Now and Zen Japan
90 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago -Entertaining and insightful conversations with Japan focused business professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Recorded in bars around Tokyo, it’s like eavesdropping on candid conversations with Japan experts who share engaging stories of success, failure, and wisdom gained in Japan. Discover first-hand what it’s like to live, work, and experience the most fascinating country in the world. Direct from Tokyo, this is the Now and Zen Podcast!
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Episodes
Alex Debs: Luxury Travel Designer
March 26, 2024 22:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBHave you ever fantasized about the ultimate luxury vacation in Japan? If so, Alex Debs is your go-to guy. As the founder of Hitotoki, the Luxury Travel Designer, Alex specializes in crafting luxurious travel experiences in Japan. In this episode, you'll get an inside look into the world of luxury travel planning, including the most challenging requests his team has faced. We'll discuss how he navigated the pandemic restrictions, the unique challenges of being a small, specialized agency, and...
Dr. Greg Story: Japan Business Expert, Author, Sales, Presentations and Communications Master Trainer
January 23, 2024 13:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBDiscover the art of mastering public speaking, enhancing your presentation skills, and unraveling the secrets to impactful storytelling. Join Dr. Greg Story, the esteemed president of Dale Carnegie Japan and bestselling author of "Japan Sales Mastery" and "Japan Business Mastery," as he shares invaluable insights into successful sales techniques, post-COVID sales process shifts, and a myriad of topics explored in his books. In this engaging conversation, we delve into the question of whethe...
Mac Salman: Customized tours, Japanese whiskey, and why Tokyo is the "Greatest Metropolis on Earth"
November 25, 2023 02:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBThe phrase "Do what you love and you never have to work another day in your life" fits Mac Salman perfectly. Mac left the finance industry and pursued his passions - Travel, Japan, and tasty spirits. We discuss his customized tour business Maction Planet where he has never conducted the same itinerary twice. Then his pivot to Kanpai Planet when the pandemic halted Japan tourism. We discuss these two businesses and life in Tokyo while we sample three "Japan Related" tequilas. Mac is an inim...
Parissa Haghirian: Japanese Management Expert
September 25, 2023 22:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBParissa Haghirian is an internationally renowned expert on Japanese Management and Leadership and a Professor of International Management at Sofia University. She is the author of 12 books on Japanese Management, Cross-Cultural topics, and Consumer Dynamics. We examine these as well as some cultural concepts from her latest book. We also discuss how Japanese management practice is uniquely different, successful Japanese corporate survival strategies and what foreign firms can learn, why c...
Jeff Crawford: Digital Marketing Expert, has SEO advise for you
August 29, 2023 05:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBJeff Crawford is the president of Zo Digital, a bi-lingual digital marketing agency he founded over seven years ago. He describes many of the mistakes foreign companies make when setting up their web presence in Japan and explains how to remedy these issues. What hidden gems can be discovered in your site analytics to improve eCom sales. Why Japanese sites are often so busy and loud. Simple and practical advise on how to increase traffic and improve conversion rates through "Authoritativene...
Taro Asano: Traditional Japanese Sword Maker
June 24, 2023 00:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBDive into the world of traditional Japanese sword making with craftsman Taro Asano. He is one of only a handful of practicing "Kajiya" (a person who forges Japanese swords / Katana) still in Japan. He also offers a workshop in English where people come to make their own custom-forged "Samurai knife". It's a unique once in a lifetime experience. We discuss all things Katana, how he became a Kajiya, his future plans - which include taking on a 20-year old American apprentice and creating a You...
Guy Perryman: Award-Winning Broadcaster & Radio Personality
May 18, 2023 22:00 - 49 minutes - 33.7 MBAward-winning broadcaster and radio host Guy Perryman. Guy's soothing and melodic voice has been heard throughout Japan for the past 30 years starting with the launch of Virgin Megastores in 1990 and then Tokyo's InterFM since 1997. In addition, he's a voice actor, event producer, and writer. He has DJ'd for British Royalty and interviewed 100's of world famous artists and businessmen from Paul McCartney and Sting to Richard Branson and designer Paul Smith. We discuss some of these inter...
Loic Bizel: Japan Fashion Trends Expert / Founder of "Leo & Lea"
April 23, 2023 05:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MBThis episode we discuss fashion in Japan and premium dog food. Not two topics often mentioned in the same sentence, but very related to today's guest Mr. Loic Bizel. Loic started his own fashion consulting business in Tokyo nearly 30 years ago and runs two very successful fashion related websites (see links in the notes below). He was one of the co-founders of the fashion "flash sales" site Gladd.jp in 2009. He's referred to as a "Trendspotter" and "Cool Hunter" by the media and is considere...
