Timothy Connor is a bilingual and bicultural longtime resident of Tokyo Japan. He has 25 years of experience in consumer related businesses, from startup launch to growth oriented small and medium enterprises, and has developed a deep understanding of the Japanese market, its consumers, and the unique aspects of doing business in Japan, where trust relationships are essential. 

Through his work in multiple sectors, he has deep insights into the complex Japanese distribution system, as well as consumer behaviors especially regarding foreign brands.

Now as CEO of Synnovate, where he helps companies and startups evaluate, enter, and grow in the Japanese market he develops road maps to growth, leads the implementation, and works synergistically with local distributors to achieve growth. He is also Partner Faculty at Globis Graduate School of Management, where he is in charge of an upper level MBA course called Venture Management.

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

Tim Romero is a Tokyo-based entrepreneur, author, and innovator with a diverse background in startups and technology. He is deeply engaged in Japan's startup ecosystem as a Partner at JERA Ventures, with a focus on sustainability and decarbonization. Previously, he led initiatives at Google for Startups Japan and has founded several companies throughout his career. Tim also hosts the podcast "Disrupting Japan," where he explores the unique stories of Japanese entrepreneurs. His journey reflects resilience and a commitment to fostering innovation in Japan's vibrant startup community.

Disrupting Japan. https://www.disruptingjapan.com/

Way more about Tim than you wanted to know (according to Tim): https://www.disruptingjapan.com/tim/

LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/timromero/

Twitter: https://x.com/timoth3y

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

This past spring, we recorded a live episode of the Business Success Japan Podcast at Tokyo Comedy Bar with three incredible guests: Katheryn Gronauer, Anthony Griffin, and Austin Zeng.

During this very special live event, we explored several important topics for navigating business in Japan:

We also addressed:

Katheryn Gronauer is an Executive Coach who helps leaders find their footing. She has expertise in leadership, cross-cultural transition, and work-life balance. Katheryn is also a Tedx Speaker, Author, and has been featured in publications including The Japan Times, HuffPost, Women’s Health magazine.
For more information, visit:
www.katheryngronauer.com
www.linkedin.com/in/katheryngronauer
www.instagram.com/katheryngronauer

Previous Interview

Anthony Griffin is a marketer and communications coach who helps Japanese companies market to international audiences. Before founding Saga Consulting, he served as the marketing and communications manager for the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. As a communications coach, he has been credited for helping Fortune 500 executives earn global-level promotions. He also runs Kokoro Media, which represents a network of authors exploring the heart of Japan through travel, people, language, and culture.

For more information, visit:

Saga Consulting: https://www.consultsaga.com/
Kokoro Media: https://medium.com/kokoro-media

Previous Interview

Austin Zeng is the Founder of MEXT Scholars Association and lecturer for career development for foreign students in Japan. Works also as a freelance programmer and translator for mainly Japanese graduates. He is a University of Tokyo '17 Graduate and is currently living in Singapore.

For more information, visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-zeng-120a4563/

Previous Interview

Venue: Tokyo Comedy Bar

https://www.tokyocomedybar.com/

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

In this podcast interview, Richard Katz, a special correspondent for Toyo Keizai and author of The Contest for Japan's Economic Future, discusses Japan's economic challenges and potential for recovery. He reflects on Japan's history, the rise of its industrial power, and the current economic stagnation. Katz emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation, arguing that Japan needs to move away from propping up outdated industries and focus more on supporting startups. He explains how the existing economic model, including the lifetime employment system and zombie companies, has stifled growth and innovation. Katz calls for a balance between supporting large firms and encouraging new ventures, highlighting the need for government policy changes to foster entrepreneurship and drive economic growth in Japan.

Richard's Links:

Substack: https://richardkatz.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-katz-937308204/

Latest Book: https://www.amazon.com/Contest-Japans-Economic-Future-Entrepreneurs/dp/0197675107

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

Anastasiia Vydiuk is an expert in social media and influencer marketing who supports influencers in achieving financial freedom. She’s a founder and CEO of an influencer marketing agency promoting inbound tourism in Asia, called PrettyPass. Be sure to keep listening to learn more about her experiences  building influence and a company in Japan.

Anastasiia's Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/anastasiiavyy?igsh=cThiMG5hNHp6and6

PrettyPass's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/prettypass.inc?igsh=YWR2N243bzRleXlh

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠.

I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

[This interview was originally published on November 29, 2021.]

Rosa Aldridge is an American who has had her entire professional career in Japan, and she is passionate about creating sustainable culture practices while promoting Japanese hospitality to the world. At the time of recording, she worked in an environment that dealt with event planning and promoting international understanding, and she has successfully navigated job searching in Japan and has held a variety of positions through various companies and institutions in Japan. Some topics discussed in today's conversation include how to effectively find (the right) jobs in Japan, taking advantage of unique opportunities through positioning yourself as a cultural bridge, and how to best navigate the resources available if you find yourself in a workplace that isn't for you.

Rosa's Links: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-aldridge/

逆求人 website: ⁠https://www.careertrek.com/⁠

Related Episodes: 

Communicating Your Value in the Japanese Job Market with Sam Thornton: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Communicating-Your-Value-in-the-Japanese-Job-Market-with-Sam-Thornton-ervoi9

Learning the Dance of Effective Cross-Cultural Communication in Japan with Kevin Crowell: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Learning-the-Dance-of-Effective-Cross-Cultural-Communication-in-Japan-with-Kevin-Crowell-e153r78

Surviving the Salaryman Lifestyle in Japan with Michael Howard Thuresson: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Surviving-the-Salaryman-Lifestyle-in-Japan-with-Michael-Howard-Thuresson-esfn4d

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

Anthony Griffin is a marketer and communications coach who helps Japanese companies market to international audiences. Before founding Saga Consulting, he served as the marketing and communications manager for the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. As a communications coach, he has helped Fortune 500 executives earn global-level promotions.

Before moving to Japan in 2009, he managed the workflow of over 250 marketing projects a year for the City of Riverside, California. As a marketing consultant and copywriter, he leveraged his M.B.A. degree to help local businesses achieve exponential returns on their marketing investments.

A lifelong learner and teacher, Anthony speaks Japanese proficiently and often gives marketing and communication lectures at universities and corporations.

Anthony's Links:

- Saga Consulting: https://www.consultsaga.com/
- Kokoro Media: https://medium.com/kokoro-media

Anthony's first interview: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/jR8FOrVhZIb

On May 11th at 2 p.m., Tokyo Comedy Bar will be hosting a live fireside chat with previous guests of the Business Success Japan podcast. While we’re still working out some of the details, we’re hoping to donate any profits on the tickets to TELL Japan, which is an organization dedicated to providing effective support and counseling services to Japan’s international community and its increasing mental health needs.

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠.

I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

This episode is a replay of an interview originally published on March 14, 2022.

Rochelle Kopp is the founder and managing principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting, an international training and consulting firm focused on Japanese business. Her area of expertise is Japanese culture and business practices, particularly Japanese communication style and organizational behavior and decision-making in Japanese firms. She’s also a prolific writer and actively posts much of her practical and insightful work on LinkedIn.

Just a few topics covered in today's conversation include:

-Servant leadership and why it could be a good fit in a Japanese business context.

-What is the rice paper ceiling, and what should non-Japanese people do when they encounter it?

-How HR traditionally functions in Japan, why, and how it should change.

-An example of how to effectively deepen work relationships with Japanese counterparts without meeting in-person.

Rochelle's links: 

Japan Intercultural Consulting: ⁠https://japanintercultural.com/⁠

Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/JapanIntercult⁠

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellekopp/⁠

Related Episodes:

Learning the Dance of Effective Cross-Cultural Communication in Japan with Kevin Crowell: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Learning-the-Dance-of-Effective-Cross-Cultural-Communication-in-Japan-with-Kevin-Crowell-e153r78

Building Lasting Relationships Amidst the Covid-19 Digital Transformation in Japan with Will Jasprizza: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Building-Lasting-Relationships-Amidst-the-Covid-19-Digital-Transformation-in-Japan-with-Will-Jasprizza-e12dldf

Evolving Trends in Japanese Subsidiary Companies and the Lasting Power of Monozukuri with Francis Pacheco: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Evolving-Trends-in-Japanese-Subsidiary-Companies-and-the-Lasting-Power-of-Monozukuri-with-Francis-Pacheco-e14ne9c

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

BJ Fox is a Tokyo-based British comedian and business-owner. Having first arrived in Japan in a corporate role within the video games industry, he has now written and starred in Japan's first language sitcom, launched Amazon Music's first original podcast and founded Tokyo Comedy Bar, Japan's first stand-up club!

BJ's Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-fox-760b032/

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠.

I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

[This interview was originally published on January 10th, 2022.]

Menya Hinga is an American who immigrated to Japan over a decade ago. He now works as a health and performance coach to high-performers who are struggling to manage stress and weight gain, learn to eat better, move more and stress less in order to transform their health and performance. Some topics covered in this episode include the importance of focusing on providing value as a content creator, the power of small shifts in making big changes, why time management is the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and why things will likely take longer than you expect when starting a business in Japan.

Menya's links: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menyahinga/

Website: ⁠www.menyahinga.com⁠ 

Community: ⁠https://holisticfitness.mn.co/⁠

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan

Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message