Episode 3

full
Published on:

25th Apr 2022

Leading the flock in New Zealand merino products to Japan with Jacqui Miyabayashi - Part 1

This is Part 1 of a 2 part episode

Jacqui Miyabayashi is importing New Zealand merino + possum products to Japan and has found a way to appeal to a niche target market that also suits her own lifestyle. Merino wool garments do not have to be just for high performance outdoor activities. As Jacqui explains, with the right gear, anyone can be “outdoorsy”. New Zealand merino mixed with possum fibre is perfect for making very Japanese activities like viewing cherry blossoms and visiting temples much more enjoyable. 

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In this episode we're "shearing" how Jacqui is leading the flock!

  • How Jacqui arrived in Japan and found herself 20 years later starting a business that imports merino + possum products to Japan
  • Being your own influencer and sharing your story to reach Japanese consumer hearts
  • Straying from the “Performance outdoor wear” flock by showing New Zealand merino products in a variety of ways that appeal to Japanese consumers
  • Supporting New Zealand themed or influenced businesses operating in the Kansai area 

About Jacqui

Jacqui is a long term resident of Japan having originally come to Osaka on a working holiday visa. Since having two children she has pursued an entrepreneurial life starting and running various businesses. This has allowed her to be a stay home / work from home mum for over twenty years. She is the founder of North South Stewart, a company importing New Zealand merino + possum products to Japan and the member of a growing community of New Zealand businesses in Japan.

Connect with Jacqui

Website: https://northsouthstewart.jp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northsouthstewart.jp/ 

https://www.instagram.com/jacadamianut/ 

Links

Use the code JANDAL to get 10% off at North South Stewart or use this link: https://northsouthstewart.jp/discount/JANDAL

Star Forest Star Gazing: https://www.instagram.com/starforest_stargazing/ 

Shu Ito Photography: https://www.instagram.com/shu_photography_nz/ 

Bless Leather: https://www.instagram.com/blessleather/ 

Fantail Cafe: https://www.instagram.com/fantailcafe/ 

Native Sparkling: https://www.instagram.com/nativesparkling/

Conrad Tokyo

JNZBC: https://www.jnzbc.com/

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/channel/UCwdbd0QSHSLlOSPcpceHOcA 

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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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Born and bred in Christchurch, Catherine O'Connell landed in Japan in 2002, on a one year contract, and 20 years later she's planted her feet firmly in Japan. She built a wealth of business and cultural experience working at the coal face of brand-name Japanese corporates as in house legal counsel. Catherine took a leap of faith down the entrepreneurial route launching her own multi award-winning boutique law firm in Tokyo in 2018, being the first Kiwi and first foreign female to do so. She is Vice Chair of the Australian & New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan and helps businesses thrive in the Japan market delivering business insights meshed with legal instincts. Catherine is also host of the award-winning Lawyer on Air Podcast.