Business Success Japan

Connecting with the Japanese Consumer with Timothy Connor

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

Unlocking Innovation Through Startups in Japan with Tim Romero

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/ [https://www.disruptingjapan.com/] Way more about Tim than you wanted to know (according to Tim): https://www.disruptingjapan.com/tim/ [https://www.disruptingjapan.com/tim/] LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/timromero/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timromero/] Twitter: https://x.com/timoth3y [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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com]. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

Three Paths to Life and Success in Japan: A Live Conversation with Anthony Griffin, Katheryn Gronauer, and Austin Zeng

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: * Katheryn, an executive coach, shared valuable insights into cross-cultural challenges and the importance of work-life balance. * Anthony, a marketing professional, emphasized the significance of learning Japanese and deeply understanding the local market. * Austin, a freelancer, offered a unique perspective on the advantages of being a foreigner in Japan and the challenges of balancing work and family. We also addressed: * The impact of COVID-19 on businesses. * The effects of the weakening yen. * How Japan’s job market is evolving. 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 [https://www.katheryngronauer.com/] www.linkedin.com/in/katheryngronauer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katheryngronauer] www.instagram.com/katheryngronauer [https://www.instagram.com/katheryngronauer] Previous Interview [⁠https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/XpqkBxGnLMb⁠] 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/ [https://www.consultsaga.com/] Kokoro Media: https://medium.com/kokoro-media [https://medium.com/kokoro-media] Previous Interview [https://bnc.lt/a/key_live_kgZnJidFHgeKrk1daC7dakjdwzcww0Xe?channel=web&feature=sharing&campaign=web-share&sdk=web2.85.0&source=web-sdk&data=eyIkd2ViX29ubHkiOnRydWUsIiRmYWxsYmFja191cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3BvZGNhc3RlcnMuc3BvdGlmeS5jb20vcG9kL3Nob3cvYnVzaW5lc3NzdWNjZXNzamFwYW4vZXBpc29kZXMvT24tQmVpbmctYW4tRWZmZWN0aXZlLUNvbW11bmljYXRvci1pbi1KYXBhbi13aXRoLUFudGhvbnktR3JpZmZpbi1lbDF2OW0iLCIkY2Fub25pY2FsX3VybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vcG9kY2FzdGVycy5zcG90aWZ5LmNvbS9wb2QvZGFzaGJvYXJkL2VwaXNvZGVzIiwiJG9nX3RpdGxlIjpudWxsLCIkb2dfZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOm51bGwsIiRvZ19pbWFnZV91cmwiOm51bGwsIiRvZ192aWRlbyI6bnVsbCwiJG9nX3R5cGUiOm51bGx9 https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/nFUTg6LnLMb] 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-zeng-120a4563/] Previous Interview [https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/pXHQuk3nLMb] 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com]. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

The Contest for Japan's Economic Future: Richard Katz on Innovation and Renewal [encore interview]

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

Navigating Entrepreneurship and Building Influence in Japan with Anastasiia Vydiuk

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 [https://www.instagram.com/anastasiiavyy?igsh=cThiMG5hNHp6and6] PrettyPass's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/prettypass.inc?igsh=YWR2N243bzRleXlh [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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ [businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com]. I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message