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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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. Disrupting Japan. https://www.disruptingjapan.com/ Way more about Tim than you wanted to know (according to Tim): https://www.disruptingjapan.com/tim/ LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/timromero/ Twitter: https://x.com/timoth3y 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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. Katheryn Gronauer is an Executive Coach who helps leaders find their footing. She has expertise in leadership, cross-cultural transition, and work-life balance. Katheryn is also a Tedx Speaker, Author, and has been featured in publications including The Japan Times, HuffPost, Women’s Health magazine. For more information, visit:www.katheryngronauer.comwww.linkedin.com/in/katheryngronauer www.instagram.com/katheryngronauer Previous Interview 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 been credited for helping Fortune 500 executives earn global-level promotions. He also runs Kokoro Media, which represents a network of authors exploring the heart of Japan through travel, people, language, and culture. For more information, visit: Saga Consulting: https://www.consultsaga.com/Kokoro Media: https://medium.com/kokoro-media Previous Interview Austin Zeng is the Founder of MEXT Scholars Association and lecturer for career development for foreign students in Japan. Works also as a freelance programmer and translator for mainly Japanese graduates. He is a University of Tokyo '17 Graduate and is currently living in Singapore. For more information, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-zeng-120a4563/ Previous Interview Venue: Tokyo Comedy Bar https://www.tokyocomedybar.com/ 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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. Anastasiia's Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/anastasiiavyy?igsh=cThiMG5hNHp6and6 PrettyPass's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/prettypass.inc?igsh=YWR2N243bzRleXlh 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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: - Saga Consulting: https://www.consultsaga.com/- Kokoro Media: https://medium.com/kokoro-media Anthony's first interview: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/jR8FOrVhZIb On May 11th at 2 p.m., Tokyo Comedy Bar will be hosting a live fireside chat with previous guests of the Business Success Japan podcast. While we’re still working out some of the details, we’re hoping to donate any profits on the tickets to TELL Japan, which is an organization dedicated to providing effective support and counseling services to Japan’s international community and its increasing mental health needs. 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-fox-760b032/ Tokyo Comedy Bar: https://www.tokyocomedybar.com/ Urawaza Eigo: https://www.urawazaeigo.com/ 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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 Subscribe to The Dan Nestle Show wherever you listen to podcasts or at https://dannestle.show Connect with Dan on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/nestle Follow Dan on X-formerly-known-as-Twitter at https://twitter.com/dsnestle 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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 Kasia's Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kasiaikigai/ikigaiconnections.com  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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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: -⁠www.tokiotours.nl⁠ -⁠www.tokiotours.com⁠ -⁠www.facebook.com/tokiotours⁠⁠www.facebook.com/verkenjapan⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/tokiotours/⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/verkenjapan⁠⁠https://Instagram.com/tokiotours⁠⁠https://Instagram.com/verkenjapan⁠⁠https://instagram.com/Nicki_Amsterdam⁠ ⁠=https://twitter.com/tokiotours⁠ -⁠⁠Nicki@tokiotours.com⁠⁠ 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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: -www.tokiotours.nl -www.tokiotours.com -www.facebook.com/tokiotourswww.facebook.com/verkenjapanhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/tokiotours/https://www.linkedin.com/company/verkenjapanhttps://Instagram.com/tokiotourshttps://Instagram.com/verkenjapanhttps://instagram.com/Nicki_Amsterdam =https://twitter.com/tokiotours -⁠Nicki@tokiotours.com⁠ 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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: To Kill a Unicorn: ⁠https://amzn.to/3sD2SGH⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dc-palter/⁠ Japonica: ⁠https://medium.com/japonica-publication⁠ 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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: To Kill a Unicorn: https://amzn.to/3sD2SGH LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dc-palter/ Japonica: https://medium.com/japonica-publication 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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. Richard's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-berger/ 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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:  Website: www.haghirian.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parissa-haghirian-7399554/ 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertheldt/ Company: https://goconnect.jp/ Travel: -https://www.sportsjourney.jp/ -https://www.jnto.go.jp/ -https://www.japan.travel/en/ NPOs: -https://www.arkbark.net/ -https://rei-npo.org/en/ -https://sokids.org/ -https://mirai-no-mori.jp/ -https://youmewenpo.org/ -https://www.kiwl.net/ -https://tokyo-yamathon.com/ Chambers and societies: -https://www.accj.or.jp/ -https://www.anzccj.jp/ -https://bccjapan.com/ -https://www.cccj.or.jp/ -https://ebc-jp.com/ -https://www.ijcc.jp/ -https://www.saccj.com/ -https://ajstokyo.org/en-home/ -https://www.japanbritishsociety.or.jp/en/ -http://janz.jp/en/ 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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:  RetireJapan site: https://www.retirejapan.com/welcome/ RetireJapan forum: https://www.retirejapan.com/forum/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@retirejapan_OG Twitter: https://twitter.com/retirejapan_OG LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benshearon/ 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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: Website: https://sasugacommunications.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heleniwata Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sasugacommunications Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heleniwata YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HelenIwata Sasuga! VIP Women’s Program: https://sasugacommunications.com/vip 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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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 Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

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: SewaYou: https://www.sewayou.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-khin/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/philippekhin Twitter: https://twitter.com/philippekhin Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message