57 episodes
Jandals in Japan Jayne Nakata & Catherine O'Connell
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- Business
The best show about New Zealanders doing business in Japan, bringing The Land of the Long White Cloud to The Land of the Rising Sun
How do you build a brand in Japan and nurture a loyal customer base?
What do you need to have in your tool belt if you are thinking of coming to Japan to launch a business here?
Japan is often considered to be in the "too hard" basket but we are here to open up the black box of doing business in Japan.
We will share stories from successful Kiwis selling their products and services here in Japan.
They'll tell you their tips for success and pitfalls to avoid.
They'll share their challenges and what they did to overcome them.
They will tell you things you can't find in textbooks or on the internet.
We will also be sharing the latest intel and insights on Japan from our on-the-ground presence
And you'll hear some super business culture and other tips from us sprinkled throughout.
Grab a glass of sake and let's get into it.
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Barking up the right tree! The K9 Natural success story of selling premium pet food in the Japan market
We dive into the fascinating world of pet ownership and dog trends in Japan with our guest, Takayuki Ichikawa, from K9 Natural, a premium New Zealand pet food product being sold in the Japan market. Takayuki shares insights into the growing humanization trend for pets in Japan, where they are treated as valued family members. We also explore the success of K9 Natural in the Japanese market, the power of word-of-mouth promotion, and the importance of understanding the Japanese market for New Zealand businesses. Tune in for an engaging conversation that sheds light on the evolving pet industry in Japan and the potential for international collaboration.
Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.
In this episode you’ll hear:
Why Takayuki decided to try his hand at dog food after working with premium brandsHis top three things to keep in mind when entering the Japanese marketHow to avoid a huge marketing budget and build a community of loyal customersHis top tip of all for what will make your product a success in a mature market like Japan
About Takayuki Ichikawa
Before joining K9 Natural Japan, in July 2023, Ichikawa san had a wealth of experience in the F&B industry in Japan in Sales and MD roles with household brand names such as Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Godiva Japan Inc. Nestle Nespresso K.K. and MHD Moet Hennessy Diageo K.K.
Links
https://www.naturalpetfoodgroup.com/
https://www.k9natural.jp/
Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne
Connect with Jayne and Catherine
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan -
New Zealand forestry and Japan with Tony Clifford
We are thrilled to bring you a wonderful Jandal: Tony Clifford, who is sharing his experience of working with a Japanese corporation for 30 years. That’s quite some dedication to the relationship between both countries that we don’t often see. You will love Tony’s insights, tips and advice for those who are just getting started, levelling up, or wondering if you are doing the right thing. Let’s get into it!
Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.
In this episode you’ll hear:
Tony, Catherine and Jayne’s favourite foods to have when they get off the plane in JapanThe challenges of having NZ Radiata pine recognised as a high quality wood in JapanWhat is really happening when there is silence in a business meeting with your Japanese partners“Yes” is not a “yes”, and “difficult” is a “no”. Tony’s crystal ball predictions for areas of growth and opportunities with Japan
About Tony
Tony Clifford is the Managing Director of Pan Pac Forest Products Limited.
Pan Pac is based in the Hawke’s Bay and Otago region of NZ and is owned by OJI Green Resources, which is a subsidiary of OJI Holdings Corporation in Japan.
Tony has had a long connection with Japan through his 30 years work with Pan Pac.
Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne
Connect with Jayne and Catherine
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan -
Hiring to help your business succeed in Japan with Kerry Ellis
We sit down with the insightful Kerry Ellis, a Senior Business Partner at Decipher Group in Christchurch, who has extensive experience in both New Zealand and Japan. Kerry shares fascinating stories and valuable insights about engaging with the Japanese market, understanding cultural differences, the importance of all kinds of diversity in business and how to successfully transition to work in Japan. We also delve into some fun “hanami” cherry blossom viewing stories and the protocols you want to make sure you know before you go! Join us as we explore the intersection of business, culture, and diversity in this enriching conversation with Kerry Ellis.
Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.
In this episode you’ll hear:
Catherine’s rather shocking first hanami experienceSome of the possibilities that might surprise you about coming to work in Japan, even with little or no Japanese Kerry’s number one gem of advice for cross-cultural communicationThe importance of thought diversity for business and how New Zealanders can contribute to Japan
About Kerry
Kerry is a Senior Partner at Decipher Group in Christchurch. He helps organisations to not only recruit top talent, but also connect business networks (with some focus on Japanese affiliations) across Japan and New Zealand.
Kerry became interested in Japan through living with homestay students in New Zealand through his High School years. He has had two different experiences in Japan about 10 years in length. He was initially in education whilst living in Shizuoka prefecture and the latter 10 years in recruitment in Tokyo. Ironically it was the earthquake in New Zealand that expedited Kerry’s return to Japan in 2011, despite the Tohoku earthquake in Japan in the same year.
With over 10 years of recruitment experience across Japan and New Zealand, Kerry has a deep understanding of the local and international talent markets and the challenges and opportunities they present.
Connect with Kerry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliskerry1/
Website: https://www.deciphergroup.co.nz/
Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne
Connect with Jayne and Catherine
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan
Youtube: a -
From Fukuoka to Auckland - Technology collaborations between Japan and New Zealand with Pam Ford
We are getting the download on the tech collaborations between Japan and New Zealand in this episode with guest, Pam Ford from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. Pam shares the potential that is waiting for New Zealand tech businesses in exciting markets like Japan and how cities like Auckland, Fukuoka and Tokyo are working together at this subnational level. In a tech business and want to export to Japan? This is the episode for you!
Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.
In this episode you’ll hear:
Pam’s first trip to Japan in the 80s and experiencing “a loss of face”The origins of the Fukuoka- Auckland relationship and how the tech industry is using this relationshipOpportunities for future collaborations between NZ and Japan in techPam’s idea for a startup involving her passions and interests
About Pam
Pam is Director of Economic Development at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the region’s economic and cultural agency.
Pam has worked in international trade, investment and local development for over 20 years, including time with NZTE.
Links
https://industry.aucklandnz.com/invest
https://nz.linkedin.com/in/pam-ford-b8315010
Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne
Connect with Jayne and Catherine
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan -
Game Changers: Bridging language gaps in Japan rugby through translation with Doug Picken
Doug Picken is an exceptional individual with unique insights into the world of rugby translation and the cultural intricacies of Japan and New Zealand. In his position as a translator for the DynaBoars rugby team, Doug helps his team to tackle the linguistic and cultural differences daily. We love his passion for wearing the jersey in promoting Japan rugby and his dedication to his podcast, Japan Rugby Weekly, a favourite of the Jandals team and many listeners too! Ikimasho~!
SHOW NOTES (These will become a blog post as well as go into Anchor/Captivate).
Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.
In this episode you’ll hear:
How Doug started as a translator finding himself at the “Mighty Dynaboars” What makes a good rugby translator and what can get you fired (!)The number one thing that helps Kiwis have a long successful career in JapanThe importance of the company in professional rugby in JapanDoug’s podcast, Japan Rugby Weekly, and why we love it
About Doug
Doug was born in Aizu Wakamatsu, Fukushima and spent time between Japan and New Zealand (Rotorua) growing up. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science
Double majoring in Statistics & Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Auckland Doug moved to Japan in 2015. He worked as an English teacher before getting his first translating job in 2017 in Fukuoka at the Coca-Cola Red Sparks Rugby Team. Doug has also helped the Sunwolves in 2019 and 2021 before moving to Sagamihara to join the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars. He is also host of the wildly popular Japan Rugby Weekly Podcast.
Links
Japan Rugby Weekly: https://redcircle.com/shows/japan-rugby-weekly
Heiden Bedwell Curtis: https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/episode/eighteen
Jamie Joseph: https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/episode/twenty-six
Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne
Connect with Jayne and Catherine
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan
Youtube: a href="https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan" rel="noopener noreferrer"... -
Costco as a distribution strategy in Japan with Jason Allen, Cookie Time
Cookie Time is making waves in Japan and Jason Allen, Representative Director, shares how this came to be. If you are thinking of having Costco as part of your product distribution strategy then this episode is for you. We are so proud of the work that Cookie Time has done in Japan over the past 10 years and excited to see what they achieve next.
Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.
In this episode you’ll hear:
Jason’s insider tips for ordering the best goodies at the Cookie Time store in HarajukuWhy Cookie Time’s first approach to Costco was unsuccessfulWhat it’s like to negotiate a deal with Costco and some of the benefits of working with such a retailerWhere we can expect to see Cookie Time popping up in the future to fulfil their slogan of “bringing a smile to every face!”
About Jason
Jason is Representative Director at Cookie Time Japan.
Links
Jason’s first episode on Jandals in Japan: https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/episode/five
Discount Code for the Japan Online Store: JANDALTIME24
Cookie Time Japan: https://www.cookietime.co.jp/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cookietime.jp/
Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne
Connect with Jayne and Catherine
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan