Episode 1

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Published on:

28th Mar 2022

Creating a successful business importing New Zealand products to Japan with Don Roxburgh

  • How do you begin to start to export products to Japan?
  • If you are already in Japan how do you succeed in getting a foothold in the Japanese market?

Don Roxburgh gives us his insights into the things that have helped him to bring products such as Aotea Skincare, ViBERi and Kiwi Quinoa to the Japanese market. 

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In this episode you’ll hear:

  • How will Japan implement reopening its borders? When can business people expect to be able to travel to Japan again?
  • How Don came to be in Japan running his own food and skincare importing business
  • Don’s tips for capturing the hearts of Japanese customers, even during a pandemic
  • Why a long term strategy is imperative when entering the Japanese market
  • Don’s three tips for a successful entry to the Japanese market
  • Future trends in Japan that Don sees from his work on the ground in Japan. 

About Don

Don grew up all over New Zealand and in 1990 came to Japan as a high school student on a one year exchange in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture. He returned to Japan two years later on a scholarship, studied Japanese intensively at university, and after graduating, he worked for foreign-affiliated companies for 17 years, before founding  Wholesum Japan in 2016, with the desire to have a lifestyle in Japan with more freedom and contribute to change in society.

He lives with his wife and son outside of Tokyo where there are abundant opportunities for trail running and outdoor activities. 

Connect with Don

Website: https://wholesumjapan.jp/en/

Facebook Page URL https://www.facebook.com/donald.roxburgh

 https://www.facebook.com/WholesumJapan

Instagram Username @wholesumjapan

LinkedIn Profile URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-roxburgh-926a9011/

Mentioned in the episode:

Use the code JANDAL to get 20% off all purchases over ¥5,000 at Wholesum Japan online store. (No time limit).

Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan: https://www.anzccj.jp/ja/ 

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Website: https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/ 

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/ 

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

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

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About the Podcast

Jandals in Japan
Bringing The Land of the Long White Cloud to The Land of the Rising Sun
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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About your hosts

Jayne Nakata

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Jayne Nakata is a Southland girl who arrived in Japan in 2002, planning to stay just two years. 20 years later she is still living in Fukushima Prefecture with her Japanese husband and two children. When the triple disaster hit in 2011, Jayne made the commitment to stay in Fukushima and contribute to rebuilding the area. She is the host of the award winning podcast Transformations with Jayne, which is a favourite with international women living in Japan. She is also the double award winning podcast producer and manager for PodLaunch with Jayne.

Catherine O’Connell

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Originally from Christchurch, Catherine O'Connell has lived in Japan since 2002. Catherine has over 20 years working at brand-name Japanese corporations as legal counsel. In 2018, Catherine launched her own boutique law firm in Tokyo, which has become become a multi-award-winning business. She is Vice Chair of the Australian & New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan, Audit & Supervisory Board Member at TOYOTA Motor Corporation & FUJITSU Limited. As well as the Jandals in Japan Podcast, she hosts the award-winning Lawyer on Air Podcast.