In today's conversation, NIHHON founder Johannes Budkiewitz shares his insights into a wide range of topics, including how the Japanese education system offers opportunities for disruption alongside the rise of startups, as well as the unique opportunities that exist for collaboration between Japan and Germany. He also speaks about sustainability issues and initiatives in both countries, as well as what mindsets are necessary to find lasting success in Japan.

Today's Word:

サークル

sa-a-ku-ru

meaning: a club, team, or informal hobby group, usually at school or university

Johannes' Links:

Book Recommendation:

Related Episodes:

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 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].

In today's episode, I chat with Anthony Griffin of Saga Consulting about his experiences helping Japanese professionals gain the skills needed to be successful in an increasingly globalized world. Be sure to listen in to learn more about what skills are essential for finding professional success in Japan, as well as to hear more about the role of LinkedIn and other social media in Japanese networking.

Today's Phrase:

がんばってください

ga-n-ba-tte-ku-da-sa-i

Meaning: "Please do your best." (typically used in instances where "good luck" would be used)

Anthony's Links:

Book Recommendation:

Related Episodes:

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 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].

In today's episode, I chat with Graeme Lawrence, an award-winning Japanese specialist with years of experience in translation and interpretation. He shares his own experiences working in Japan and using Japanese professionally outside of the country, as well as his insights into the process of learning Japanese. For anyone who is considering taking their own Japanese studies seriously, no matter their current level or past experiences in the classroom, this episode is a must-listen.

Graeme's Links:

-LinkedIn

-Website

-YouTube

-Eikoku News Digest Monthly Column

Related Episodes:

-Anne Hooghart on High- and Low-Context Cultures

-Japanese Body Language

-Kasia on Hourensou: Improving Communication in Japan With... Spinach?

Resources for Japanese Study and Inspiration:

-Rikaikun

-Language Learning with Netflix

-Anki

-The Sir Peter Parker Awards for Spoken Business Japanese

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 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].

In this week's interview, I chat with Ken Okamoto of Ken One World Consulting. We chat about the importance of a healthy work-life balance, why that can be so difficult to achieve in Japan, and we delve into the topic of Japanese business meetings. Be sure to listen in to  some insight into what you will likely encounter, and how to put in the work ahead of time to set yourself for success in Japanese meetings.

Today's Word:

たてまえ

ta-te-ma-e

Meaning: one's official opinion or stance (though not necessary their personal opinion)

Ken's Links:

Related Episodes:

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 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].

In today's conversation, I chat with Natalie Meyer of Tokyoesque, a localization and market research company. In the episode, Natalie shares her insights into some unique aspects of the Japanese marketplace, as well as common difficulties foreign companies face when entering Japan, and vice-verse.

Today's Word:

ほんね

ho-n-ne

Meaning: one's true opinion, real intention, motivation

Natalie's Links:

Book Recommendation:

Related Episodes:

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 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].

In this week's episode, I chat with Byron Barón of Contactojapon about the importance of a concept called "ma" to effective communication in Japan.  Since "ma" means time, pause, or space, it can be a difficult concept for many speed-obsessed Westerners to wrap their heads around at first. However, an appreciation of Japanese art, as well as cultivating quiet and space in your own life may hold the key to not only surviving, but thriving in this unique aspect of Japanese communication.

 Also, this episode goes live on Byron's birthday, so be sure to wish him well!

Today's phrase:

くうきをよむ

ku-u-ki (w)o yo-mu

Translation: "to read the air"

Byron's Links:

Byron's Book Recommendations:

Related Episodes:

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 subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving 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].

In today's episode, Angel Guevara shares his observations on the interplay between self-confidence, individuality, and creativity in the Japanese market. How can you master the art of honoring your host culture while being true to your passions? Be sure to listen in and find out.

Today's Word:

かいぜん

ka-i-ze-n

Meaning: betterment, improvement

Angel's Links and Suggestions:

Related Episodes:

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 subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving 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].

In today's episode, I chat with Bonson Lam about his research into the effects of the current Covid-19 situation on tourism, as well as the possible opportunities that could arise in the industry both during and after the crisis.

Today's Word:

りょかん

ryo-ka-n

Meaning: a traditional Japanese-style inn

Bonson's Links:

Related Episodes:

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 subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving 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].

In today's episode, I chat with Mac Salman, founder of the Japan-based travel company Maction Planet. He shares his experiences moving to and falling in love with the country, as well as his practical insights into how best to build and maintain relationships in Japan. We also discuss an important concept for foreigners living and doing business in Japan to know called the "gaijin-card," so you definitely won't want to miss out on this week's conversation.

Today's Word:

がいじん

ga-i-ji-n

Meaning: foreigner (typically referring to any non-Japanese person)

Kanji [Chinese Characters]: 外人 (literally: "outside person")

Mac's Links:

Mac's Book Recommendation:

Related Episodes: 

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 subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving 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].

In today's episode, I interview Anil Raj, a serial entrepreneur in Japan. He shares his experiences, advice for successfully navigating entrepreneurship in Japan as a foreigner, as well as his views on the importance of mentorship in the country.

Today's Phrase:

かんぱい

ka-n-pa-i

Meaning: "Cheers!" [used while drinking]

Related Past Episodes:

Anil Raj’s Links:

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 subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving 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].