After a career in hospitality and advertising, Robert co-founded Custom Media, an award-winning, integrated digital marketing and strategic communications agency in Tokyo in 2008. He regularly advises global brands on their market entry and expansion strategies for Japan. He has a passion for high-quality creative work and delivering strategic marketing solutions with a results-driven approach.

Robert has an MBA from McGill University and a certificate in Digital Transformation Platform Strategies from MIT Sloan. He has launched several successful media and content platforms, the most recent being GoConnect (https://goconnect.jp/), an award-winning, digital marketplace platform that features interesting content, great offers and experiences for foreigners living or visiting Japan. He is one of four judges at the annual Japan Market Expansion Competition (https://jmec.gr.jp/) and a deputy chair of Animal Refuge Kansai (https://www.arkbark.net/) an NPO established in 1999 dedicated to the rescue of unwanted, abused, and homeless animals with an aim to rehabilitate them and to find them permanent loving new homes.

Topics covered in today's episode include:

-the power of using Chambers of Commerce, societies, and volunteer organizations to build a strong and meaningful network in Japan

-Robert’s experience founding the first exclusively bilingual content firm in Japan

-expectations for the coming travel boom in Japan

-travel tips and resources for the savvy and frugal

Robert's Links:

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

Company: https://goconnect.jp/

Travel:

-https://www.sportsjourney.jp/

-https://www.jnto.go.jp/

-https://www.japan.travel/en/

NPOs:

-https://www.arkbark.net/

-https://rei-npo.org/en/

-https://sokids.org/

-https://mirai-no-mori.jp/

-https://youmewenpo.org/

-https://www.kiwl.net/

-https://tokyo-yamathon.com/

Chambers and societies:

-https://www.accj.or.jp/

-https://www.anzccj.jp/

-https://bccjapan.com/

-https://www.cccj.or.jp/

-https://ebc-jp.com/

-https://www.ijcc.jp/

-https://www.saccj.com/

-https://ajstokyo.org/en-home/

-https://www.japanbritishsociety.or.jp/en/

-http://janz.jp/en/

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated enough to keep 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

Ben Shearon was a university lecturer in Sendai who retired from formal work in March 2022. He has been in Japan since July 2000, and has run the RetireJapan website since 2013. RetireJapan is the best (and quite possibly only) place to find trustworthy information in English on personal finance, investing, and retirement in Japan, with a wealth of free information and a supportive online community.

Be sure to keep listening to hear more about his insights into what you can do to improve your financial health and set yourself up for future success and stability while living in Japan.

Topics covered in today's episode include: 

-four simple principles to improve your financial health

-why not having an emergency fund is an emergency

-how to think about saving money without reducing quality of life

-how to get started as an investor

-Japan-specific tools for retirement savings (and why Americans shouldn't use them)

Ben's Links: 

RetireJapan site: https://www.retirejapan.com/welcome/

RetireJapan forum: https://www.retirejapan.com/forum/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@retirejapan_OG

Twitter: https://twitter.com/retirejapan_OG

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

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated enough to keep 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

Helen Iwata is known as The Less Effort More Impact Coach. She’s an award-winning bilingual coach based in Tokyo.

Helen helps women in business to excel in their work without feeling exhausted, through the power of the Sasuga! Success Cycle.

Originally from England, Helen has lived and worked in Japan for over 30 years. After two decades in education, local government, and the corporate world, Helen established her own business in 2013 and is now obsessed with helping overworking women to use their time, energy, and expertise for less effort and more impact.

Helen is a TEDx speaker and coach, Nikkei Style columnist, author of the Japanese book Eigo no Shigoto-jutsu, host of The Sasuga! Podcast (with over 200 episodes), wife, mother, and a karate world champion.

Topics covered in today's episode include: 

-the power of choosing your thoughts

-the key to improving your presentations skills in any culture

-coping with and preventing burnout

-the dark sides of ganbaru and gaman

Helen's Links:

Website: https://sasugacommunications.com/

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

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HelenIwata

Sasuga! VIP Women’s Program: https://sasugacommunications.com/vip

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated enough to keep 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

Manabu Goto is a Japanese native and world traveler whose mission is to create a more inclusive world. He's the founder of Helte, which created a unique Japanese conversation platform called Sail to connect Japanese learners with elderly volunteers in Japan.

Topics covered in today’s episode include:

-how companies can balance a focus on profitability with social contribution

-balancing a focus on diversity with a company’s culture in a startup setting

-why it’s important to be mindful of the “mask” you’re using when addressing different kinds of stakeholders in a purpose-driving company

-how something as simple as a conversation can work toward eliminating bias

Manabu's links: 

Helte: https://helte.jp/en/service/

Sail App: https://sailglobal.helte.jp/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manabu-g-93066920b/

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated enough to keep 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

Philippe Khin is the founder of the language exchange app SewaYou. Fluent in Cambodian, French, English, and Japanese with an N1 certification, his app focuses on helping people connect in-person to build stronger language and communication skills.

Topics covered in today's episode include: 

-How (and why) to speed up your eligibility for permanent residency in Japan.

-Time management and avoiding burnout as a solo founder.

-Why it’s most effective to focus on addressing people’s pain points to influence them.

-The staying power of in-person networking, especially in the Tokyo startup community.

Philippe's Links:

SewaYou: https://www.sewayou.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-khin/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/philippekhin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/philippekhin

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated: 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

Dr. Adam Acar is a native of Turkey who moved to Japan from the United States 15 years ago. He has since worked as a professor and in the education, innovation, and marketing sphere.

Topics covered in this episode include:

-why Japanese women rank among the lowest worldwide in self-esteem, and what it means

-why konbin are so innovative, where there’s room for change, and why trust is such a valuable force in Japan

-why sales tactics and incentives successful in other countries may not be effective in Japan

-how SNS and SEO functions differently in the Japanese market

-the drain of zombie companies on the Japanese economy

Adam Acar's Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-acar-phd-9b8b871b/

Youtube Channel on Innovation and Digital Marketing: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChQ7Gx5T-MADuIDO3mAEwXQ/videos

Youtube Channel on Samurai and Zen Culture: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC30GfLisrnQHeogVmdgcVTw/videos

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated: 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

Heidi Karino is a native of the UK who has just returned to her home country after spending twenty-four formative years living and working in Japan. She currently runs her own business as a Japanese to English translator specializing in transcreation for content marketing, where she works with clients to ensure that their Japanese content really resonates with their English-speaking customers.

Topics discussed in today's interview include:

-transcreation, how it differs from translation, and what makes it valuable

-strategically using social media to educate and find clients, as well as cultivate a community of professionals

-differences between freelance and in-house translation work

Heidi's Links: 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/heidikarino

Website (Japanese): www.kotonohabloom.com

Related Episodes: 

Gained in Translation: Interpreting Design in Japan and Beyond with David Tonge: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Gained-in-Translation-Interpreting-Design-in-Japan-and-Beyond-with-David-Tonge-e117ji8

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

The Power of Self-Reflection, Storytelling, and Finding Authentic Balance in Japan with Tim Sullivan: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/The-Power-of-Self-Reflection--Storytelling--and-Finding-Authentic-Balance-in-Japan-with-Tim-Sullivan-eul6jr

Mentioned in the Episode: 

Blog on Transcreation: https://www.transcreationexperts.com/

Hemingway App: https://hemingwayapp.com/

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated: 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

Jennifer Shinkai is a British born, Oxford educated, Tokyo based Ikigai and Inclusion facilitator and coach. She is also the host of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast, the founder of the free online community for business owners “Make March Matter,” and the author and illustrator of the book “Can Giraffes Swim?”

Topics covered in today's episode include: 

-why cultural scales and dimensions, while useful, aren’t enough to find true connection and success in Japan

-why everyone is at least partially right, and why that’s important

-addressing authenticity vs. competency challenges

-why ikigai may not be what you think it is

-how to make effective rules in mixed-culture teams

Jennifer's Links: 

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

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

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

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

Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai Podcast: https://ikigai-with-jennifer-shinkai.captivate.fm/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Related Episodes: 

On Japanese Management, Servant Leadership, and Rice Paper Ceilings with Rochelle Kopp: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/On-Japanese-Management--Servant-Leadership--and-Rice-Paper-Ceilings-with-Rochelle-Kopp-e1fkmqd

Why You Need a Global Mindset to Succeed in Japan with Rie Eichmann: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Why-You-Need-a-Global-Mindset-to-Succeed-in-Japan-with-Rie-Eichmann-e16qlee

On Podcasting, Entrepreneurship, and Making a Life in Japan with Jayne Nakata: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/On-Podcasting--Entrepreneurship--and-Making-a-Life-in-Japan-with-Jayne-Nakata-e1ggdel

Recommended Books and Podcasts: 

The Culture Map (Erin Meyer): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22085568-the-culture-map?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YuYrxmBkX4&rank=1

Global Dexterity (Andy Molinsky): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15824353-global-dexterity?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=d3kuogsfUs&rank=1

The Ikigai Podcast (Nick Kemp - Ikigai Tribe): https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/the-ikigai-podcast/id1488566034

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated: 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

Jayne Nakata is the creator of PodLauch with Jayne, a company that helps podcasters around the world to launch and run their own show. She is also the award winning host of the #1 podcast for international women living in Japan: Transformations with Jayne.  Originally from New Zealand, Jayne has lived in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan for nearly 20 years. Because of this, she has a wealth of experience for anyone hoping to live, work, start a business, or raise a family in Japan.

Additional topics covered in today's episode include:

-working to build a business to suit the lifestyle she wanted as a mother

-successfully creating and sustaining a remote team

-why dressing professionally in Japan can be a challenge for foreigners, especially women

Jayne's Links: 

PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting

Transformations with Jayne podcast: https://transformationswithjayne.captivate.fm/

Jandals in Japan podcast:  https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podlaunch-with-jayne

Related Episodes:

Tackling Law, Entrepreneurship, and a Purposeful Life in Japan with Catherine O'Connell: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Tackling-Law--Entrepreneurship--and-a-Purposeful-Life-in-Japan-with-Catherine-OConnell-e19j77p

Entrepreneurship and Content Creation as a Digital Nomad in Japan with Cindy Bissig: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Entrepreneurship-and-Content-Creation-as-a-Digital-Nomad-in-Japan-with-Cindy-Bissig-e13rdl0

Setting Yourself Up to Thrive in Japan with Katheryn Gronauer: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Setting-Yourself-Up-to-Thrive-in-Japan-with-Katheryn-Gronauer-er360q

Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated: 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

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