Business Success Japan

Timothy Connor is a bilingual and bicultural longtime resident of Tokyo Japan. He has 25 years of experience in consumer related businesses, from startup launch to growth oriented small and medium enterprises, and has developed a deep understanding of the Japanese market, its consumers, and the unique aspects of doing business in Japan, where trust relationships are essential. 

Through his work in multiple sectors, he has deep insights into the complex Japanese distribution system, as well as consumer behaviors especially regarding foreign brands.

Now as CEO of Synnovate, where he helps companies and startups evaluate, enter, and grow in the Japanese market he develops road maps to growth, leads the implementation, and works synergistically with local distributors to achieve growth. He is also Partner Faculty at Globis Graduate School of Management, where he is in charge of an upper level MBA course called Venture Management.

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Tim Romero is a Tokyo-based entrepreneur, author, and innovator with a diverse background in startups and technology. He is deeply engaged in Japan's startup ecosystem as a Partner at JERA Ventures, with a focus on sustainability and decarbonization. Previously, he led initiatives at Google for Startups Japan and has founded several companies throughout his career. Tim also hosts the podcast "Disrupting Japan," where he explores the unique stories of Japanese entrepreneurs. His journey reflects resilience and a commitment to fostering innovation in Japan's vibrant startup community.

This past spring, we recorded a live episode of the Business Success Japan Podcast at Tokyo Comedy Bar with three incredible guests: Katheryn Gronauer, Anthony Griffin, and Austin Zeng.

During this very special live event, we explored several important topics for navigating business in Japan:

• Katheryn, an executive coach, shared valuable insights into cross-cultural challenges and the importance of work-life balance.

• Anthony, a marketing professional, emphasized the significance of learning Japanese and deeply understanding the local market.

• Austin, a freelancer, offered a unique perspective on the advantages of being a foreigner in Japan and the challenges of balancing work and family.

We also addressed:

• The impact of COVID-19 on businesses.

• The effects of the weakening yen.

• How Japan’s job market is evolving.

  
  

In this podcast interview, Richard Katz, a special correspondent for Toyo Keizai and author of The Contest for Japan's Economic Future, discusses Japan's economic challenges and potential for recovery. He reflects on Japan's history, the rise of its industrial power, and the current economic stagnation. Katz emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation, arguing that Japan needs to move away from propping up outdated industries and focus more on supporting startups. He explains how the existing economic model, including the lifetime employment system and zombie companies, has stifled growth and innovation. Katz calls for a balance between supporting large firms and encouraging new ventures, highlighting the need for government policy changes to foster entrepreneurship and drive economic growth in Japan.

Richard's Links:

Substack: https://richardkatz.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-katz-937308204/

Latest Book: https://www.amazon.com/Contest-Japans-Economic-Future-Entrepreneurs/dp/0197675107

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Anastasiia Vydiuk is an expert in social media and influencer marketing who supports influencers in achieving financial freedom. She’s a founder and CEO of an influencer marketing agency promoting inbound tourism in Asia, called PrettyPass. Be sure to keep listening to learn more about her experiences  building influence and a company in Japan.

[This interview was originally published on November 29, 2021.]

Rosa Aldridge is an American who has had her entire professional career in Japan, and she is passionate about creating sustainable culture practices while promoting Japanese hospitality to the world. At the time of recording, she worked in an environment that dealt with event planning and promoting international understanding, and she has successfully navigated job searching in Japan and has held a variety of positions through various companies and institutions in Japan. Some topics discussed in today's conversation include how to effectively find (the right) jobs in Japan, taking advantage of unique opportunities through positioning yourself as a cultural bridge, and how to best navigate the resources available if you find yourself in a workplace that isn't for you.

Rosa's Links: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-aldridge/

Anthony Griffin is a marketer and communications coach who helps Japanese companies market to international audiences. Before founding Saga Consulting, he served as the marketing and communications manager for the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. As a communications coach, he has helped Fortune 500 executives earn global-level promotions.

Before moving to Japan in 2009, he managed the workflow of over 250 marketing projects a year for the City of Riverside, California. As a marketing consultant and copywriter, he leveraged his M.B.A. degree to help local businesses achieve exponential returns on their marketing investments.

A lifelong learner and teacher, Anthony speaks Japanese proficiently and often gives marketing and communication lectures at universities and corporations.

Anthony's Links:

This episode is a replay of an interview originally published on March 14, 2022.

Rochelle Kopp is the founder and managing principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting, an international training and consulting firm focused on Japanese business. Her area of expertise is Japanese culture and business practices, particularly Japanese communication style and organizational behavior and decision-making in Japanese firms. She’s also a prolific writer and actively posts much of her practical and insightful work on LinkedIn.

