salaryman" book
Indie publishing do's and don'ts
How the book caused him to lose a friendship
Why he's moving back to the US
The book became his self-therapy
How much you can make with digital publishing
Self promotion sales results
His new Dream Job development
A relationship with a Japanese stand up comedian
The new Salaryman Manga series
Mike's house got broken into
A look back on 13 years in Japan

gugu Sleep Company https://gugu.jp
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life
Also available Direct: http://www.thesalarymanbook.com
Contact Michael: michael@thesalarymanbook.com

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This episode I sit down with Dominic Carter, an expert on Japan market entry, market research, and branding. Dominic shares great insight, knowledge, and current research results, for anyone working in Japan or looking to expand into Japan needs to hear. Today you hear his 3 Golden Rules for Japan market entry success, the 4 Marco Trends shaping modern Japan, as well as numerous great quotes about how to succeed in the Japanese market. This is must listen to anyone doing business in Japan. Other topics we discuss:

How the future of Japan will be better with a smaller working population
Doing sales in Japan is more of an art than a science and what is "aggressive positioning"
Why Dominic is overly generous in his offering of free, but valuable market entry content on his blog and social media
The best definition of "insight" you'll ever hear
Learn the "Four Macro Trends" shaping modern Japan and how they will affect marketing and the future of doing business in Japan
"Scarcity Value" and how this relates to the youth of Japan
Has the COVID pandemic caused "Internationalization" to go backwards in Japan?
Great marketing examples which exemplify the risk adverse nature of the Japan market
The Three Golden Rules to successful Japan market entry
Keeping your "foreignness" vs. localization for international brands
Many great quotes from Dominic, lead me to start a "Now & Zen" quotes page

The Carter Group: https://the-carter-group.comDominic Carter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-carter-404b62/
gugu Mattress Company: https://gugu.jp
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode I speak with Mary Reisel. Mary is an applied anthropologist, who has lived in Japan for nearly 20 years. Her main area of expertise is consumer psychology. She is also a PhD. candidate from Meiji Gakuin University and her dissertation is on Japanese "Enjyo Kosai" also known as Compensated Dating and how it applies to consumption and E-Commerce. After ten years of researching this controversial subject, she explains how sexuality, intimacy, and desire are not only closely linked to consumerism but also hold the keys to everything in life. In this episode we get to hear the origins, the real motivation behind "Enjoy Kosai" and the current status of compensated dating in Japan. Other topics we discuss:

Why intimacy in Japan is very different than in the West
How "Enjyo Kosai" started out as a game among high-class women
A question from a Japanese student regarding "love" which changed her views
Marco Polo's role in her early interest in Asia and Japan
The foreign press influence in the image of "Enjyo Kosai"
"Enjyo Kosai" was never about sexual relations. . .
The history and role of Japanese "Snacks" and Hostess bars
Is "Enjyo Kosai" female empowerment, therapy, or abuse?
How she did her research and how many interviews she conducted
How shopping and sex are related to the meaning of life
The deep psychological answer to consumerism and "Enjyo Kosai"

Mary Reisel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mreisel/Nightwork: Sexuality, Pleasure, and Corporate Masculinity in a Tokyo Hostess Club: https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Anne-Allison/dp/0226014878
gugu Mattress Company: https://gugu.jp
Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode I sit down with Katsura Sunshine, the only Western Rakugo Master Storyteller in the world and only the 2nd in the history of traditional Japanese Rakugo. He shares his fascinating journey from Canadian playwright and musical producer to Master Japanese Rakugo Storyteller. We dive into the details of his three-year apprenticeship, the hardships and rewards. How he became an international Rakugo ambassador not only on Off-Broadway but around the world. Toward the end of the podcast we even get to hear a short traditional Rakugo story translated into English. Other topics we discuss:

The genius story behind why his Master made him bleach his hair blond
Why he does not localize the traditional Rakugo stories when presenting in English
How he got his first big break to internationalize Rakugo
The differences between stand-up comedy and Rakugo
Indentured servitude for three years and menial jobs is part of the apprenticeship
The real meaning and purpose behind the apprenticeship
How he convinced his Master to take him as an apprentice
New Yorkers reaction when seeing him in kimono in public
Rakugo stories are very family friendly, but there is an "adult" version as well

gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpKatsura Shinshine's Website: https://www.rakugo.lol

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This episode I sit down with Jared Campion the co-founder of Dream Drive, a customized Camper Van rental company. Only a little over one-year old, Dream Drive is seeing its business expand exponentially despite the current situation. How did the original idea for Dream Drive come about and what were the many hurdles in Japan for a foreigner to start a customized rental van company in Japan. Despite extremely high capital investment for a niche Japanese market, Jared's dream for Dream Drive is coming true. Other topics we discuss:

The reasons all Camper-Vans are customized "in-house"
Difference and advantages of a Camper Van vs. traditional RV
The biggest challenges starting his business
How he defines his business as "Luxury Hotel on Wheels"
What is a "Base Camp Network" and how this is the actual long-term goal of Dream Drive
The interesting intinerary differences between domestic customers and inbound tourists
We debate five new business ideas for Dream Drive presented by AH
Why Japan is better than New Zealand for "Best done by Camper Van"
How travel by Camper Van is actually cheaper than by train or plane in Japan

gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpDream Drive Japan: https://www.dreamdrive.life

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This episode I continue my conversation with Tim Sullivan. Specifically, he talks about the hundreds of cross-cultural training seminars he conducted for Hawaiian Airlines prior to their launching Japan flights. It's full of great anecdotes and amazing cultural insight. We also discuss the Japanese apology, and how he moulds his rule-breaking ways to fit accepted Japanese norms. This is a short episode and well worth a listen: Quality over quantity for sure.

gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpTim Sullivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-sullivan-3528486/
Intercultural Twilight Zone: https://japaninsight.wordpress.com

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This episode I sit down with cross-cultural educator Mr. Tim Sullivan. He’s a very down to earth and culturally astute ambassador for Japan and foreign relations. His excellent Japan understanding comes from his study of cultural anthropology and Japanese story-telling Rakugo. For his corporate seminars he uses a storytelling approach vs. academic speak and on this episode he tells us numerous educational and entertaining stories including of his experience as a corporate mediator between waring US and Japan engineering teams, another about Mt. Fujii and how this majestic mountain is culturally perceived differently by Japanese and western cultures, and finally his most humbling yet inspiring moment in Japan, which took place in a Blues Bar. In addition, we discuss Japanese humor, Peter Drucker, which culture really invented the "Ikigai" concept, and how through his intervention, Americans learned to embrace the Japanese Hanseikai - the self reflection meeting. Other topics we discuss:

Living with a Japanese rock and roll star and his days as a "roadie"
How to use Kakubari in a cross-cultural way with non-Japanese
Process oriented vs. Goal oriented: The Japanese decision-making process explained
Why American's might refer to Mt. Fuji as a "Son of a Bitch!"
The "Iceberg" model of visually analyzing cultural differences
A Japanese concept he employed to defuse toxic US-Japan corporate relations
How storytelling Increases engagement in in cultural seminars
Culturally accepted sarcasm and irony in Japan
Discuss his new collaborative book "Simple English for Japanese Medical Professionals" and the background of this project

gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpTim Sullivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-sullivan-3528486/
Intercultural Twilight Zone: https://japaninsight.wordpress.comSimple English for Japanese Medical Professionals: http://www.nanzando.com/books/02241.php

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This "remote "episode I sit down with Omotenashi Consultant Paul Willis. Didn't know this was an actual job? Neither did I, which is why I was very interested to speak with Paul. "Omotenashi" has become a buzz word in Japan and internationally ever since Tokyo was selected to host the 2020 Olympics, and is the cornerstone of why Japanese hospitality is considered the best in the world. Paul has extensively researched Omotenashi, the background, culturally where it derives from, and has constructed a "schematic" in which he breaks down six components behind Omotenashi. Usually these details are reserved for his seminars, but luckily in this episode, he shares his findings along with numerous examples and stories. Other topics we discuss:

What led him to become an Omotenashi Consultant
The role "consistency" plays in Omotenashi
How Western hospitality often requires the guest to initiate the process of getting good service
His Omotenashi "research" in Kyoto
His most disappointing Japan "service" experience in Japan
The dark side of Kodawari (attention to detail)
Explain how he "sells" his Omotenashi service to organizations
The future of Digital Omotenashi
His greatest success story and proudest accomplishment

gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpOmotenashi-CX Customer Experience Consultancy: https://omotenashi-cx.com
Paul Willis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwillis888/

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This episode I sit down with the ultimate Kagoshima spokesperson Alex Bradshaw. It's rare to meet a foreigner so personally invested in any specific region of Japan. His knowledge of history, traditions, and the ability to weave these stories into a tourism proposition is amazing! He is currently Head of Overseas Business for the award-winning, World Heritage site Sengan-en and an advisor to the Government of Kagoshima. How he manages these two roles make up the crux of our interesting conversation. If you have never visited Kagoshima before, you will definitely want to after listening to Alex! You're guaranteed to hear a couple new thought-provoking perspectives on Japanese culture. We chat and share craft beers at Yona Yona Beerworks in Ebisu. Other topics we discuss:

Culturally, "Added-Value" is Japanese tourism USP
Interesting backstory on Kiriko glassware
How his current role was meant to be a kind of "wrecking ball"
Introduces a hidden gem of travel destinations
Why there are so many garish signs at tourism sites and his improvement advise
Fascinating history lesson about Satsuma (Kagoshima)
How Japan sells itself on "Mystery"
Discuss Japanese artistic Bokashi and corporate Nemawashi
What he would implement to improve tourism, if he were in charge of the JNTO (Japan National Tourism Agency)
Winning Best Attraction at the World Tourism Awards
Interesting facts about the Kagoshima drinking culture

gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpSENGAN-EN: https://www.senganen.jp/en/
Alex Bradshaw: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-bradshaw/

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This episode I share craft beers with Andrew Silberman, Chief Enthusiast of the Advanced Management Training Group and author of the book "Get a G.R.I.P." The Global Readiness Improvement Plan. With nearly 30 years of corporate training in Tokyo focused on coaching, leadership, and presentations, he is a very riveting guest. We share some super insightful topics and a lot of laughs. It's another podcast from the Ivy Place in Daikanyama and the best 40 minute investment you will make today. Other topics we dive into:

The inspiration behind writing the book "Get a G.R.I.P"
Discuss negative vs. positive reinforcement in Japanese business
Examine Daniel Pink's theory of motivation and how this applies to Japan
Why he chose Chief Enthusiast rather than CEO as his official title
Three ways to harness positive psychology from The HBR
Turn the tables on Andrew (the guest) with some sentence-completion tasks
Learn a new Japanese version of PDCA (try not to laugh)
The joys of saying and sharing the Japanese word Otsukaresama
How Japanese business is akin to a marathon
Takeaways readers of "Get a G.R.I.P." should expect
How corporate training has changed in 25+ years

gugu Sleep Company https://gugu.jp
The AMT Group: https://www.amt-group.com
Buy the book Get a G.R.I.P. https://www.amazon.co.jp/Get-G-R-I-P-
Andrew Silberman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsilberman/

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This episode we get the low-down on all things subculture in Japan with Mr. Brett Bull. Brett is the founder of Tokyo Reporter, an English language website focused on salacious and scandalous news from Japan. It's not all cherry blossoms and sushi, get the background on why and how he started Tokyo Reporter and many other stories from the underbelly of Japan. We share craft beers at Ivy Place in Daikanyama. Other topics we get into:

How he originally got started reporting Japanese scandalous stories even before Tokyo Reporter (TR)
Discuss ideas how to monetize his site
There is a template in Japanese for every crime news story
Comments on the TR Facebook page is where all best interaction takes place
Explains the legal loop-holes regarding "girls bars"
The real reason behind the "No Dancing" laws in Japan
His end-game (goal) in operating the TR website
Why he doesn't want to have 1million unique readers
The one topic he would love to focus on if he had free access to cover anything
Avoiding meiwaku (causing trouble to others) is very strong in Japan, but so is the concept of "shoganai" (it can't be helped) and how this applies to Right Wingers

gugu Sleep Company https://gugu.jpTokyo Reporter site: https://www.tokyoreporter.com
Tokyo Reporter Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thetokyoreporter/

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This episode I continue my discussion and sharing of IPA's with Dr. David Sweet. David is 20-year Japan resident, a sales superstar, best selling author, serial entrepreneur, certified business coach, and one of the best recruiters I know in Japan. We are at the Oak Door, located in the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi. In this part 2 of 2 episodes, we share entertaining stories about business life in Japan. Some highlights include:

Discuss his 33 recommended books every sales person should read
Explains why the Dr. Seuss book "Green Eggs & Ham" is the best sales book ever
Debate the sunniest state in the US and discuss the movie Blazing Saddles
Why 'motivational' books are just as important reads as sales books
Using a racial epithet led David to believe his great great grandfather was Japanese
Exchange our top 3 qualities which make a great sales person
Recall our childhood days of "Show & Tell" with a couple of personal stories
Talk a little about his passion for running
Why he distrusts charities but explains why he supports the charity YouMeWe

This episode is sponsored by the gugu sleep company http://gugu.jp
David Sweet: http://drdavidsweet.com
Sweet Sales: http://www.drdavidsweet.com/shop/sweet-success
Gomaru Ginza (Tantanmen) http://www.gomaruginza.com

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This episode is a follow-up with 32-year Japan entrepreneur Ruth Jarman. She is the founder of Jarman International, and the author of six books in Japanese. We focus on two of her books: "33 Reasons Japanese should be Proud" and "39 Reasons Japanese are Great" and discuss some of these reasons including her Top 3. We dive into some cultural analysis complete with personal experience and stories. She is full of infectious energy and passion and together we share many laughs, unique insights, and of course a couple beers at The Rigoletto in Shibuya. Other highlights from our conversation:

Japanese are comfortable in being "under the wire" or "avoiding the limelight"
"Taking it to a higher level" or "Give one's All" is ingrained into Japanese psyche
How attracting foreigners is one part of the Japanese government's revitalization strategy for rural Japan
Why Japanese maintain an extreme focus on the "long-term view" of everything
Her greatest accomplishment in her 32-years in Japan
The fundamental Japanese concept of always "Being Wached"
Did you know that in 2018, 45% of all 20 year-olds in Shinjyuku ward were non-Japanese?
We both share our "themes" for 2020 and a couple of Japanese puns

gugu Sleep Company https://gugu.jp
Jarman International https://www.jarman-international.com
Ruth Jarman https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthjarmanjapan/
All Ruth's books at Amazon ルース・ジャーマンThe Rigoletto Shibuya https://rigoletto/shibuya

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This episode I sit down with 32-year Japan entrepreneur Ruth Jarman. She is the founder of Jarman International, a company assisting Japanese destinations and organizations connect with foreign visitors through customized marketing, curated business strategies, and training programs to help them grow and globalize. Or as Ruth likes to say "helping Japan ease into the international age". She is full of infectious energy and passion, and has a lot of great stories. Together we share many laughs, unique insights, and of course a couple beers at The Rigoletto in Shibuya. Other highlights from our conversation:

How a Japanese superhero TV program first got her into Japanese
Japan as a destination is bursting with "content"
Japanese as hosts, need to understand that foreigners (guests) are probably nervous with interactions, and not the other way around
Why she promotes destinations which are very diverse and distant from each other
Discovering the hidden jewels of Kobayashi City which convinced her to represent them
Amazing story of Japanese Caviar
How she creates top-of-mind awareness for her destinations with inbound tourists
Japanese denim is a good example of Japanese cultural modesty
Discuss "High-Context" communication styles

gugu Sleep Company https://gugu.jp
Jarman International https://www.jarman-international.com
Ruth Jarman https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthjarmanjapan/
All Ruth's books at Amazon ルース・ジャーマン
Kobayashi City https://kobayashi-machi.com/en/Home of Japanese Caviar https://www.japantimes.co.jp/The Rigoletto Shibuya https://rigoletto/shibuya

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This episode I chat with Timothy Connor, a successful, long-term Japan resident. His absence of imbibing proves that drinking beers is NOT required of any guest on Business & Beers. Nonetheless, we discuss in-depth, retail in Japan and how his business Synnovate, specifically his new concept "Responsive" is helping companies adopt a more customer-centric focus through improved customer experience. Timothy believes the future of retail is the customer as the point of sale. It's more than just a discussion about buzz-words, please join in on this innovative customer approach conversation at Shibuya's TGI Friday's. Some highlights include:

Explains the concept behind "The Customer as a Point of Sale"
What makes the Japanese consumer "unique"
"Don't game the system, work the system"
Explains his new customer-centric service "Responsive"
Why cooking demos don't work at factory outlet shops
His definition of Omotenashi - "Invisible Service"
Debate the effectiveness of retail Net Promoter Score
What is the customer experience "Secret sauce"
Andrew introduces some of Zwilling Japan's new customer-centric initiatives
How "Image" rather than potential profits got the old Tokyo Classifieds (now Metropolis magazine) into the Tokyo subway kiosks

This episode is sponsored by the gugu sleep company http://gugu.jp
Timothy Connor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyconnor/

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This episode I sit down with one of the sharpest Japan inter-culturally minded people I've ever met. Rochelle Kopp is a Japanese business culture expert and cross-cultural communications specialist and is the founder and Managing Principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting. We share drinks and eye-(ear)-opening facts and stories about Japanese business norms. Its another podcast from the Grand Hyatt's Oak Door bar. Just give the first 5min a listen, I'm sure you will want to continue to the end. Other topics we dive into:

The reason Japan loves cute mascots for nearly everything
Why Ikebana (flower arrangement) is analogous for Japanese on-the-job-training
The reason Employee engagement in Japan is one of the lowest in the world
"Periodic Personnel Rotations" a typical corporate tradition which holds back Japanese business
Why a large number of Japanese are in jobs they have no motivation for and how this results in the low labor productivity
Discuss the article "30% of Japanese managers feel stress when dealing with foreign employees"
The Japanese government's efforts to improve employees work-life balance
Rocelle's take on the future of Japan
How the Japanese generation-gap is changing the way people work in Japan

gugu Sleep Company https://gugu.jp
Japan Intercultural Consulting https://www.japanintercultural.com
Rochelle Kopp https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellekopp/
The Rice-Paper Ceiling, Valley Speak, The Lowdown, and other books from Rochelle Kopp
https://www.amazon.com/Rochelle-Kopp
The Japan Times articles https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/rochelle-kopp/

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Originally from Bavaria, it was not coincidental that Chris and I shared "German" beers at the new and increasingly popular beer restaurant Schmatz for this conversation. Chris Thoma is an amazing guy with amazing stories, and he loves to tell them. Chris first came to Japan as a professional at age 25 working for the German hair care company Wella. Between then and 2018 when he retired, he held the position of President Japan for both Triumph (Ladies underwear not the motorcycle) and Le Creuset (French Cookware). We down some Wizen, Pale Ales, and even a Pilsner as Chris shares his experiences of doing business in Japan for nearly 40 years. Some highlights include:

Divulges the background of how he accomplished his famous PR stunts at Triumph
Answers the question "how many sqM is a pile of 250,000 bras and panties"
What he would do different if he where to go back 40 years
Why he has turned down numerous book offers
How extreme proactiveness led to his first job in Japan
The difference between Japanese and foreigners when memorizing "Kanji"
Restaurant in Tokyo he most recommends (It's not German)
How his favorite Japanese word is closely linked to his Prussian background
His ability to keep business "passion" while working for companies which sell ladies underwear and pink cooking pots
Explains his proudest achievement in 40 years working in Japan

This episode is sponsored by the gugu sleep company http://gugu.jp
Chris Thoma https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianthoma/
Quintessence http://www.quintessence.jp

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This episode I sit down with Michael Howard to discuss his new book "The Salaryman". A humorous, manga-illustrated memoir from an American who tried and failed (?) to fit into Japanese office culture for almost a decade. We discuss some of the back stories from his book and analyze the reasons Japanese salaryman culture is the way it is. He is a great writer and a good story-teller as well. Together we fall into the U.S.-Japan business culture gap over beers (and margaritas) at Hacienda in Daikanyama. Some other highlights from our conversation:

How he became such a talented and entertaining writer
Why he kept a secret blog before writing "The Salaryman"
Learning that one of his bosses was . . . "Connected"
The positives of working at Japanese companies
What happens when I accidentally spill a beer on his book
Explains the ease & profitability of KDP self publishing
Teases a potential second book and it's scandalous main story (11:00)
The torture of Japanese "meeting" culture
What is "Manner Mode"
The Onsen and the Hospital stories
Would he ever work for a Japanese company again?

gugu Sleep Company https://gugu.jp
The Salaryman https://www.amazon.co.jp/Salaryman
Also available Direct: http://www.thesalarymanbook.com
Contact Michael: michael@thesalarymanbook.com

The Salaryman: An American dude becomes a Tokyo white-collar warrior

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This episode we get into Hospitality and Retail with professional sales and leadership trainer Masako Yamamura. We discuss Omotenashi, Bartenders, Commissions, Fortune-tellers, Gin . . . and the numerous differences and similarities between the retail and hospitality industries in Japan. We are at the NAMIKI667 Bar at the Hyatt Centric in Ginza where the staff were a bit scared to wait on us. They might need some of Masako's awesome training. Some other highlights from our conversation:

The "official" reason she started her own company
What the hospitality industry could learn from the retail industry
Why culturally "commission" sales is not popular with Japanese
Her definition of "Omotenashi" and why she hated the Olympic O-MO-TE-NA-SHI presentation
An interesting & delicious gin cocktail recipe
Using hospitality concepts in retail can differentiate your brand from competition
Why a 5-star hotel experience in Japan is not as positive vs. overseas
Reminisce about contracting her training sessions on a "contingency" basis
Why Japanese "Just In Case" mentality holds back true hospitality
How Omotenashi can lead to world peace
Not having the qualifications when working at the Mandarin Oriental
Least popular jobs for todays Japanese youth
Her pessimism regarding the future of Japan
A story about a fortune-teller's shocking but reaffirming message

gugu Sleep Company https://gugu.jp
My Solutions https://www.my-solutions.jp
Masako Yamamura
https://www.linkedin.com/in/masako-yamamura-88060517/

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If you are interested in Brand Marketing you will love this episode of Business & Beers. I sit down for beers (and martinis) with marketing guru Mr. Per Rasmussen. For the past 30 years, Per has been either, head of marketing or president of four major European consumer goods companies in Japan. At both Lego and T-fal he solidified his legacy as a marketing genius by creating a famous TV commercial jingle (#3 Law of the mind), launching a new (still market leading) product category (#2 Law of the category), and localizing existing SKU's to create a 17-year hit product (#6 Law of exclusivity). We also discuss the book "The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing". We had our conversation at The R2 Supper Club in Roppongi where Per educates me on the "original" James Bond martini. Seriously, Per knows Brand Marketing and Japan, so enjoy! Some other highlights from our conversation:

Why traditionally Japanese companies are not very good at marketing
How he came up with the T-fal TV commercial jingle (he stole it)
The best way for consumer goods companies to influence the consumer
Why being a foreign boss in Japan is akin to being a court jester
The Bugatti Lego story
Greatest accomplishment over his 30 year career in Japan
"In Japan, Creativity is not Educational"
Why ad agencies are often the de facto marketing arm for Japanese companies
The insights from two years of market research on how Japanese boil water - led to a market-leading product launch
How a "product-function" became a recognized brand in Japan
The biggest challenge for foreigners working in Japan
HIs favorite martini recipe
The story of a Japanese baker who re-exported "Danishes" back to Denmark

GuGu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
Per Rasmussen:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/per-rasmussen-3b58321b/?originalSubdomain=jp
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing:
https://www.amazon.co.jp/22-Immutable-Laws-Marketing/dp/1861976100
Elephant Bucket
https://www.amazon.ca/LEGO-Duplo-Elephant-Bucket-japan/dp/B004V5YHF4

The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: Violate Them at Your Own Risk

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This episode I share IPA's with Dr. David Sweet. David is 20-year Japan resident, a sales superstar, best selling author, serial entrepreneur, certified business coach, and one of the best recruiters I know in Japan. We are at the Oak Door, located in the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi. In this part one of two episodes, we share entertaining stories about business life in Japan. Some highlights include:

Pearls of wisdom from his book "Sweet Sales" (over 20k copies sold)
Examples of emotional selling vs. technical selling
His least favorite Japanese word, and why
Exposes the biggest interviewing mistakes foreigners make in Japan
Debate which IPAs to order and where to find the best Cuban sandwich
A salespersons ultimate response to "That's Expensive!"
Why "Listening" might be the most important aspect of selling
Explains the differences between "Great" vs. "Good" recruiters
A story about being over/under dressed in business
The best reply to receiving a compliment (It's not just 'thank you')
Three buying criteria for every customer
Why he thinks business in Japan is easier for foreigners
"Invisible Selling" and why it was almost the title for his book

This episode is sponsored by the gugu sleep company http://gugu.jp
David Sweet: http://drdavidsweet.com
Sweet Sales: http://www.drdavidsweet.com/shop/sweet-success

Now and Zen Japan: Recent Episodes

Andrew Hankinson