Episode 27

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Published on:

27th Mar 2023

Behind the scenes of the Japanese TV industry with Jessica Gerrity

Jessica Gerrity is one of our most recognised Kiwi faces in Japan, a regular on Japanese TV shows as well as a PR ambassador for her Japan home province of Saitama Prefecture. She does not stop there, because she has found a niche place in the world of the traditional martial art of archery or Kyudo. We hear from Jess, how Japan is now opening up the martial arts world to invite more people from around the world through “Martial Arts Tourism” to try out Kyudo in Japan. Jess shares how she was able to stand out in the cut throat world of the entertainment industry and the benefits of taking an interest to next level such as practicing a traditional art  like Kyudo.

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In this episode you’ll hear:

  • How Jess came to be in Japan and first entered the world of Japanese TV
  • How you can make yourself stand out and be remembered in auditions
  • Finding your ikigai or “place” in Japan through a traditional Japanese art
  • The ways in which Japan is opening up international “Budo” (marital arts) tourism

About Jess

Jessica Gerrity was born and raised in Auckland, NZ. She has lived in Japan for 21 years and has 3 children (8, 12 and 14).

She currently works in varied fields including government, media and publishing. 

Since 2018 she has been the PR and Tourism Ambassador for Saitama Prefecture (Love Saitama Ambassador) where she has lived for 15 years.

She works in the media and on Japanese tv, radio and magazines as a tv personality, and a narrator.

She writes for and is on the board of editors for kyudo magazine: Kyudo Nippon, as well as writing for Budojapan.com as an English speaking correspondent.

Five and a half years ago she started kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery and is currently 3rd dan. The pandemic brought about the opportunity to start Sports Yabusame, a type of horseback archery. She holds shodan in sports yabusame. She has been practicing naginata for 1 year and holds 5th kyu. Jessica also practices shihan mato - a type of kyujutsu or archery using a smaller Japanese bow called a hankyu.

Jessica first came to Japan during her first year at the University of Auckland while studying her Bachelor of Planning. Just before graduation of her Masters in Planning she decided to work and live in Japan as an English instructor.

Connect with Jess

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessintokyo 

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

Links

Allpress Espresso Toranomon Cafe

Coffee Supreme

Coffee Charlie Cafe

Budo Tourism

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 

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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.