Just a few topics covered in today's conversation include:

-Servant leadership and why it could be a good fit in a Japanese business context.

-What is the rice paper ceiling, and what should non-Japanese people do when they encounter it?

-How HR traditionally functions in Japan, why, and how it should change.

-An example of how to effectively deepen work relationships with Japanese counterparts without meeting in-person.

Rochelle's links: 

BJ Fox is a Tokyo-based British comedian and business-owner. Having first arrived in Japan in a corporate role within the video games industry, he has now written and starred in Japan's first language sitcom, launched Amazon Music's first original podcast and founded Tokyo Comedy Bar, Japan's first stand-up club!

BJ's Links:

[This interview was originally published on January 10th, 2022.]

Menya Hinga is an American who immigrated to Japan over a decade ago. He now works as a health and performance coach to high-performers who are struggling to manage stress and weight gain, learn to eat better, move more and stress less in order to transform their health and performance. Some topics covered in this episode include the importance of focusing on providing value as a content creator, the power of small shifts in making big changes, why time management is the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and why things will likely take longer than you expect when starting a business in Japan.

Menya's links: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menyahinga/

Daniel Nestle, Leader of Communications for LIXIL Americas, is an award-winning global communications and marketing leader with over 20 years of success in the B2B services, manufacturing, finance, and education sectors. His broad areas of expertise include digital communications (CommTech), integrated marketing communications, content marketing, social media strategy, and brand storytelling. Earlier in his career, Daniel spent 16 years living and working in Japan, first as an educator and later as a corporate marketing and communications professional. He speaks Japanese. Daniel obtained his MS in Internet Marketing from Full Sail University as well as a BA in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania. An active content creator, in 2020 he launched his weekly podcast, The Dan Nestle Show.

Listen in to hear Dan’s thoughts on 

-why networking and making connections is especially important early on

-how writing careers may change, and what you should do about it

-why adapting your approach in the workplace isn’t inauthentic

-why understanding culture is fundamental to building trust in the workplace

-the unique power of the “outsider-insider” in an organization

[This interview was originally published on November 11th, 2021.]

UPDATE: Richard Katz is publishing a new book on entrepreneurship in Japan. If you're interested in pre-ordering, be sure to subscribe to his substack to get 30% off the hardcover version. It's one of the best ways to support writers, as it signals interest to publishes and encourages them to do larger prints and invest more in advertising: https://richardkatz.substack.com/p/30-off-for-my-book-on-japan-entrepreneurship

Today's guest Richard Katz has worked for decades as a journalist working on the Japanese economy, and he has written two books on Japan: "The System That Soured" and "Japanese Phoenix." He is now working on a third, about how to nurture a new generation of high-growth, innovative small and medium enterprises in Japan. He has published various op-eds and essays in publications such as "Foreign Affairs," The "Financial Times," Toyo Keizai, and the "Wall Street Journal Asia." A few of the topics covered in today's conversation include the dormant entrepreneurship in Japan, the broken promises made to working women, and why structural issues around finance in Japan may be one of its greatest hindrances to growth.

Richard's Links: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-katz-937308204/

Kasia Lynch is a trilingual American who spent 8 years in Japan, including high school, college, graduate school, and her professional career. She earned her Bachelor’s from Boston University and Master’s from Tokyo’s Ochanomizu University. 

Kasia’s career utilizing Japanese language and cultural skills began in 2003 with concert promotion, and later moved to interpreting/translating, electronics, and the automotive industry. She was able to do this while living in Japan, Poland, Italy, and the US. 

Since starting Ikigai Connections in 2018, Kasia has been featured in various Japan-related podcasts, websites, and webinars, including the US-Japan Bridging Foundation, the US JET alumni association, Laurasian Institution, and BFF Tokyo. Her goal is for NihongoJobs.com to become the go-to job board for all Japanese jobs in the US.

Topics covered today include:

-finding a Japan-focused job outside of Japan

-how to build a career as a successful 架け橋人材 (or “cultural-bridge employee”), and why it’s so valuable

-getting your desired role even when you don’t fit the job description

Nicki is a single mother and entrepreneur with one leg firmly planted in Amsterdam and one in Tokyo. Back in 2011 she moved with her then husband to Tokyo as a trailing wife. Unable to find a job and reach her objective to be at a native level in her Japanese ability two years in, she decided to start her own company called “Tokiotours”. 10 years later she’s had a child, is divorced and has her “home base” back in Amsterdam from where she runs her tour guide business together with a business partner located in Tokyo. What started out as a simple side business has grown into a flourishing business with 50 local guides working for her from various destinations. Not only does she offer private guided tours to tourists, but she also focuses on market explorations for the B2B market where she helps companies take their first steps on the Japanese market.

Topics covered in today's conversation include:

-how and why pregnant foreigners in Japan struggle to get their needs met

-how and why the famously high-quality customer service in Japan can be so inflexible

-differences in relationship-building and privacy in Japan

-how expatriation can impact a couple’s relationship

-how family and the “domestic sphere” is viewed differently in Japan

Nicki's Links:

Nicki is a single mother and entrepreneur with one leg firmly planted in Amsterdam and one in Tokyo. Back in 2011 she moved with her then husband to Tokyo as a trailing wife. Unable to find a job and reach her objective to be at a native level in her Japanese ability two years in, she decided to start her own company called “Tokiotours”. 10 years later she’s had a child, is divorced and has her “home base” back in Amsterdam from where she runs her tour guide business together with a business partner located in Tokyo. What started out as a simple side business has grown into a flourishing business with 50 local guides working for her from various destinations. Not only does she offer private guided tours to tourists, but she also focuses on market explorations for the B2B market where she helps companies take their first steps on the Japanese market.

Topics covered in today's conversation include:

-how not understanding Japanese culture will sabotage your business prospects

–Nicki’s experience moving from a trailing spouse to entrepreneur in Japan

-what it takes to be a successful tour guide

-why leaving ambiguity almost always results in a “no” from clients

-how to manage your expectations and make the most of your time in Japan

Nicki's Links:

DC Palter is the author of the mystery novel To Kill a Unicorn about Japanese culture in Silicon Valley, and the Tuttle guidebook on Kansai-ben, Colloquial Kansai Japanese. He's also editor of Japonica, the journal of Japanese culture. He previously lived in Kobe as an engineer at Kobe Steel before founding two tech startups and returns to Japan frequently to visit sake breweries and eat nikuman.

Check out part 1 of our conversation here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/AUM3DHLZYzb

Topics covered in today's episode include:

-the many things that haven’t changed in Japan since the 80’s

-why the successes of the Japanese education system may be holding it back

-simple fixes that could allow for startups to succeed

-why there’s no substitute for in-person communication in Japan

DC Palter's Links:

DC Palter is the author of the mystery novel To Kill a Unicorn about Japanese culture in Silicon Valley, and the Tuttle guidebook on Kansai-ben, Colloquial Kansai Japanese. He's also editor of Japonica, the journal of Japanese culture. He previously lived in Kobe as an engineer at Kobe Steel before founding two tech startups and returns to Japan frequently to visit sake breweries and eat nikuman.

Topics covered in today's episode include:

-how communication still fails even when speaking the same language

-why Japanese is easier than Spanish (for Engineers, at least)

-how to effectively manage cross-cultural communication

-why there’s (still) no substitute for meeting with Japanese counterparts in-person

-what’s changed about life in Japan since the 80’s

DC Palter's Links:

Richard Berger was born and raised in the United States but has spent almost 35 years in Japan, first as a university student in the mid 1980s, and then for work since 1990.

He spent 20 years working at Canon’s global headquarters in Tokyo, where he was in charge of global PR, and later moved to Link Global Solution, an intercultural communication training company, where he was director of communications.

Richard now works on a freelance basis, doing translation, transcreation, writing, and video work, including animated educational movies. Be sure to keep listening to learn more about his experiences and insights into working in Japan and learning Japanese.

In today's episode, Richard shares some of what he’s learned about successfully navigating life in Japan:

-Engaging the culture with an open mind (and closed mouth) goes much further than you might expect.

-Forcing yourself to think in Japanese can break through dreaded language-learning plateaus. 

-Networking in Japan will get you far, but only if you’re willing to take it slow.

Parissa Haghirian is Professor of International Management at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan. She has lived and worked in Japan since 2004 and is an internationally renowned expert in international management practices with a focus on Japan. She has published numerous books, academic papers, and articles on the topic of Japanese management. In addition to academics and research, Professor Haghirian advises major multinational companies on intercultural understanding and cooperation, and she coaches top global managers for success when working across cultures by providing new perspectives and skills. Professor Haghirian is a regular keynote speaker at conferences and corporate events in Europe, Japan, and Asia.

Topics covered in today's episode include: 

-evaluating the unique strengths of Japanese corporate culture and management styles

-the power of taking cultural breaks to cope with the stress of life abroad

-why living and working in a foreign culture is invaluable for your professional development

-why and how conflict is managed so differently in Japanese companies

-how embracing the role of a “one-woman circus” could get you further than fighting to project competence in Japan

Parissa's Links: 

After a career in hospitality and advertising, Robert co-founded Custom Media, an award-winning, integrated digital marketing and strategic communications agency in Tokyo in 2008. He regularly advises global brands on their market entry and expansion strategies for Japan. He has a passion for high-quality creative work and delivering strategic marketing solutions with a results-driven approach.

Robert has an MBA from McGill University and a certificate in Digital Transformation Platform Strategies from MIT Sloan. He has launched several successful media and content platforms, the most recent being GoConnect (https://goconnect.jp/), an award-winning, digital marketplace platform that features interesting content, great offers and experiences for foreigners living or visiting Japan. He is one of four judges at the annual Japan Market Expansion Competition (https://jmec.gr.jp/) and a deputy chair of Animal Refuge Kansai (https://www.arkbark.net/) an NPO established in 1999 dedicated to the rescue of unwanted, abused, and homeless animals with an aim to rehabilitate them and to find them permanent loving new homes.

Topics covered in today's episode include:

-the power of using Chambers of Commerce, societies, and volunteer organizations to build a strong and meaningful network in Japan

-Robert’s experience founding the first exclusively bilingual content firm in Japan

-expectations for the coming travel boom in Japan

-travel tips and resources for the savvy and frugal

Robert's Links:

Ben Shearon was a university lecturer in Sendai who retired from formal work in March 2022. He has been in Japan since July 2000, and has run the RetireJapan website since 2013. RetireJapan is the best (and quite possibly only) place to find trustworthy information in English on personal finance, investing, and retirement in Japan, with a wealth of free information and a supportive online community.

Be sure to keep listening to hear more about his insights into what you can do to improve your financial health and set yourself up for future success and stability while living in Japan.

Topics covered in today's episode include: 

-four simple principles to improve your financial health

-why not having an emergency fund is an emergency

-how to think about saving money without reducing quality of life

-how to get started as an investor

-Japan-specific tools for retirement savings (and why Americans shouldn't use them)

Ben's Links: 

Helen Iwata is known as The Less Effort More Impact Coach. She’s an award-winning bilingual coach based in Tokyo.

Helen helps women in business to excel in their work without feeling exhausted, through the power of the Sasuga! Success Cycle.

Originally from England, Helen has lived and worked in Japan for over 30 years. After two decades in education, local government, and the corporate world, Helen established her own business in 2013 and is now obsessed with helping overworking women to use their time, energy, and expertise for less effort and more impact.

Helen is a TEDx speaker and coach, Nikkei Style columnist, author of the Japanese book Eigo no Shigoto-jutsu, host of The Sasuga! Podcast (with over 200 episodes), wife, mother, and a karate world champion.

Topics covered in today's episode include: 

-the power of choosing your thoughts

-the key to improving your presentations skills in any culture

-coping with and preventing burnout

-the dark sides of ganbaru and gaman

Helen's Links:

Manabu Goto is a Japanese native and world traveler whose mission is to create a more inclusive world. He's the founder of Helte, which created a unique Japanese conversation platform called Sail to connect Japanese learners with elderly volunteers in Japan.

Topics covered in today’s episode include:

-how companies can balance a focus on profitability with social contribution

-balancing a focus on diversity with a company’s culture in a startup setting

-why it’s important to be mindful of the “mask” you’re using when addressing different kinds of stakeholders in a purpose-driving company

-how something as simple as a conversation can work toward eliminating bias

Manabu's links: 

Helte: https://helte.jp/en/service/

Sail App: https://sailglobal.helte.jp/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manabu-g-93066920b/

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated enough to keep making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Philippe Khin is the founder of the language exchange app SewaYou. Fluent in Cambodian, French, English, and Japanese with an N1 certification, his app focuses on helping people connect in-person to build stronger language and communication skills.

Topics covered in today's episode include: 

-How (and why) to speed up your eligibility for permanent residency in Japan.

-Time management and avoiding burnout as a solo founder.

-Why it’s most effective to focus on addressing people’s pain points to influence them.

-The staying power of in-person networking, especially in the Tokyo startup community.

Philippe's Links:

Dr. Adam Acar is a native of Turkey who moved to Japan from the United States 15 years ago. He has since worked as a professor and in the education, innovation, and marketing sphere.

Topics covered in this episode include:

-why Japanese women rank among the lowest worldwide in self-esteem, and what it means

-why konbin are so innovative, where there’s room for change, and why trust is such a valuable force in Japan

-why sales tactics and incentives successful in other countries may not be effective in Japan

-how SNS and SEO functions differently in the Japanese market

-the drain of zombie companies on the Japanese economy

Adam Acar's Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-acar-phd-9b8b871b/

Heidi Karino is a native of the UK who has just returned to her home country after spending twenty-four formative years living and working in Japan. She currently runs her own business as a Japanese to English translator specializing in transcreation for content marketing, where she works with clients to ensure that their Japanese content really resonates with their English-speaking customers.

Topics discussed in today's interview include:

-transcreation, how it differs from translation, and what makes it valuable

-strategically using social media to educate and find clients, as well as cultivate a community of professionals

-differences between freelance and in-house translation work

Heidi's Links: 

Jennifer Shinkai is a British born, Oxford educated, Tokyo based Ikigai and Inclusion facilitator and coach. She is also the host of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast, the founder of the free online community for business owners “Make March Matter,” and the author and illustrator of the book “Can Giraffes Swim?”

Topics covered in today's episode include: 

-why cultural scales and dimensions, while useful, aren’t enough to find true connection and success in Japan

-why everyone is at least partially right, and why that’s important

-addressing authenticity vs. competency challenges

-why ikigai may not be what you think it is

-how to make effective rules in mixed-culture teams

Jennifer's Links: 

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Jayne Nakata is the creator of PodLauch with Jayne, a company that helps podcasters around the world to launch and run their own show. She is also the award winning host of the #1 podcast for international women living in Japan: Transformations with Jayne.  Originally from New Zealand, Jayne has lived in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan for nearly 20 years. Because of this, she has a wealth of experience for anyone hoping to live, work, start a business, or raise a family in Japan.

Additional topics covered in today's episode include:

-working to build a business to suit the lifestyle she wanted as a mother

-successfully creating and sustaining a remote team

-why dressing professionally in Japan can be a challenge for foreigners, especially women

Jayne's Links: 

Rochelle Kopp is the founder and managing principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting, an international training and consulting firm focused on Japanese business. Her area of expertise is Japanese culture and business practices, particularly Japanese communication style and organizational behavior and decision-making in Japanese firms. She’s also a prolific writer and actively posts much of her practical and insightful work on LinkedIn.

Just a few topics covered in today's conversation include:

-Servant leadership and why it could be a good fit in a Japanese business context.

-What is the rice paper ceiling, and what should non-Japanese people do when they encounter it?

-How HR traditionally functions in Japan, why, and how it should change.

-An example of how to effectively deepen work relationships with Japanese counterparts without meeting in-person.

Rochelle's links: 

In today’s episode of the Business Success Podcast, I chat with Chiara Terzuolo. Chiara is a polyglot, musician, narrator, writer, editor, and actor who has been living and working creatively in Tokyo since 2011. She has successfully established herself as an independent freelancer who has amassed a unique portfolio-style career that is well off the beaten path for the stereotypical office worker.

Just a few topics covered in today’s conversation include:

-Exploring and building income streams on the side to use as a springboard before leaving full-time employment.

-Focusing on providing quality to establish a robust network in Japan.

-Why Japanese language skills aren’t necessary to do entertainment work in Japan, but you should learn it anyway.

-How life as a vegan in Japan is changing.

Chiara's Links:

Menya Hinga is an American who immigrated to Japan over a decade ago. He now works as a health and performance coach to high-performers who are struggling to manage stress and weight gain, learn to eat better, move more and stress less in order to transform their health and performance. Some topics covered in this episode include the importance of focusing on providing value as a content creator, the power of small shifts in making big changes, why time management is the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and why things will likely take longer than you expect when starting a business in Japan.

Today's language: 

こまかい

ko-ma-ka-i

kanji: 細かい

meaning: small, fine, trivial, careful

Menya's links: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menyahinga/

I've finally made it to Japan!  To continue bringing consistently high-quality content to my listeners, however, I've decided to transition to a monthly publishing schedule. Thank you all for your support, and I can't wait to see what new opportunities 2022 will bring!

Can't wait for more content? Check out some of this past year's interviews:

Japan's Six Megatrends and Why They Matter with Richard Katz: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Japans-Six-Megatrends-and-Why-They-Matter-with-Richard-Katz-e17rgpm

The Power of Self-Reflection, Storytelling, and Finding Authentic Balance in Japan with Tim Sullivan: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/The-Power-of-Self-Reflection--Storytelling--and-Finding-Authentic-Balance-in-Japan-with-Tim-Sullivan-eul6jr

Tackling Law, Entrepreneurship, and a Purposeful Life in Japan with Catherine O'Connell: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Tackling-Law--Entrepreneurship--and-a-Purposeful-Life-in-Japan-with-Catherine-OConnell-e19j77p

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Tyson Batino is a native of Hawaii who came to Japan as an English teacher, worked in human resources, and ultimately founded three companies in Japan. He now coaches founders who want to scale their businesses. Some topics covered in today's interview include investing in relationships with mentors, the importance of being clear on what you want in order to be successful in any field, and the importance of understanding the sales cycle of your prospective clients before launching into business.

Today's Language: 

せんぱい

se-n-pa-i

kanji: 先輩

meaning: senior (at work or school), elder, superior

Tyson's Links: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tysonbatino/

Rosa Aldridge is an American who has had her entire professional career in Japan, and she is passionate about creating sustainable culture practices while promoting Japanese hospitality to the world. She is currently working in an environment that deals with event planning and promoting international understanding, and she has successfully navigated job searching in Japan and has held a variety of positions through various companies and institutions in Japan. Some topics discussed in today's conversation include how to effectively find (the right) jobs in Japan, taking advantage of unique opportunities through positioning yourself as a cultural bridge, and how to best navigate the resources available if you find yourself in a workplace that isn't for you.

Today's Language: 

(ぎゃく)きゅうじん

(gya-ku) kyu-u-ji-n

meaning: (reverse) recruiting, job offer

kanji: (逆)求人

Rosa's Links: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-aldridge/

Catherine O’Connell is a bilingual, in house legal counsel-experienced lawyer operating a boutique law firm in Tokyo. She is a lawyerpreneur who provides legal counsel solutions for a wide range of clients, big and small. She also hosts her own podcast, "Lawyer on Air," has a wide range of experiences, certifications, and awards in and outside of Japan. Just a few of the topics discussed in today’s conversation include some big-picture differences between law in Japan versus many western countries, what it takes to start a business and find success as an entrepreneur in Japan, as well as why it’s so important to cultivate curiosity and how to maintain it no matter how long you stay.

Today's Language: 

べんごし

be-n-go-shi

meaning: lawyer, attorney

kanji: 弁護士

Catherine's Links: 

Website: https://www.catherineoconnelllaw.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherineoconnelllaw/

Twitter: @oconnelllawyer

Instagram: @lawyeronair

Related Episodes: 

Learning the Dance of Effective Cross-Cultural Communication in Japan with Kevin Crowell: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Learning-the-Dance-of-Effective-Cross-Cultural-Communication-in-Japan-with-Kevin-Crowell-e153r78

The Power of Self-Reflection, Storytelling, and Finding Authentic Balance in Japan with Tim Sullivan: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/The-Power-of-Self-Reflection--Storytelling--and-Finding-Authentic-Balance-in-Japan-with-Tim-Sullivan-eul6jr

Building Lasting Relationships Amidst the Covid-19 Digital Transformation in Japan with Will Jasprizza: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Building-Lasting-Relationships-Amidst-the-Covid-19-Digital-Transformation-in-Japan-with-Will-Jasprizza-e12dldf

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Today's guest Richard Katz has worked for decades as a journalist working on the Japanese economy, and he has written two books on Japan: "The System That Soured" and "Japanese Phoenix." He is now working on a third, about how to nurture a new generation of high-growth, innovative small and medium enterprises in Japan. He has published various op-eds and essays in publications such as "Foreign Affairs," The "Financial Times," Toyo Keizai, and the "Wall Street Journal Asia." A few of the topics covered in today's conversation include the dormant entrepreneurship in Japan, the broken promises made to working women, and why structural issues around finance in Japan may be one of its greatest hindrances to growth.

Today's Japanese: 

しかたがない

shi-ka-ta ga na-i

Meaning: “there’s nothing that can be done,” “there’s no use,”  “it can’t be helped”

Richard's Links: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-katz-937308204/

In today's episode, I'm chatting with Colin Savage. Colin is a globally-minded, locally-focused leader with over 20 years' experience with Japan, including eight years in-country. He specializes in business development, communications and marketing, digital development, leadership, research, and strategy. Some topics covered in today's conversation include the proper use and function of powerpoint presentations in a Japanese context, dealing with the phenomenon of not being heard when speaking Japanese as a foreigner, and ways to reconsider and cope with bureaucracy in Japan.

Today's Japanese:

ことわざ

ko-to-wa-za

kanji: 諺

meaning: proverb, a saying

Colin's Links: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinjsavage/

His book, 金沢弁の本 - The Dialect of Kanazawa: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&contributor=Colin+James+B+Savage&page=1&pageSize=10

In today's episode, I'm chatting with Fuminori Gunji, CEO of TokyoMate. Fuminori Gunji was a founding team member of Softbank Robotics from 2013 to 2016, leading Softbank's domestic B2B businesses and overseas expansion efforts. In 2017, Fuminori Gunji headed business development for MakeLeaps. By the end of 2018, Gunji had successfully closed MakeLeaps’ M&A deal with Ricoh and went on to lead MakeLeaps in 2019 as COO. In June of 2021, Fuminori Gunji accepted the role of chief executive officer of TokyoMate, a Tokyo-based Office-as-a-Service startup providing virtual bilingual assistants, virtual mailboxes, virtual office addresses, and virtual bilingual receptionists--with the mission of “making it easier to live, work, and do business in Japan.”

Topics we cover today include the shifting views of startups in Japan, structural issues that have held back innovation in Japan (and what may be changing), as well as how a few simple perspective changes can make you a more effective communicator in Japan.

Today's Japanese: 

かおがひろい

ka-o ga hi-ro-i

顔が広い

Meaning: well-known, having diverse set of connections, well-connected

Fuminori's Links: 

TokyoMate Blog: https://tokyomate.jp/blog

TokyoMate Website: https://tokyomate.jp/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuminori-gunji-38a22589/

Related Episodes: 

Finding Success in Japanese Universities, Startups, and Beyond with Austin Zeng: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Finding-Success-in-Japanese-Universities--Startups--and-Beyond-with-Austin-Zeng-e1687sh

Why You Should Found Your Startup in Kobe with Masanori Nagamine: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Why-You-Should-Found-Your-Startup-in-Kobe-with-Masanori-Nagamine-eotr5u

How to Make it Big in Japan: Navigating Culture, Burnout, and Entrepreneurship with Misha Yurchenko: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/How-to-Make-it-Big-in-Japan-Navigating-Culture--Burnout--and-Entrepreneurship-with-Misha-Yurchenko-et1045

Additional Reading:

In today's episode, I'm chatting with Rie Eichmann, a global skills and mindset coach, intercultural trainer and consultant who is passionate about teaching “a global mindset” to professionals and the next generation to give them the confidence and skills for success in an increasingly-globalized world. While Rie is a native of Japan, she is currently based in Brisbane, Australia, and has years of experience living and working abroad in the UK, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States. Some topics we discover in today's conversation include developing open-mindedness as a skill, the importance of understanding how humor works in your target culture and language, and why it's essential to cultivate a mindset that supports your language learning.

Today's Japanese: 

うちそと

u-chi so-to

kanji: 内外

meaning: inside/outside, "in-group/out-group"

Rie's Links: 

In today's episode, I’m sharing a conversation with Austin Zeng, a native of Singapore who first came to Japan on the MEXT scholarship, and is now actively involved in the startup space there. He’s a developer, translator and interpreter, blogger, and even participates in a Japanese think tank. Some topics covered in today's episode include the ways in which the Japanese government is trying (and in some ways failing) to support foreign students who want to work in Japan, the common pitfalls that foreign students face in Japan, as well as thoughts on balancing integration with maintaining the unique value foreign workers have to offer the country.

Today's Japanese:

term: とくてい　ぎのう（ビザ）

to-ku-te-i gi-no-u (bi-za)

kanji: 特定　技能（ビザ）

meaning: special/designated skill (visa)

Austin's Links: 

In today's episode, I’m sharing a conversation with Kevin Crowell. He is president of Asia Business Group, a company that he started nearly thirty years ago, and is the Chief Cross-Cultural Outreach Officer of the organization Pacific Tango group.  Kevin has decades of experience working in Japan and with Japanese people and companies, so be sure to listen in to learn more about his background and what he’s learned from his wide-ranging experiences with Japan. Some topics he discusses in this episode include the impact of the rotating management system in Japanese companies on their subsidiaries, how the cultural view of quality commonly causes issues for businesses moving in and out of Japan, and the hidden power of using hobbies to connect and network with Japanese people.

Japanese Word: 

しゅみ

shu-mi

kanji: 趣味

meaning: hobby

Kevin's Links:

In today's episode, I get to share a conversation with Francis Pacheco, a native of the Philippines. His work with the agency GMI POST has involved creating and publishing investment guides for Foreign Affairs Magazine of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City and The Japan Times, which is Japan's oldest and largest English language daily newspaper. Today, he shares the importance of the concept of monzukuri in Japanese niche manufacturing today, the growing role that universities in the US have already begun to play in Japanese innovation, and the growing significance of native-run Japanese subsidiary companies in their host countries and beyond.

Today's Japanese: 

ものづくり

mo-no-zu-ku-ri

kanji: 物作り

meaning: manufacturing, craftsmanship

Francis' links:

In today's episode, I chat with Cindy Bissig of Obsessed with Japan and the new YouTube channel, Let’s Travel and Eat. Cindy is an experienced content creator who has more than 15 years of experience in hospitality. The focus of her work lies in travel, events, food and beverage, and she is also a professional sake sommelier. Today, she will also share some of her experiences as a digital nomad in Japan, so be sure to listen in to hear more about what that looks like in Japan.

Today's Language:

めがたかい

me ga ta-ka-i

目が高い

Meaning: good taste, a discerning eye

Example Usage: お目が高いですね

Meaning: "You have good taste." "You have a discerning eye."

Cindy's Links: 

In today's episode, I’m chatting with Will Jasprizza, the managing director of Japan at the international business development consultancy, Intralink. Although born in Australia and educated as a lawyer, Will found himself starting a new life teaching English in Japan that eventually brought him to his current role, where he and his team works to make the expansion of foreign companies into Japan fast, easy, and cost effective. During the episode, Will discusses the importance of prioritizing positioning yourself as a reliable partner early in business relationships with Japanese companies, how business development has changed in Japan in recent years, and important changes in Japanese business practices that COVID has accelerated by years.

Language: 

はんこ

ha-n-ko

Meaning: a stamp used as a personal seal in place of a signature, commonly used for paperwork and within Japanese companies

Will's Links: 

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with David Tonge, a designer and owner of the London-based design studio The Division, who has worked extensively in Asia and in particular has a long relationship with Japan. David has 30 years experience as Designer, Director and Advisor to some of the worlds most successful brands. He’s also a Visiting Professor at Kanazawa Art University in Japan.

Topics that we discuss today include his experiences as an industrial designer in Japan and with Japanese companies abroad, the importance of patience in finding success in Japan, what it means to "interpret" culture in design, and why the pace of decision-making itself may affect whether your project even gets off the ground.

Today's Language:

おとしどころ

o-to-shi-do-ko-ro

落とし所

Literally: "the place where things fall"

Meaning: compromise, common ground

David's Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtonge/

Company Website: https://the-division.com/

In today's episode, I share a conversation with Tim Sullivan. He is a bilingual cross-cultural educator who connects people through storytelling by using a combination of monologue and interactive exercises. Now semi-retired, he has decades of experience working in Japan and offering training in cross-cultural communication and Japanese manufacturing management techniques to a laundry list of international companies. Some topics we discuss include the role that personal reflection plays on improvement, the power of storytelling in Japanese culture and cross-cultural learning, and the importance of examining your own culture to better understand that of others.

Today's Language: 

はんせい

ha-n-se-i

反省（反省会）

meaning: reflection, contemplation, regret, repentance

Tim's Links: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-sullivan-3528486/

Clubhouse: @atamitim

Clubhouse Club Name: Intercult Twilight Zone

In today’s episode, I chat with Misha Yurchenko, founder of the global coaching startup platform, Carrus. He was previously based in Tokyo where he worked for several years as a recruiter helping tech companies like Facebook, Netflix and Amazon hire top talent.

Today's Language:

たんしんふにん

ta-n-shi-n-fu-ni-n

単身赴任

meaning: a job transfer away from home (domestic or abroad), typically without one's family

Misha's Links:

In today's episode, I chat with Michael Howard Thuresson, a former Japan-based consumer electronics product manager who is currently working as a U.S.-based marketing manager for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. He is also the author of the memoir “The Salary Man,” which documents some of the experiences and misadventures he accumulated over the course of a decade as a foreign サラリーマン in Japan. 

Today's Language: 

サラリーマン

sa-ra-ri-i-man

meaning: full-time (male) employee at a Japanese company

Michael's Links: 

In today's episode, I chat with Alan Acosta of Workshift Solutions, Japan's largest platform of registered overseas freelancers. Workshift Solutions allows companies to quickly and inexpensively access talented, multilingual overseas freelancers online for inbound and E-Commerce support, multi-language translation, overseas market surveys, overseas market research, telephone appointment assistance, sales channel expansion, design and much more. Alan himself grew up spending many years of his life moving from country to country learning new languages and lifestyles before settling in Japan. We chat about what is already being done to address the labor shortage in Japan, how universities are already adapting to the need for more foreigners to join their ranks, and why it’s still difficult for foreign freelancers to find their place in the Japanese job market.

Today's word:

しゅうしょくかつどう

shu-u-sho-ku-ka-tsu-do-u

就職活動

meaning: job-searching (activities)

Alan's Links: