Business Success Japan

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:

In today's episode, I chat with Sam Thornton: a self-described bridge to Japan for startups and enterprise software vendors. He works to fuel growth in Japan for software companies by working to help employers acquire the talent they need for success in an ever-shrinking working population. In the episode, Sam shares his experiences transitioning from an English teacher to a recruiter, some of the "why"'s behind the talent crunch many companies face in Japan (and what that means for job-seekers), as well as what it really takes to pass N1 on the JLPT.

Today's word:

じこしょうかい

ji-ko-sho-u-ka-i

自己紹介

meaning: self-introduction

Sam's Links:

In today's episode, I chat with Maya Matsuoka, who is the assistant director at the Japan Association of Travel Agencies, or JATA. Maya is a multilingual professional who has worked in Japan for 19 years with extensive experience in the travel industry. She has also recently launched a great new website called Discover Deep Japan, which provides a bank of high-quality resources to help readers better understand the Japanese marketplace and what is needed to find success in Japan. If you’re interested in contributing to the Discover Deep Japan website, please reach out to Maya directly.

In the conversation, Maya shares some of her unique experiences building a new life and career in Japan. She also offers some insights into changes in the Japanese travel industry, as well as what may or may not change due to Covid-19. Maya also explains why it's important to gain some mastery of Japanese in order to be more effective working with Japanese people, as the language and its culture are tightly interwoven.

Today's Language: 

ごくろうさまです

go-ku-ro-u-sa-ma-de-su

meaning: "Thank you for your hard work." "You worked hard."

usage note: only acceptable to use with someone in an inferior position compared to you in the context (e.g. a boss to his subordinate)

Maya's Links: 

In today's episode, I get to share a conversation I had with Katheryn Gronauer, founder of the company Thrive Tokyo. Katheryn is a professional trainer, coach, and content writer who helps high-level professionals understand Japanese business culture through training and coaching programs. She’s a graduate of Sophia University with a degree in International Business & Culture, a qualified Trainer and Change Management Facilitator, and a wellness coach. In the conversation, we discuss the struggles expats and their families face when moving to Japan for work, what the honeymoon period can look like for different individuals, and the importance of prioritizing holistic wellness to help cope with culture shock before it even takes root.

Today's Word: 

ていしょく（定食）

te-i-sho-ku

meaning: set meal (e.g. at a restaurant or cafeteria), typically focused on providing a "balanced" meal

Katheryn's Links: 

In today’s episode, I chat with Seira Yun. Seira is the founder and CEO of Discover Deep Japan, and a social entrepreneur with years of experience leading teams across countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. He holds a Master's in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, and is also fluent in Japanese, Korean, English, French, Spanish, and Arabic.

Japanese of the Day:

もったいない

mo-tta-i-na-i

meaning: wasteful, waste

Seira's Links:

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

In today's conversation, I speak with Chie Schuller of THK Manufacturing of America, where she is a leader in international relations and cross-cultural engagement with a focus on US-Japan relations. She shares insights from her long history of working as a "bridge" between Japan and the United States. We also discuss the importance of sharing cultural context in situations with potential miscommunication, emotional intelligence in the workplace, the importance of setting clear expectations in cross-cultural environments, and what the traditionally Japanese view of leadership as "parenting" has to do with management practices.

Today's Language:

それはちょっとむずかしいです

so-re-wa cho-tto mu-zu-ka-shi-i-de-su

literal meaning: "that is a little difficult"

real meaning: no

Chie's Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chie-schuller/

Clubhouse: @chieschuller

Related Episodes:

Kasia on Hourensou: Improving Communication in Japan With... Spinach?: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Kasia-on-Hourensou-Improving-Communication-in-Japan-With----Spinach-ed15d8

On Being an Effective Communicator in Japan with Anthony Griffin: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/On-Being-an-Effective-Communicator-in-Japan-with-Anthony-Griffin-el1v9m

Navigating Gender, Race, and Culture in the Japanese Workplace with Jessica Kennett Cork: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Navigating-Gender--Race--and-Culture-in-the-Japanese-Workplace-with-Jessica-Kennett-Cork-enu4ro

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

In today's episode, I talk with Richard Mort, an international communication specialist who has decades of immersion in Japanese language and culture, cross-cultural understanding, and fluency in French and German. He shares his experiences, and we discuss finding your niche in Japan, finding family and woman/friendly companies, navigating the Japanese education and healthcare system when you need special accommodations, and why trying to master Japanese may not be the best use of your time.

Today's Language:

にほんごじょうず

ni-ho-n-go jo-u-zu

meaning: good at Japanese [casual]

Conversationally polite version: にほんごはじょうずですね ("Your Japanese is good!")

Richard's Links:

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

Company: http://www.nativechecker.com/

Related Episodes:

Japanese Body Language: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Japanese-Body-Language-eas7c0

Cultivating Creativity in Japan: Succeeding by Being Radically Yourself with Angel Guevara: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Cultivating-Creativity-in-Japan-Succeeding-by-Being-Radically-Yourself-with-Angel-Guevara-eift3u

Pursuing Mastery of the Japanese Language with Graeme Lawrence: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Pursuing-Mastery-of-the-Japanese-Language-with-Graeme-Lawrence-ekp1p5

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

Today, I chat with Masanori Nagamine, a Japanese municipal official working to attract global startups, accelerators, incubators, and Venture Capitalists in IT and Life Science to the city of Kobe. Tokyo had better watch out, because Kobe is just one of the cities across Japan are fighting to attract international talent and startups. The city of Kobe is one of these Strategic Economic Zones, and in this week’s episode Masanori tells us a bit more about what support and obstacles foreigners can expect when founding a startup outside of Tokyo. Between generous subsidies, the Startup Visa, a lower cost of living, and the Kobe 500 Accelerator, listen in to hear why Kobe may just be the right home for you and your startup.

Today's Language:

ぼうねんかい 

bo-u-ne-n-ka-i 

Meaning: year-end party (usually for work), or "forget the year meeting" 

Kanji: 忘年会 

Masanori's Links:

Today, I talk with Takahiro Shikano, a global marketing strategist and partner solutions leader specializing in launching and growing sales of cutting-edge technology products across Fortune 500 partner networks who is currently a Global Account Marketing lead at Microsoft Corporation. In today's conversation, he shares his insights into what diversity and inclusion looks like in a Japanese professional context, as well as what his experiences have shown him it takes to be an effective leader cross-culturally.

Today's Phrase: おきゃくさまはかみさまです

o-kya-ku-sa-ma-wa ka-mi-sa-ma-de-su

meaning: The customer is god. [roughly the Japanese equivalent of "the customer is always right"]

with kanji: お客様は神様です

Taka's Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/takashikano0219/

Related Episodes:

Discovering Ma: Finding Success in Japan by Learning to Pay Attention with Byron Barón (https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Discovering-Ma-Finding-Success-in-Japan-by-Learning-to-Pay-Attention-with-Byron-Barn-ejiru4)

On Being an Effective Communicator in Japan with Anthony Griffin (https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/On-Being-an-Effective-Communicator-in-Japan-with-Anthony-Griffin-el1v9m)

Navigating Gender, Race, and Culture in the Japanese Workplace with Jessica Kennett Cork (https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Navigating-Gender--Race--and-Culture-in-the-Japanese-Workplace-with-Jessica-Kennett-Cork-enu4ro)

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

In today's episode, I share a conversation with Jessica Kennett Cork, Vice President of Community Engagement and Communications at YKK Corporation of America. In this week’s episode of the podcast, Jessica Kennett Cork shares her experiences as a foreign woman working in Japanese companies, as well as her insights into how to successfully navigate cultural expectations regardless of your gender or race. She also explains how decision-making functions within Japanese companies, and why it’s so important for non-Japanese employees to cultivate “global dexterity.”

Today's word:

りんぎ

ri-n-gi

Meaning: The formal passing around of a written proposal in order to gain approval from all stakeholders within a company, typically in a bottom-up manner, that occurs in large and traditional Japanese companies.

Jessica's Links:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-kennett-cork-ab41a812/   

Book Recommendations:

-JETRO booklet: https://www.jetro.go.jp/costarica/mercadeo/communicationwith.pdf   

-"Global Dexterity" by Andy Molinsky: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15824353-global-dexterity?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=xG3eVsNCFD&rank=1   

Related Episodes:

-Kasia on Hourensou: Improving Communication in Japan With... Spinach? (https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Kasia-on-Hourensou-Improving-Communication-in-Japan-With----Spinach-ed15d8)   

-On Being an Effective Communicator in Japan with Anthony Griffin (https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/On-Being-an-Effective-Communicator-in-Japan-with-Anthony-Griffin-el1v9m)   

-Meetings in Japan: Honne, Tatemae, and Nemawashi… Oh My! with Ken Okamoto (https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Meetings-in-Japan-Honne--Tatemae--and-Nemawashi-Oh-My--with-Ken-Okamoto-ekhnqr)   

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

Today, I chat with IT recruiter and consultant Paul Roberts, a Tokyo-based IT recruiter with over twenty years of experience in the industry. He shares his own career and life experiences in Japan, and he touches on many interesting and practical topics such as work visas, networking, entrepreneurship, just to name a few.

Today's Word:

• めいし
• me-i-shi
• meaning: business card

Paul's Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulrobertstokyo/
• Personal Blog: paulroberts.jp
• Company Website: www.smartpartners.co.jp

Related Episodes: 

• to learn more about Japanese business cards: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Exchanging-Business-Cards-in-Japan-eaaquv
• to learn more about adapting  and thriving in Japan: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Faye-Sensei-on-Culture-Shock-and-the-Power-of-Open-Mindedness-ees6v8
• to learn more about entrepreneurship and networking in Japan: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Anil-Raj-on-Entrepreneurship-and-Mentorship-in-Japan-egfc87

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

In today's conversation, NIHHON founder Johannes Budkiewitz shares his insights into a wide range of topics, including how the Japanese education system offers opportunities for disruption alongside the rise of startups, as well as the unique opportunities that exist for collaboration between Japan and Germany. He also speaks about sustainability issues and initiatives in both countries, as well as what mindsets are necessary to find lasting success in Japan.

Today's Word:

サークル

sa-a-ku-ru

meaning: a club, team, or informal hobby group, usually at school or university

Johannes' Links:

In today's episode, I chat with Anthony Griffin of Saga Consulting about his experiences helping Japanese professionals gain the skills needed to be successful in an increasingly globalized world. Be sure to listen in to learn more about what skills are essential for finding professional success in Japan, as well as to hear more about the role of LinkedIn and other social media in Japanese networking.

Today's Phrase:

がんばってください

ga-n-ba-tte-ku-da-sa-i

Meaning: "Please do your best." (typically used in instances where "good luck" would be used)

Anthony's Links:

In today's episode, I chat with Graeme Lawrence, an award-winning Japanese specialist with years of experience in translation and interpretation. He shares his own experiences working in Japan and using Japanese professionally outside of the country, as well as his insights into the process of learning Japanese. For anyone who is considering taking their own Japanese studies seriously, no matter their current level or past experiences in the classroom, this episode is a must-listen.

Graeme's Links: