Jandals in Japan®

This is part two of a two-part series. In part one, Steve Saunders, the co-founder of New Zealand Robotics Plus told his side of the story of the acquisition journey of the company by Yamaha Agriculture. Now Nolan Paul, CEO of Yamaha Agriculture, gives us the buyer view from the other side of the table.

Nolan is building out the agricultural strategy of Yamaha Agriculture by searching the world for the very best agricultural technology they can find. In April 2025, they closed the acquisition of Robotics Plus which completed the vision of a fully integrated autonomous, data-driven agricultural platform. In this conversation, Nolan shares what it is really like to bring three companies from three different countries under one roof inside a Japanese corporation.

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Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Visit ON Consulting for indepth articles in Japanese and English

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The chance encounter that in hindsight, set in motion a decade-long journey from investment to full acquisition.
• What it was that attracted Yamaha Agriculture to choose Robotics Plus
• The honest reality of post-acquisition integration across multiple cultures: Kiwi,, American, and Japanese
• The importance of building genuine partnerships before you need to call on them

About Nolan

Nolan Paul is the CEO of Yamaha Agriculture. His career spans agriculture, capital allocation, and industrial scale‐up.

Nolan combines disciplined operating judgment and financial fluency with global governance experience within a major OEM, direct grower‐level investment management, and responsibility for deploying autonomous systems at scale.

Links

Yamaha Agriculture https://yamaha-agriculture.com/

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

Steve Saunders tells the full behind-the-scenes story of how Robotics Plus went from a PhD project at Massey University to a globally operating autonomous vehicle and robotic packing company, attracting investment from Yamaha Motor in 2017 and a full acquisition by Yamaha Agriculture in 2025. This is part one of a two-part series. Part two features Nolan Paul, CEO of Yamaha Agriculture.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Visit ON Consulting for in depth articles in Japanese and English

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Steve Saunders went from growing up on a dairy farm in the Waikato to co-founding Robotics Plus and many other ventures
• Why choosing corporate investment from Yamaha over venture capital was the critical decision
• The inside story of how Steve led investments into Robotics Plus, by Yamaha, to a full acquisition, and why building trust through consistent face-to-face contact was everything.
• Practical advice for Kiwi entrepreneurs going global with their startup

About Steve

Steve Saunders (Ngāti Ranginui) is a New Zealand serial entrepreneur with more than 35 years’ experience across the horticultural and food sectors, startups, and investments, having built many successful horticultural businesses. He is the co-founder of Robotics Plus – the Tauranga-based agritech company acquired by Japan’s Yamaha Motor Company in 2025 to form the foundation of Yamaha Agriculture, Inc. He is now the Senior Vice President, Business Development & Strategy at Yamaha Agriculture.

Steve brings extensive leadership and investment experience, global grower connections and financial expertise. From co-founding Gro-Link to launching GroPlus and PollenPlus, he is also a founding shareholder and director of Rockit Global Limited (Rockit Apples). He was also one of the founders of Mount Pack & Cool, one of the largest and most technologically advanced kiwifruit packhouses in the Bay of Plenty. He co-founded the Newnham Park Innovation Centre, a hub for export-focused businesses in the Bay of Plenty, and served for 13 years on the board of Priority One, the economic development organisation for the Western Bay of Plenty.

A long-time champion of Māori investment in agriculture and innovation, Steve has served on the Federation of Māori Authorities advisory board and was named Te Tohu Kairangi mō te Kaiārahi Pakihi / Outstanding Māori Business Leader in 2022.

Steve is also a sought-after mentor, known for generously sharing his time, knowledge and networks to support others on their journey. He is a long-time supporter of the Young Innovator Awards, helping inspire and encourage the next generation of innovators and business leaders.

His contribution to New Zealand’s exporting success and to developing others was recognised with the ExportNZ Bay of Plenty Export Awards Services to Exporting Award in 2025.

Links

Robotics Plus: https://www.roboticsplus.co.nz/

Yamaha Agriculture: https://yamaha-agriculture.com/news-media/robotics-plus-joins-yamaha-agriculture/

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

Liam Sceats is 20 years old, a New Zealand Grand Prix champion, and a racing driver who describes himself first as a startup founder. In this episode, Liam shares candid stories about his visits to Japan to race, giving insights to the motor racing world in Japan which is becoming an increasingly popular destination for racers. Jayne and Catherine also weigh in with some of their best advice and the reminder that arriving in Japan means leaving your ego behind, no matter how well known you are at home.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Visit ON Consulting for in depth articles in Japanese and English

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why Liam Sceats approaches his racing career like a startup founder
• How Liam built one of the strongest relationships of his racing career with a Japanese engineer who didn’t speak English
• Practical tips for Kiwis building business relationships remotely in Japan
• Why international drivers are increasingly focusing on Japan for long-term professional racing careers.

About Liam

Liam Sceats is a 20 year old Kiwi racing driver and New Zealand Grand Prix Champion. Competing in the Lamborghini Asia series, Liam raced at Fuji Speedway in Japan and scored two podium finishes in 2026.

Off the race track, Liam is building a business around his racing career. With a focus on fundraising, partnerships, brand building, and premium corporate hospitality experiences, he is taking a business-first approach to progressing in one of the world’s most brutal sporting environments, being the world of Motorsport.

As a young Kiwi chasing opportunities across Asia, Liam is passionate about building genuine long-term relationships in Japan and the wider region.

Connect with Liam

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-sceats-86276021a/

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

Instagram: http://instagram.com/liamsceats

Website: https://liamsceats.com/

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

Peri Drysdale is Founder of the internationally renowned sustainable fashion brand Untouched World. From growing up on a sheep farm in the Rakaia Gorge to becoming a registered nurse, and then launching a global wool business with just $200 in the bank, Peri's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Discover how she broke into Japan's notoriously difficult department store market, the power of persistence, and why being a foreign woman in Japanese business turned from a double negative into a surprising advantage.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Peri started a global wool business with $200 in the bank
• The jaw-dropping story of how Peri got her products into prestigious Japanese retailers
• The "two minuses make a plus" philosophy
• Peri’s Essential lessons for doing business in Japan

About Peri

Peri was born in Christchurch with a first career as a nurse before starting a small home-based knitwear business while raising her young family.

Over the decades, that cottage industry evolved into the internationally recognised brand Untouched World, known for its innovative natural fibres and commitment to environmentally responsible fashion.

The company exports globally including Japan and has earned international recognition for its leadership in sustainability.

Alongside building her business, Peri founded the Untouched World Foundation,and her contributions to business, exports, and sustainability have been widely recognised, including induction into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame and numerous national awards.

Links

Untouched World: https://www.untouchedworld.com/en-int

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

Kanako Inomata is the Head of Marketing APAC for Zespri International, one of the world's most recognised fresh produce brands. Working remotely from her hometown in Aizu, Fukushima, she leads marketing strategy across Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, and beyond.

Kanako reveals the fascinating story behind the Kiwi Brothers characters, which have become so iconic in Japan that they've been rolled out globally across Europe, the Americas, and even back to New Zealand. Whether you're interested in brand building, cross-cultural marketing, or living a purpose-driven career, Kanako's wisdom will resonate.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• What drew Kanako to move her career to a kiwifruit company from New Zealand
• How Kanako and her team created the now-iconic Kiwi Brothers characters (and now their little sister “Ruby”)
• The importance of being consumer centric marketing
• Kanako’s experience working remotely from Fukushima and leading teams across APAC

About Kanako

An international marketing leader with extensive experience across Consumer, Shopper and Digital marketing. Starting her career at Unilever in Japan, her international marketing experience expanded into South Africa, and now extends across all of Asia Pacific

where she leads a multinational marketing team of Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and India at Zespri International. Representing one of the world’s biggest fresh produce brands, Kanako has led the Zespri marketing team to receive regional recognition including Tangrams Strategy & Effectiveness Awards etc.

Kanako is a talented consumer driven marketer with a strong sense of accountability and business acumen. She is passionate about developing her team’s capability, and contributing positively to society so she can leave the world in a better place.

