The Samurai Way: Mastering Business & Life with Samurai Wisdom

Lori Tsugawa
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Philosophy
  • Updated Weekly

Discover the timeless wisdom of Japan to live with purpose, resilience, and courage. Hosted by Lori Tsugawa, this podcast explores the powerful principles of Ikigai, Bushido, and Ganbaru — guiding you to unlock your inner warrior, embrace life's challenges, and step into your true purpose. Join us as we share inspiring stories, practical insights, and ancient philosophies to help you live The Samurai Way

  1. 10h ago

    Shuhari: The Japanese Path to Mastery and Lifelong Learning with Nick Godwin

    What does it take to move from learning the basics to achieving mastery? In this episode of The Samurai Way, I welcome Nick Godwin, an English teacher, coach, and course creator based in Tokyo, Japan. With more than 18 years of experience helping thousands of learners build their English skills and confidence, Nick shares his journey from the UK to Japan and how his passion for languages evolved into a mission to help others communicate with confidence. We explore Shuhari, a Japanese concept that describes the journey from learning the fundamentals to experimenting, developing your own style, and ultimately achieving mastery. Nick explains how this philosophy applies not only to language learning but also to personal development, professional growth, and lifelong learning. We also discuss the importance of mindset, why mistakes are a natural part of progress, and how small early successes can build confidence and motivation. Nick shares why learning a language is about more than memorizing words and grammar. It's about connecting with people, discovering new cultures, and opening doors to new opportunities. Join us for an inspiring conversation about embracing the learning journey, overcoming self-doubt, and taking small, meaningful steps toward your goals. Key Takeaways: Understanding Shuhari and the three stages of masteryWhy learning is more than memorizing informationHow mindset influences confidence and progressWhy mistakes are a natural part of lifelong learningHow small wins build momentum toward bigger goalsThe value of cultural understanding and meaningful communicationRemember, mastery isn't just about reaching the destination. It's about continuing to learn, practice, and grow along the way. Keep living with Honor, Courage, and Purpose.   Connect With Nick:Website: https://www.bylingua.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjgodwin/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Shuhari: The Japanese Path to Mastery and Lifelong Learning with Nick Godwin

  2. 10h ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing He Lost it All, Then Did the Impossible from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast In this episode we’re joined by Jim Morrison, the first person ever to summit and ski down the North face of Mt. Everest, a seemingly impossible feat. Oprah and Jim talk about his process of preparing for his historic ski run after previously attempting the climb twice before. Jim also reflects on the unbelievable tragedies in his life and how he managed his grief. Jim lost his wife and children in a plane crash in 2011, then his partner and fellow famed mountain skier, Hilaree Nelson, died in 2022 in an avalanche right in front of Jim. Academy Award winning filmmaker Jimmy Chin joins the conversation to give his perspective on how he and their film crew prepared to record this extraordinary accomplishment for a new documentary, “Everest, The Other Side.”  WATCH THE MOVIE “Everest: the Other Side” will play in theaters and IMAX worldwide starting October 30th.  00:00:00 - Welcome Jim Morrison 00:04:30 - What goes through Jim’s mind on top of Everest  00:07:12 - What drove Jim to ski down Everest  00:09:25 - Jim lost his partner Hilaree  00:12:12 - Jim’s loss of his wife and two kids  00:17:00 - Jim’s definition of grief  00:30:00 - He failed to summit Mt. Everest 3 times 00:32:56 - Director Jimmy Chin joins  00:49:50 - A well-lived life  Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

  3. 1d ago

    Resilience, Preparedness, and the Power of Ganbaru with Ritu Kochar Mishra

    What does Ganbaru really mean, and what can we learn from Japan about resilience, perseverance, and the courage to keep going? In this episode of The Samurai Way, I welcome Ritu Kochar Mishra, a cross-cultural management consultant, corporate trainer, and Japanese language trainer from India, for a fascinating conversation about Japanese culture, the spirit of Ganbaru, and the lessons she learned while living in Japan. Ritu shares her journey from discovering the Japanese language to experiencing life in Japan and developing a deeper understanding of its culture, values, and work practices. We explore the true meaning of Ganbaru, the importance of focusing on the process rather than just the outcome, and how perseverance helps us move forward through life's challenges. Ritu also recounts her firsthand experience during the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima disaster. She describes Japan's disaster preparedness, community cooperation, discipline, and sense of responsibility, revealing how these experiences transformed her understanding of Japanese resilience. Our conversation also explores cross-cultural communication and leadership, particularly the differences between Indian and Japanese workplace cultures. Ritu explains how she helps organizations bridge cultural gaps, improve communication, and work more effectively across cultures. She shares an important lesson we can all apply: be patient, listen carefully, and observe more. This inspiring conversation reminds us that Ganbaru is more than simply doing our best. It is about continuing forward, learning through challenges, taking responsibility, and never giving up, even when circumstances are difficult. Join us as we discover how Japanese wisdom can help us build resilience, strengthen relationships, and live and lead with greater purpose. Connect With Ritu:Website: https://www.rikomicompetence.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Resilience, Preparedness, and the Power of Ganbaru with Ritu Kochar Mishra

  4. Oct 14

    The True Meaning of Ganbaru, Resilience, and the Japanese Spirit with Ritu Kochar Mishra

    What does Ganbaru really mean, and what can we learn from Japan about resilience, perseverance, and the courage to keep going? In this episode of The Samurai Way, I welcome Ritu Kochar Mishra, a cross-cultural management consultant, corporate trainer, and Japanese language trainer from India, for a fascinating conversation about Japanese culture, the spirit of Ganbaru, and the lessons she learned while living in Japan. Ritu shares her journey from discovering the Japanese language to experiencing life in Japan and developing a deeper understanding of its culture, values, and work practices. We explore the true meaning of Ganbaru, the importance of focusing on the process rather than just the outcome, and how perseverance helps us move forward through life's challenges. Ritu also recounts her firsthand experience during the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima disaster. She describes Japan's disaster preparedness, community cooperation, discipline, and sense of responsibility, revealing how these experiences transformed her understanding of Japanese resilience. Our conversation also explores cross-cultural communication and leadership, particularly the differences between Indian and Japanese workplace cultures. Ritu explains how she helps organizations bridge cultural gaps, improve communication, and work more effectively across cultures. She shares an important lesson we can all apply: be patient, listen carefully, and observe more. This inspiring conversation reminds us that Ganbaru is more than simply doing our best. It is about continuing forward, learning through challenges, taking responsibility, and never giving up, even when circumstances are difficult. Join us as we discover how Japanese wisdom can help us build resilience, strengthen relationships, and live and lead with greater purpose. Connect With Ritu:Website: https://www.rikomicompetence.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The True Meaning of Ganbaru, Resilience, and the Japanese Spirit with Ritu Kochar Mishra

  5. Oct 7

    THE SAMURAI WAY: Upcoming Celebration of 100 Episodes! 🎉

    In this special episode of The Samurai Way, I reflect on the journey toward 100 episodes and the incredible people, stories, and wisdom that have shaped the podcast along the way. From Bushido and Ikigai to Ganbaru, Gaman, resilience, leadership, and purpose, each conversation has reminded me that the Samurai Way is not simply about ancient Japanese traditions. It is about how we choose to live and respond when life doesn't go according to plan. As a third-generation Japanese American and descendant of samurai warriors, this journey has been deeply personal for me. What began as a podcast has become a global conversation, with guests joining from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. To celebrate Episode 100, I'll also be sharing The Samurai Way World Map, highlighting where our guests have come from and showing just how far this journey has traveled. 100 episodes. 60+ guests. One Samurai Way. Thank you for being part of the journey. What has The Samurai Way meant to you? And what should we explore in the next 100 episodes? Keep living with Honor, Courage, and Purpose. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    THE SAMURAI WAY: Upcoming Celebration of 100 Episodes! 🎉

  6. Sep 30

    442nd Regimental Combat Team: “Go for Broke” and the Courage of Nisei Soldiers

    In this episode of The Samurai Way, I reflect on my recent experience attending the Friends and Family of the Nisei Veterans Convention and the powerful lessons I continue to learn from the Japanese American veterans of World War II. The Nisei soldiers had every reason to be afraid. Their families were being incarcerated behind barbed wire while their own loyalty was being questioned. And yet, they stepped forward to serve. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team became known for their extraordinary combat record and their motto, “Go for Broke.” But behind those words were young men facing impossible circumstances and making choices that demonstrated courage, sacrifice, loyalty, and perseverance. For me, these veterans represent the qualities of modern-day samurai. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is moving forward even when you are afraid, because something more important than your fear is calling you to act. Join me as I explore the human stories behind this history and the timeless lessons of courage and honor that the Nisei veterans leave for us today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    442nd Regimental Combat Team: “Go for Broke” and the Courage of Nisei Soldiers

  7. Sep 27

    Four Japanese Principles for Resilience, Practice, Persistence and Growth with Gareth Holebrook

    In this two-part episode of The Samurai Way, I’m joined by Gareth Holebrook, author of Ishi: The Discipline of Determined Intent. Gareth shares his remarkable journey from the Royal Navy and Japanese management theory to coaching leaders and competing in more than 30 ultra-distance races. After 18 years of pursuing the Ironman World Championship, Gareth finally reached Kona in 2022. But 35 kilometers into the marathon, he collapsed from the heat. He eventually finished the race, but the experience led him to rethink what persistence really means and how determination needs to be governed. Gareth and I explore the Ishi Spiral, a discipline of determined intent built around four Japanese principles: Kettei, Shugyo, Gaman, and Hansei. Together, these principles explore how we make decisions, practice deliberately, persist through challenges, and reflect and learn from our experiences. We talk about the relationship between persistence and disciplined practice, the importance of reflection, and why resilience isn't simply about never giving up. Sometimes, true self-governance means having the wisdom to recognize when it's time to stop. Across both parts, Gareth shares how his experiences with failure, endurance, karate, leadership, and Japanese principles shaped the Ishi Spiral and his approach to long-term challenges. This is a conversation about determined intent, resilience, discipline, persistence, reflection, failure, and the wisdom to keep moving forward while knowing when to let go. Connect with Gareth Holebrook LinkedIn: Connect with Gareth on LinkedIn  Amazon: Find Gareth's books on Amazon  YouTube: Follow Gareth on YouTube  Instagram: Follow Gareth on Instagram Samurai QuestionWhat failure or setback in your life might actually contain a lesson you haven't discovered yet? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's continue the conversation. If you're new to The Samurai Way, my book Let the Samurai Be Your Guide is a foundation for the podcast and much of my work as a Samurai Strategist. It explores timeless samurai principles that can help us develop greater courage, persistence, resilience, and purpose in modern life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Four Japanese Principles for Resilience, Practice, Persistence and Growth with Gareth Holebrook

  8. Sep 23

    The Ishi Spiral: Four Japanese Principles for Determined Intent with Gareth Holebrook

    In this two-part episode of The Samurai Way, I’m joined by Gareth Holebrook, author of Ishi: The Discipline of Determined Intent. Gareth shares his remarkable journey from the Royal Navy and Japanese management theory to coaching leaders and competing in more than 30 ultra-distance races. After 18 years of pursuing the Ironman World Championship, Gareth finally reached Kona in 2022. But 35 kilometers into the marathon, he collapsed from the heat. He eventually finished the race, but the experience led him to rethink what persistence really means and how determination needs to be governed. Gareth and I explore the Ishi Spiral, a discipline of determined intent built around four Japanese principles: Kettei, Shugyo, Gaman, and Hansei. Together, these principles explore how we make decisions, practice deliberately, persist through challenges, and reflect and learn from our experiences. We talk about the relationship between persistence and disciplined practice, the importance of reflection, and why resilience isn't simply about never giving up. Sometimes, true self-governance means having the wisdom to recognize when it's time to stop. Across both parts, Gareth shares how his experiences with failure, endurance, karate, leadership, and Japanese principles shaped the Ishi Spiral and his approach to long-term challenges. This is a conversation about determined intent, resilience, discipline, persistence, reflection, failure, and the wisdom to keep moving forward while knowing when to let go. Connect with Gareth Holebrook LinkedIn: Connect with Gareth on LinkedIn  Amazon: Find Gareth's books on Amazon  YouTube: Follow Gareth on YouTube  Instagram: Follow Gareth on Instagram Samurai QuestionWhat failure or setback in your life might actually contain a lesson you haven't discovered yet? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's continue the conversation. If you're new to The Samurai Way, my book Let the Samurai Be Your Guide is a foundation for the podcast and much of my work as a Samurai Strategist. It explores timeless samurai principles that can help us develop greater courage, persistence, resilience, and purpose in modern life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Ishi Spiral: Four Japanese Principles for Determined Intent with Gareth Holebrook
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Discover the timeless wisdom of Japan to live with purpose, resilience, and courage. Hosted by Lori Tsugawa, this podcast explores the powerful principles of Ikigai, Bushido, and Ganbaru — guiding you to unlock your inner warrior, embrace life's challenges, and step into your true purpose. Join us as we share inspiring stories, practical insights, and ancient philosophies to help you live The Samurai Way

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