Kaki Okumura: "Wa, the Art of Balance" Author
January 29, 2023 22:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBI’ve been doing the Now and Zen podcast for exactly 3 years. That’s 80 episodes with many great guests, wonderful stories, fascinating insights, and I’m often asked, who was my favorite guest. That’s a lot like asking a parent, who their favorite child is, it’s obviously a tough choice and one best not publicly announced. However I can say one of my favorite episodes was number #48 from October 2021 with Kaki Okumura. So it’s with much pleasure that I introduce today’s guest, once again Ms...
Joseph Delmastro: Author "Cultured Gaijin"
December 19, 2022 12:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBThis episode I speak with Joseph Delmastro, the author of Cultured Gaijin. It’s a unique book set in 1970s Japan about what happens when Joseph, an airman stationed in Tokyo, breaks free from expectations and fully embraces Japan’s traditional way of living and loving. However it’s much more than just a memoir, it’s also a travelog, a cultural and Japanese language reference guide, and it’s also a love story in more ways than one. You will hear all about the motivation behind writing his ...
Alvin Tan: 6 Controversial Reasons Foreigners should work for Japanese Companies
November 24, 2022 22:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBHave you ever thought about working for a Japanese company in Japan, but were turned off by all the stories of long hours, low pay, slow career path, no incentives for performance, archaic hierarchy rule setting, social drinking requirements and more? Then this episode is for you. Alvin Tan is here to discuss his recent controversial article on Medium titled “Why More Foreigners in Japan Should Work for Japanese Companies, Six reasons why you should consider working for one”. It was quite...
Alvin Tan: 6 Controversial Reasons Foreigners should work for Japanese Companies
November 24, 2022 22:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBHave you ever thought about working for a Japanese company in Japan, but were turned off by all the stories of long hours, low pay, slow career path, no incentives for performance, archaic hierarchy rule setting, social drinking requirements and more? Then this episode is for you. Alvin Tan is here to discuss his recent controversial article on Medium titled “Why More Foreigners in Japan Should Work for Japanese Companies, Six reasons why you should consider working for one”. It was quite...
Kiyoshi Matsumoto: Author of Japan Unmasked
October 15, 2022 02:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBThis episode we deep-dive into well-know, but often misunderstood Japanese culture topics with Kiyoshi Matsumoto. Kiyoshi is the author of the book “Japan Unmasked, Understanding Japan and its people”. Kiyoshi is Japanese but has lived outside Japan for 33 years working in the travel industry. During this time he has spend countless hours explaining Japanese culture to his foreign guests and realized there are a lot of common misconceptions about Japan and the Japanese. He wrote Japan Unma...
Federico Fanelli: Swirl Wine the Personalized Wine Subscription Service
September 27, 2022 11:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBDrinking wine should be a relaxing event and lifestyle enhancer, at least this is how Swirl co-founder Federico Fanelli views it. Originally from Italy, Federico came to Japan on a mission to introduce the wine lifestyle to Japanese. After a few years selling wine B2B, he together with his co-founder started Swirl, an online wine subscription service. Swirl is a very user friendly website incorporating gamification, fun navigation, and a super easy searchable wine cellar with over 140 wines ...
Dominic Carter: Japan Market Entry and Branding Expert (Rerelease)
September 11, 2022 03:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBThis episode you will hear from Dominic Carter, an expert on Japan market entry, market research, and branding. Dominic shares great insight, knowledge, and current research results, for anyone working in Japan or looking to expand into Japan needs to hear. You will learn the 3 Golden Rules for Japan market entry success, the 4 Marco Trends shaping modern Japan, as well as numerous great quotes about how to succeed in the Japanese market. This is must listen to anyone doing business in Japa...
Sean Nichols: Japan Entertainment industry insider & Ultraman actor
August 24, 2022 22:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MBSean Nichols has been an entertainer on Japanese TV, a Manzai stand-up comedian, the global representative for Japan's biggest YouTuber, went on tour with Aerosmith, but is most famous for his starring role in the Ultraman series - the only foreigner to ever appear in the 40 year history of the franchise. This episode he discusses the dream journey from watching Ultraman on TV as a child, to becoming "Sean White" for 50 episodes. Sean talks about the Japanese entertainment industry from st...
Masako Yamamura: Hospitality and Retail Training Professional
August 11, 2022 12:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBThis updated and re-released episode we get into Hospitality and Retail with professional sales and leadership trainer Masako Yamamura. We discuss Omotenashi possibly leading to world peace, Bartenders are the most fun hospitality people, Commissions and culturally why Japanese avoid the system , Fortune-tellers, and the numerous differences and similarities between the retail and hospitality industries in Japan. Other highlights from our conversation: What the hospitality industry could...
William Ryan: Japan Hospitality Consultants founder and Irish bar pioneer
July 23, 2022 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBHave you ever considered opening your own bar, cafe, or restaurant in Japan? It seems daunting and bureaucratic doesn't it? On this episode you will hear just how simple it can be. I speak with William Ryan, the founder of Japan Hospitality Consultants (JHC), and the owner of the An Solas Irish Pub in Yoyogi. William has been running Irish pubs in Tokyo for over 20 years and started his own pub in 2014. With this proven track record he started JHC two years ago when he realized there was a...
William Ryan: Japan Hospitality Consultants founder and Irish bar pioneer
July 23, 2022 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBHave you ever considered opening your own bar, cafe, or restaurant in Japan? It seems daunting and bureaucratic doesn't it? On this episode you will hear just how simple it can be. I speak with William Ryan, the founder of Japan Hospitality Consultants (JHC), and the owner of the An Solas Irish Pub in Yoyogi. William has been running Irish pubs in Tokyo for over 20 years and started his own pub in 2014. With this proven track record he started JHC two years ago when he realized there was a...
Julien Rey: Leasing Director for "Thrillers & Fillers" at The Outlet! Company
July 10, 2022 04:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBA topic near and dear to my interests and business: Retail in Japan. Specifically the Outlet Mall industry. This episode we hear from Julien Rey, the Leasing Director for the Outlet! Company. Japan already has numerous outlet malls and Julien explains how his company is differentiating and innovating in this competitive market. The fascinating quantitative and psychological factors behind mall layout, location, and loyalty. The politics of space allocation, the strategies malls use to attr...
Masafumi Otsuka:
June 27, 2022 22:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBThis is a deep-dive into those mystifying Japanese business practices foreigners in Japan often struggle with. Intercultural Facilitator Masafumi Otsuka explains the frustrating Japanese business practice of "Why Japanese mangers change jobs every 3 years", and "Why they always see the glass as half empty". The periodic job rotation system and the risk adverse decision process is logically explained by Masa. This episode is filled with many cultural Japanese business concepts often misund...
Masafumi Otsuka: Intercultural Facilitator & Japan Expert
June 27, 2022 22:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBThis is a deep-dive into those mystifying Japanese business practices foreigners in Japan often struggle with. Intercultural Facilitator Masafumi Otsuka explains the frustrating Japanese business practice of "Why Japanese mangers change jobs every 3 years", and "Why they always see the glass as half empty". The periodic job rotation system and the risk adverse decision process is logically explained by Masa. This episode is filled with many cultural Japanese business concepts often misund...
Ruth Jarman: CEO and International Cultural Connector
June 09, 2022 11:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBConnecting International Curiosity with Japanese Content with 34-year Japan entrepreneur Ruth Jarman. She is the founder of Jarman International and the author of six books in Japanese. We talk about these books, this content, and where her passion for Japan comes from. We also discuss "Reading the Air" and other non-verbal conversation traits in Japan, her top 3 cultural reasons Japanese are uniquely wonderful, and how her new corporate partner is helping solve the nightmare for foreigners ...
Diane Tincher: Specialist Japanese culture and history, writer, tour guide
May 24, 2022 23:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBIt's passionate travel stories from rural Japan, fascinating historical story-telling, and insightful cultural observations with Diane Tincher. Diane has been in Japan for 35 years, lived in Kagoshima for 26 years, has 8 children, and is the owner of the must-see website "More than Tokyo". She is a prolific writer of little known historical stories she has researched in Japanese, an accomplished tour guide for Walk Japan, and her knowledge of Japanese history, folklore, and idyllic rural ...
Tyson Batino: Serial Entrepreneur & Small Business Advisor
May 07, 2022 04:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBSerial entrepreneur Tyson Batino, founder of three businesses in Japan including the successful English school chain One Coin English, is the guest this episode. His latest business is 'Scaling Your Company' where he advises and coaches small business owners how to scale their business 5x to 100x! We talk about his start in Japan, how three mentors changed his career and his business life. Tyson even shares the best two pieces of advise from these mentors about working in Japan. Tyson ...
Yuko Tamura: "Rebellious" Writer and Japonica Editor
April 23, 2022 02:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBIf you are a regular listener to Now and Zen, you'll know many of my fascinating guests are non-Japanese living in Japan. So it's always fun to have a bi-cultural Japanese guest on the show and hear their insights and perspectives. This episode I speak with Yuko Tamura, she is an award-winning writer on the Medium platform and the editor of Japonica - the publication for everything Japan. She describes her writing as Fun Facts about Japan and "a little Rebellious essays" from Tokyo. We di...
Yuko Tamura: "Rebellious" Writer and Editor of Japonica
April 23, 2022 02:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBIf you are a regular listener to Now and Zen, you'll know many of my fascinating guests are non-Japanese living in Japan. So it's always fun to have a bi-cultural Japanese guest on the show and hear their insights and perspectives. This episode I speak with Yuko Tamura, she is an award-winning writer on the Medium platform and the editor of Japonica - the publication for everything Japan. She describes her writing as Fun Facts about Japan and "a little Rebellious essays" from Tokyo. We di...
Frank Packard: Alternative Investment Specialist
April 07, 2022 04:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBThis episode I step outside my comfort zone and talk about investing with Alternative Investment Specialist Frank Packard. Specifically we discuss Passion Investing, things like art, watches, and fine wine. What are the opportunities and what are the risks. Do you have a collection of something which might be worth a lot of money? Then you know It's not just about portfolio diversification, but also about the joy of ownership. Frank is really interesting, he was actually born in Japan an...
Nikhil Gupte: Managing Dir. Barilla Japan. Expanding Italian Pasta in Japan
March 23, 2022 23:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBA very entertaining conversation all about the Italian pasta business in Japan. This episode you meet Nikhil Gupte the Managing Director for Barilla Japan. Barilla is a 145 year old family owned Italian food company and Nikhil is responsible for introducing their traditions, values, and world famous pasta to the Japanese market. What happens when Italian authenticity comes up against Japanese Wafu style pasta recipes? Why Barilla's packaging is unique only to Japan? How has COVID changed ...
David Clement: Corporate entrepreneur. Stories from 22 years of selling in Japan
March 10, 2022 05:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBI thought it might be a challenge to interview my old friend David Clement. After-all we both grew up in the same small town and have known each other in Japan for over 20 years. However, his wisdom, Japan insight, and most of all, his entertaining stories make this a very fascinating episode. 22 years in B2B sales working with the biggest names in Japan and now the country manager for a "perfect start-up" in Japan. How does one make this big transition? David shares three riveting stories ...
Ugo Bataillard: Food & Beverage Consulting & Innovation CEO
February 27, 2022 04:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBFascinating innovations are happening in the food & beverage industry around the world and Ugo Bataillard is introducing them to Japan. Ugo is the Founder and CEO of GourmetPro, a startup which began as a Japan market-entry consulting company for foreign food and beverage companies. After a successful 1st year of having too much business, GourmetPro shifted their business model to focus more on plant and cell based foods, sustainability, and other innovations in food and beverage. You will...
Cynthia Usui: From part-timer to Country Manager of LOF Hotels in less than a year
February 08, 2022 13:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBCynthia Usui becomes the 1st ever return guest to the podcast. Less than a year ago, Cynthia was surviving as a part-time supermarket cashier after losing her high profile job, and now, she is the Japan Country manager for a new chain of small hotels in Tokyo! LOF Hotels. Once again Cynthia has reinvented herself. This episode you will hear this amazing story, why she initially turned down the hotel offer, how she's using her personal brand as a marketing tool, what is the business model o...
Ed Thompson: Marketing Consultant and Educator
January 23, 2022 13:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBNow and Zen Japan welcomes Mr. Ed Thompson, a Marketing Consultant and the founder of Concept Design. This episode we share beers and talk about his 20+ years in Japan and professional career in marketing, branding, advertising, and academia. He has also been a lecturer at Temple University for over 15 years. Ed is a straight talker and has strong opinions when it comes to the business of marketing. We discuss his early years in Japan getting beat up with bamboo sticks everyday, working with...
Evan Burkosky: Digital Transformation Evangelist
January 09, 2022 04:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBThis episode is an entertaining and stimulating conversation with a forward-thinking, self-described "Evangelist" for for Digital Transformation in Japan, Mr. Evan Berkosky. Before you decide to tune-out because "Digital Transformation" sounds unexciting, Hold On! Evan makes this topic both insightful and relevant and shares his ideas on how he would initiate quick wins to transform Japan digital landscape if he were to hypothetically, be appointed to the newly created "Japan Digital Ag...
Yukie Kito: Award Winning Film Producer
December 23, 2021 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBThis episode I have an entertaining conversation with an old friend of mine. Yukie Kito is an award winning movie producer with over 20 films to her credit. This is really an "insiders" episode where we talk about her life, challenges, and successes as an independent producer and really gain a lot of insight into the Japanese film industry: What has happened to creativity and how some missteps have allowed S. Korea to become Asia's entertainment powerhouse. She talks about some great memori...
Mats Lindstrom: Ducati Motorcycles President Japan
December 10, 2021 00:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBIt's time to get your motor running and head out to the highway. This episode I speak with the president of Ducati Japan Mr. Mats Lindstrom. You do not need to be a "bike guy" or a "gear-head" to enjoy this conversation with Mats. We chat about "Empowerment" in Japan, his unique strategy and reasons for conducting management meetings in English, and his biggest takeaways from days at IKEA when he arrived in Japan to set up the first stores in 2005. Of course we also talk about the bike bus...
Karen Hill Anton: Author, The View from Breast Pocket Mountain
November 23, 2021 22:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBThis episode we are treated to a wonderful conversation with an amazing woman who continues to have a fascinating life. Karen Hill Anton discusses her memoir "The View from Breast Pocket Mountain". Published in late 2020 the book has received numerous literary awards and has a 5 start rating from Amazon. We talk about her motivation behind writing her 1st book, she offers solid advise for anyone contemplating a memoir, dive into some of the back stories and highlights from her book, and th...
Mac Salman: Discovering the World of Japanese Adult Beverages and Customized Tours
November 07, 2021 23:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBThe phrase "Do what you love and you never have to work another day in your life" fits Mac Salman perfectly. Mac left the finance industry and pursued his passions - Travel, Japan, and tasty spirits. We discuss his customized tour business Maction Planet where he has never conducted the same itinerary twice. Then his pivot to Kanpai Planet when the pandemic halted Japan tourism. We discuss these two businesses and life in Tokyo while we sample three "Japan Related" tequilas. Mac is an inim...
Meshida: Japanese Stand-Up Comedian
October 24, 2021 13:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBMeshida is an ex-Japanese salaryman turned English language standup comedian. For the past eight years Meshida has been performing his style of comedy in both Japan and the UK. In addition he is a successful YouTuber, mostly known for his comedic commentary on Japan's "pink" culture despite his many other "wholesome" cultural topics. We discuss why he decided to become a full-time standup comedian, the difference between Japanese and Western humor, stories from the stage, how much he earns...
Meshida: Japanese Stand-Up Comedian
October 24, 2021 13:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBMeshida is an ex-Japanese salaryman turned English language standup comedian. For the past eight years Meshida has been performing his style of comedy in both Japan and the UK. In addition he is a successful YouTuber, mostly known for his comedic commentary on Japan's "pink" culture despite his many other "wholesome" cultural topics. We discuss why he decided to become a full-time standup comedian, the difference between Japanese and Western humor, stories from the stage, how much he earns...
Kaki Okumura: Japanese Principles to Live a Longer & Happier Life
October 06, 2021 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBThis conversation is one of the most amazing I've had since starting Now and Zen Japan. This episode could certainly change your life. Especially if you suffer from unhealthy lifestyle habits. Prepare to be blown away by Kaki Okumura's wisdom, demeanor, and insight into well-being and nutrition. Kaki breaks down Japanese based wellness concepts through her "Four Essential Pillars to Healthy Living" in a very convincing and non-preachy way. She is a writer, an illustrator, a wellness coach,...
Anthony Griffin: Global Communications Entrepreneur
September 25, 2021 05:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBIt's a real feel-good conversation with uber positive and incredibly humble entrepreneur Anthony Griffin. He is the founder of Saga Consulting where he "helps organizations and individuals tell their story to the world". It's global communications through excellent copy-writing, digital marketing, and cross-cultural coaching. Anthony often writes insightful and though-provoking articles for Kokoro Media on LinkedIn. He is especially passionate about Japanese language learning and frequen...
Don Bunkenburg: Taking the Lufthansa Group in Japan to new heights
September 09, 2021 07:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBWe all miss traveling, and this episode I get to speak with long-time, airline professional, Don Bunkenburg. Don is the Senior Director in Japan for the Lufthansa Group. Which includes Swiss Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and Germany's Lufthansa. We talk about how Lufthansa competes in the Japan market renowned for its level of service and hospitality, the "No risk culture" similarities between Germany and Japan, how each airline in the group tailors their service offering to reflect the cul...
Frank Foley: Japan's "Next Big Thing"
August 22, 2021 00:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBFrank Foley is a charismatic 30-year Japan professional with a deep understanding of character licensing, content marketing, and IP management. He was the country manager for Guinness World Records Japan where he successfully shifted the business model from wacky and crazy to a more Japan focused local strategy. Even participating in the record-setting worlds largest beef skewer event. Frank has represented IP entertainment brands from the Rolling Stones and Ariana Grande to children's educ...
Robert Whiting Part 2: "Tokyo Junkie" Baseball Stories and more
August 08, 2021 23:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBPart 2 of my interview with author Robert Whiting about his recent best selling memoir "Tokyo Junkie" 60 years of bright lights, back alleys, and baseball. In this episode, Bob tells great stories about colorful foreign players and well-known Japanese baseball stars. Part 2, we talk mostly about the baseball stories from his memoir, but also get into the important story of how writing his first book "The Chrysanthemum and the Bat" completely changed his life. Together with episode #1 this is...
Robert Whiting: "Tokyo Junkie" 60 Years of Bright Lights, Back Alleys, and Baseball - Part 1
July 24, 2021 04:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBI have been a big fan of Robert Whiting ever since I read "Chrysanthemum and the Bat" back in high school in the 1980's. Numerous, critically acclaimed books later, I sit down with Bob to discuss his latest book, a memoir, "Tokyo Junkie" 60 Years of Bright Lights and Back Alleys . . . and baseball. We discuss his firsthand insights into six decades of entertaining, dangerous, bizarre, and heartfelt experiences sandwiched between the 1st Olympics in 1962 to the current 2021 games. This is p...
Robert Whiting: "Tokyo Junkie" 60 Years of Bright Lights, Back Alleys, and Baseball - Part 1
July 24, 2021 04:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBI have been a big fan of Robert Whiting ever since I read "Chrysanthemum and the Bat" back in high school in the 1980's. Numerous, critically acclaimed books later, I sit down with Bob to discuss his latest book, a memoir, "Tokyo Junkie" 60 Years of Bright Lights and Back Alleys . . . and baseball. We discuss his firsthand insights into six decades of entertaining, dangerous, bizarre, and heartfelt experiences sandwiched between the 1st Olympics in 1962 to the current 2021 games. This is p...
Andrew Hankinson: Leadership in Japan and stories from a 30-year Japan veteran
July 10, 2021 06:00 - 37 minutes - 26.4 MBThis episode is #40, and the content is a little different from the past 39 episodes in that today's guest is . . . myself. It's actually a re-purposed podcast from Dr. Greg Story's "Japan's Top Business Interviews" podcast. I was a guest on his show in early 2021 and took that content and edited it to use for this Now and Zen's 40th episode. The original podcast (thus this episode) we discussed my 30 year journey from department store buyer to helping everybody in love with culinary, ...
Paul Kraft: Gummy Bear President Japan
May 25, 2021 18:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MBEverything you ever wanted to know about the grocery & convenience store business in Japan with Haribo Japan President, Paul Craft. He is an expert on Japan's packaged consumer goods market. Paul started his Japan career 13 years ago with Starbucks Japan, then launched HoneyBaked Ham (their first ever foreign expansion), and has been the country manager for Haribo Japan since 2018. We discuss the production of a localized Haribo TV commercial with real Sumo wrestlers, inside info on distri...
Jeff Crawford: Digital Marketing Expert & SEO advise for you!
May 08, 2021 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBJeff Crawford is the president of Zo Digital, a bi-lingual digital marketing agency he founded over seven years ago. He describes many of the mistakes foreign companies make when setting up their web presence in Japan and explains how to remedy these issues. What hidden gems can be discovered in your site analytics to improve eCom sales. Why Japanese sites are often so busy and loud. Simple and practical advise on how to increase traffic and improve conversion rates through "Authoritativene...