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

Glen Argyle left Invercargill for what he thought would be a two or three-year teaching stint in Osaka. Twenty-eight years later, he is currently the CEO of Baxter Japan, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies. His journey from JET program teacher to pharmaceutical industry leader is a masterclass in cultural adaptation, patience, and authentic leadership. Whether you're considering a move to Japan, leading a team here, or exploring business opportunities, Glen's wisdom will resonate deeply.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Glen Argyle went from teaching English on the JET program to becoming CEO of Baxter Japan
• The best decision of Glen's career, and how learning to adapt communication styles, was essential to his success
• The critical importance of supply consistency, relationship building, and earning trust in the Japanese market
• How the inverted pyramid leadership model and values-based decision making can drive cultural change in Japan

About Glen

Glen Argyle was born and raised in Invercargill, New Zealand and studied in Dunedin at University of Otago. Following graduation, Glen moved to Osaka expecting to stay only three years and has now spent more than 28 years living and working in Japan. During his career Glen has worked in a range of healthcare leadership roles, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and service organizations. Passionate about people and empowering teams through servant leadership, Glen tries to bring his Kiwi roots to his leadership style. Glen is currently CEO of Baxter Japan.

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

Gareth Pidgeon is Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. From his roots in New Plymouth under the shadow of Mount Taranaki to his current diplomatic role, Gareth shares his incredible journey through Japan that began at just 14 years of age. Discover the unspoken rules of Japanese business culture, find out what a diplomat does in his day job, learn about Matariki celebrations expanding across Japan, and hear how Gareth uses his platform to promote New Zealand's values of inclusion, equality, and diversity. Plus, find out where to get the best vegan ramen in Tokyo!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

1. A Japanese lesson on top phrases we use in diplomatic, business and social situations
2. Gareth's unique diplomatic journey, from studying Japanese in high school, attending university in Japan at 17, and now serving as Deputy Head of Mission in Tokyo
3. Gareth’s experience as a gay man living and working in Japan today
4. The power of building genuine relationships and why New Zealand's humble approach creates natural connections
5. How Matariki is connecting Kiwi communities across Japan and how you can connect with other Kiwis here

About Gareth

Gareth is the Deputy Head of Mission and Consul-General at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. Before coming to Tokyo in 2023, Gareth worked as Lead Adviser Japan and Korea in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Wellington.

Gareth joined MFAT in 2007. He has focused on New Zealand’s relationships with Asia for most of his career. In addition to Tokyo, he has previously served in Kuala Lumpur and New Delhi.

Before joining MFAT, Gareth worked for the New Zealand Ministry of Defence and Immigration New Zealand.

After learning Japanese at high school in New Zealand, Gareth spent five years studying in Japan and graduated from the University of Tsukuba with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations. He holds a Master of Arts degree in History of International Relations from the London School of Economics.

Links

New Zealand Embassy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nzembassyjapan

Japan New Zealand Business Council https://www.jnzbc.com/

ANZCCJ https://www.anzccj.jp/

Sora no Iro https://soranoiro-vege.com/store-menu/soranoiro-nippon/

Jikase Mensho https://menya-shono.com/parco/

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

Brandon Jackson spent nearly a decade in Japan playing and coaching rugby for corporate teams including the Ricoh Black Rams. Now, as General Manager of Growth Sectors at the Bank of New Zealand, he helps Kiwi businesses scale internationally, with a particular passion for strengthening the NZ-Japan relationship.

Brandon discusses the promising sectors for NZ-Japan collaboration while offering frank advice about the common pitfalls Kiwi businesses face when entering Japan. Whether you're interested in rugby, business development, or cross-cultural leadership, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who has truly experienced both worlds and believes passionately that Japan deserves more attention from New Zealand.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

1. The lessons from a decade playing and coaching rugby in Japan that now drive Brandon’s approach to banking and business development.
2. Why New Zealand may have taken Japan for granted as a business partner and how the relationship needs to be reinvigorated
3. The critical differences between Kiwi and Japanese business culture
4. Practical insights on entering the Japanese market, from understanding distribution networks to building authentic relationships and avoiding the pitfall of thinking you can "just rock up" and succeed.

About Brandon

Brandon Jackson is General Manager of Growth Sectors at the Bank of New Zealand, where he leads national initiatives to help New Zealand’s high-opportunity industries scale, from healthcare and technology to Māori business, export, and Asia-linked ventures.

Before moving into finance, he spent a decade playing and coaching rugby in Japan’s corporate leagues, including for Ricoh and Kurita Water Industries, and completed a Master of Management in Sport Business Administration at Massey University.

He has since built a career that bridges leadership, banking, and sport, developing products that

help NZ businesses grow globally while also serving as a long-time coach and director in New Zealand Rugby.

Links

SYOS Aerospace: https://www.bnz.co.nz/business-banking/business-moments/syos-aerospace-how-a-tauranga-robotics-startup-has-taken-flight-globally

Tomonoura, Hiroshima Prefecture: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3432.html

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

Sarah Hudson made history as Aotearoa's first artist in residence at the Setouchi Triennale. Sarah shares her transformative experience living and creating art in Kagawa Prefecture's island community. Sarah's story is one of perseverance, cultural discovery, and the universal language of art. She reveals how stepping outside the big cities and into rural Japan changed not just her artwork, but her entire perspective on connection, community, and creativity. Whether you're an artist considering international opportunities, a business person looking to understand cross-cultural collaboration, or simply someone who loves hearing about authentic Japan experiences, this conversation will inspire you to see art as a bridge between worlds.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The profound similarities between Māori and Japanese worldviews and the stone wall connection of a far away island and one close to Sarah’s whenua (land) in Aotearoa
• What it takes to be an artist in residence in Japan and tips for aspiring artists to follow in Sarah’s footsteps
• The process to harvest taonga(treasures, property) for art 
• Why getting out of big cities is essential for understanding the real Japan 

About Sarah

Sarah Hudson is a Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe and Ngāti Pūkeko artist based in Whakatāne, Aotearoa. Her practice explores tino rangatiritanga (sovereignty), whenua (land), reciprocity, and relationships through painting, performance, and sculpture. Sarah has exhibited nationally and internationally with the award-winning Mataaho Collective, and is also a founding member of the Kauae Raro Research Collective, an organisation dedicated to the promotion and retention of Māori paint-making technologies.

Based in Aotearoa New Zealand, McCahon House deliver a programme designed around the concept of supporting artists at pivotal points in their careers. This includes national and international career-defining residencies and celebrating artists through events and commissioned essays, as well as education initiatives and resources. 

The Tomorrow Group are McCahon House patrons that support our bold and ambitious projects with international scope, including the Naoshima Artist Residency. They enable artists to extend their practice in different contexts, engage in international exchange and contribute to global discourse.

Links

Setouchi Triennale: https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/ 

McCahon House https://mccahonhouse.org.nz/ 

Press Release: https://www.asianz.org.nz/arts/artist-sarah-hudson-announced-as-naoshima-artist-in-residence-and-setouchi-triennale-2025 

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 

Bryn Rowdon is the Corporate Communications General Manager for Fonterra's North Asia region. We uncover the fascinating story of how New Zealand's iconic dairy cooperative is not only a leading B2B supplier in one of the world's most discerning markets but also helping local dairy farmers to create more sustainable and profitable farms. 

New Zealand dairy products and ingredients are now part of Japanese bento, coffee creamers, cheeses and morning toast to name a few, listen in to hear more about Fonterra and how they are doing business in Japan. 

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Bryn’s bumpy road on the Japanese learning journey turned into a career in Japan
• How Fonterra operates as a B2B company in Japan and the surprising products that contain Fonterra ingredients
• The transformation happening in Japanese dairy farming and how Fonterra is helping to lead the charge
• The critical importance of patience and local partnerships when entering the market in Japan

About Bryn

Bryn Rowdon is the Corporate Communications General Manager for Fonterra’s North Asia region (Japan & South Korea).

 He is responsible for the implementation of the region’s sustainability Global Road map, managing stakeholder relations to effectively promote Fonterra's sustainability proposition to North Asia's customers and consumers. His team also manages Legal, Compliance, CSR and Corporate Affairs.

His previous roles have included Corporate Planning GM, responsible for managing Strategic and Integrated Business Planning and Corporate Affairs as well as North Asia Operations GM, where he managed the Logistics & Sales Operations teams.

Links

Fonterra Japan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fonterra.jp/ 

Alex Kane’s Movember Fundraising page: https://movember.com/m/14341735?mc=1 

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