Scaling Japan Podcast

Tyson Batino
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Helping business owners in Japan scale their businesses from $100,000 annually to $10,000,000 and beyond. Everything you need to know from recruitment, marketing, sales, and operations, we got you covered in taking your business to the next level. Go to scalingyourcompany.com/the-scaling-japan-podcast and listen to experts and people who have scaled companies in Japan share their journeys and tips.

  1. Episode 88: Building a Community-Driven Startup Ecosystem in Japan with Kenneth Jeng

    24 OCT

    Episode 88: Building a Community-Driven Startup Ecosystem in Japan with Kenneth Jeng

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome back Kenneth Jeng, Product + Operations Lead at Persona, and experienced contributor to startup ecosystems in both Japan and the U.S. This is Part 2 of our conversation with Kenneth, recorded in November 2024, and focused on the human side of ecosystem building, community, culture, and mindset. Kenneth shares why Japan continues to struggle with early-stage adoption and authentic community building, and how individuals (not just public programs) must take initiative. He also gives a candid take on grant structures, founder engagement, and what real progress could look like. If you’re a founder, policymaker, or ecosystem builder working in Japan, this episode offers a unique lens on what’s still missing and what we can each do to contribute. AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC. They can help you with: Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian markets Strategic performance marketing for measurable growth Account‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO HubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automation Data‑driven implementation with cultural expertise ⁠Learn more about AIM B2B Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction 00:43 – Hot Take on Challenges and Gaps 14:00 – Why People are Involved in Startup Ecosystem and Why in Japan 16:20 – Building Network 22:15 – Early Adopters or Not? 27:10 – Contributing to the Community 36:20 – Grants and Funding for Startups 42:00 – Last Messages and Hot Takes Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Connect with Kenneth Jeng on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethjeng/ Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with his coaching and advisory services. 📈 Visit here to learn how he can help 🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

    41 min
  2. Episode 87 : Startup Ecosystem “Japan vs Silicon Valley “ with Kenneth Jeng

    24 SEPT

    Episode 87 : Startup Ecosystem “Japan vs Silicon Valley “ with Kenneth Jeng

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Kenneth Jeng, a Japan Startup Ecosystem Veteran and a long-time ecosystem builder who has worked across the U.S. and Japan. This is Part 1 of a two-part series recorded in November 2024 with Kenneth. Kenneth shares hard-hitting insights on what’s really holding Japan’s startup ecosystem back — from the cultural and structural roadblocks to limited business development capabilities and lingering visa barriers for foreign entrepreneurs. He offers a rare comparison between Japan and the U.S. startup environments, outlining why IPOs in Japan don’t function like exits, how the country’s high living standards may be dulling entrepreneurial hunger, and why so many promising startups stall before reaching scale. If you're a founder, investor, or policymaker interested in Japan's startup space, this is a must-listen for understanding where things stand and what’s starting to change. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we go deeper into founder mindsets, investor culture, and the future of Japan’s startup growth. AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC. They can help you with: - Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian markets - Strategic performance marketing for measurable growth - Account‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO - HubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automation - Data‑driven implementation with cultural expertise Learn more about AIM B2B Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction 02:55 – Differences in Ecosystems 07:45– Current Narratives and Trends 12:38 – IPO in Japan 16:27 – Immigration and Visa for Startups in Japan 18:57 – Living Standard in Japan for Entrepreneurs 26:30 – Pros of Japan Startup Ecosystem 31:20 – Venturing and Scaling 41:42 – Comparing Growth Rate 46:30 – Importance of Business Development & Team 51:17 – Scaling in Japan Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Connect with Kenneth Jeng on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethjeng/ Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with his coaching and advisory services. 📈 Visit here to learn how he can help 🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

    54 min
  3. Episode 86: The Hidden Language of Japanese Business : Honne and Tatemae with Rina Sakuraba

    17 SEPT

    Episode 86: The Hidden Language of Japanese Business : Honne and Tatemae with Rina Sakuraba

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome back Rina Sakuraba, Founder and CEO of Coaching Leaders Japan, for Part 2 of our deep dive into Japanese communication and leadership culture. Rina breaks down two essential concepts that drive how people communicate and make decisions in Japan, Honne (true feelings) and Tatemae (public face). These cultural dynamics impact everything from feedback and trust to accountability and external negotiations. You’ll learn how to spot the subtle signs of Tatemae, how to encourage honest feedback (Honne) in your teams, and how to avoid miscommunication that could derail a project. If you’re a business leader, consultant, or team member operating in Japan, this episode is packed with real-world examples and practical strategies to help you build stronger, more transparent relationships in a culturally respectful way. AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008. They have recently rebranded to AIM B2B, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC. • Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian markets • Strategic performance marketing for measurable growth • Account‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO • HubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automation • Data‑driven implementation with cultural expertise Learn more about AIM B2B : hi.switchy.io/h7TM  Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction 01:47 – What is Ho-Ne and Ta-te-maye? 15:16 – How does Ho-Ne and Ta-te-maye affect business? 23:21 – Management, Ho-Ne and Ta-te-maye 26:30 – How to balance Ho-Ne and Ta-te-maye in meetings 30:31 – Applying it in external negotiation with companies 34:20 – How do you know if someone is speaking Ta-te-maye? 43:10 – Methods to gently express Ho-Ne 46:30 – Accountability 49:10 – Key Notes Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Connect with Rina Sakuraba on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rinasakuraba/ 🔗 Coaching Leaders Japan – https://coachingleadersjapan.com/ Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with his coaching and advisory services. 📈 Visit here to learn how he can help 🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

    52 min
  4. Episode 85 : How Ne-mawashi Builds Real Leadership in Japan with Rina Sakuraba

    3 SEPT

    Episode 85 : How Ne-mawashi Builds Real Leadership in Japan with Rina Sakuraba

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Rina Sakuraba, Founder and CEO of Coaching Leaders Japan, an executive coach and cross-cultural leadership expert who helps professionals build deeper communication and emotional safety inside Japanese companies. Rina breaks down the concept of ne-mawashi, Japan’s behind-the-scenes alignment process and why it’s essential for getting real buy-in from teams, not just silent nods. She shares how foreign managers and Japanese leaders can improve communication through coaching, build trust with quieter team members, and avoid the common pitfalls that cause ne-mawashi to backfire. One surprising insight: many teams mistake information-sharing for alignment. Rina explains how leaders can transform one-way communication into real consensus-building. If you’re managing a Japanese team, selling into Japan, or navigating cross-cultural leadership, this episode is packed with honest and actionable advice. AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC. They can help you with: Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian markets Strategic performance marketing for measurable growth Account‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO HubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automation Data‑driven implementation with cultural expertise  Learn more about AIM B2B  Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction 03:00 – Why Ontological Coaching is Important 07:55 – What is Ne-mawashi 15:02 – Purposes of Ne-mawashi in Japanese Culture 25:05 – How to Set a Comfortable Environment for Sharing Concerns 30:00 – Challenges Leaders Face with Ne-mawashi 39:27 – Techniques for Better Practice Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Connect with Rina Sakuraba on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rinasakuraba/ Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with his coaching and advisory services. 📈 Visit here to learn how he can help 🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

    44 min
  5. Episode 84: The 2025 Report of B2B Marketing in Japan with Robert Heldt

    27 AUG

    Episode 84: The 2025 Report of B2B Marketing in Japan with Robert Heldt

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Robert Heldt, CEO of AIM B2B, to explore how marketing in Japan is transforming. Robert shares exclusive data and insights from the 2025 State of Marketing report in Japan and across APAC. From skyrocketing AI adoption to a sharp dip in content marketing effectiveness, this episode unpacks what’s changing, why it matters, and how companies can adapt. If you’re a marketing leader, brand manager, or agency working in Japan, this episode is your inside guide to what’s working and what’s next. AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in AsiaThis episode is sponsored by AIM B2B, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, formerly known as Custom Media. Helping global brands grow across Japan and the APAC region with: • Localized storytelling to build trust • Strategic performance marketing for measurable growth • Account‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO • HubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automation • Data‑driven implementation with cultural expertise Learn more: https://aim-b2b.com/ Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction 01:12 – Overview of the Podcast 02:10 – Recap on 2024 Report 03:10 – Surveys on Marketing Report 06:15 – Significant Changes in Results: AI Usage for Marketing 07:50 – Findings About Similarities: Storytelling, Content Objectives 09:52 – Report Regarding Usage of Generative AI and AI in General 14:00 – Significant Changes in Results: Content Marketing as A Strategy 18:36 – Story of Rebranding AIM B2B from Custom Media 24:50 – Finding that Impacted AIM B2B’s Strategy: Outsourcing 39:07 – Types of Content from B2B Companies 41:30 – Importance of Thought Leadership Content 45:55 – Content Marketing Trends in Japan 49:32 – Top 3 Skills Marketers Will Need 50:45 – How AIM B2B is Scaling Clients’ Success 52:33 – How to Connect with Robert Links from Guest Appearance:Robert Heldt on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertheldt/ Link to Report : https://aim-b2b.com/blog/longform/content-marketing-japan-2025-insights/ AIM B2B Podcast : https://aim-b2b.com/podcast/ AIM B2B: https://aim-b2b.com Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with his coaching and advisory services. 📈 Learn more: https://scalingyourcompany.com 🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

    54 min
  6. Episode 83 : Increasing Innovation in Japan with Fariza Abidova

    20 AUG

    Episode 83 : Increasing Innovation in Japan with Fariza Abidova

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Fariza Abidova, CEO of Trusted Corporation, and a seasoned expert in cross-border innovation, corporate partnerships, and global HR development. Fariza shares what’s really happening inside Japan’s corporate innovation ecosystem from the invisible blockers within large organizations to the cultural nuances that slow down high-potential projects. She dives into why open innovation often fails to scale, which Japanese cities are becoming more startup and innovation-friendly, and what kind of timeline expectations foreign partners should really have. She also pulls back the curtain on hard truth facts as: after 3/4 years of running pilot innovation projects, many companies shut them down if revenue isn’t produced, regardless of long-term potential. If you’re a startup founder, consultant, or part of a government innovation program working in or with Japan, this episode is your inside guide to navigating corporate innovation here. AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC. They can help you with: Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian markets Strategic performance marketing for measurable growth Account‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO HubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automation Data‑driven implementation with cultural expertise ⁠Learn more about AIM B2B Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction 03:05 – Why Accelerating Innovation in Japan 08:05 – Open Innovation 14:10 – Working with Japanese Corporations 19:45 – Innovation Challenges in Japanese Companies 23:05 – Secret Challenges Only Insiders Know 29:50 – How to Foster Innovation in Corporates 31:50 – Cities in Japan to Launch Innovation Projects 35:30 – Strategies for Accelerating Innovation 43:30 – Government Policy Shifts 50:10 – Tips for Engaging with Large Corporations 52:05 – Timelines: Japan vs Global 56:31 – Final Message from Fariza Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Connect with Fariza Abidova on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/fariza-abidova/ Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with his coaching and advisory services. 📈 Visit here to learn how he can help 🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

    59 min
  7. Episode 82 : Retail Distribution in Japan with Bela Schweiger

    15 AUG

    Episode 82 : Retail Distribution in Japan with Bela Schweiger

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Bela Schweiger, President and CEO of Enter Japan K.K. Bela brings over 20 years of leadership experience at global firms including The Coca-Cola Company, Nokia, Häagen-Dazs, and L’Oréal. Bela shares essential insights on how retail distribution works in Japan, including the roles of trading houses, drugstores, convenience stores, and corporate buyers. He also provides practical strategies for handling Japanese distributor inquiries and how to pitch your brand effectively in a market known for its high standards and relationship-driven business culture. If you're aiming to launch or expand your consumer product in Japan, this episode is a must-listen for learning how to enter and grow in Japan’s highly structured retail landscape. ---AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC.They can help you with: Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian markets Strategic performance marketing for measurable growth Account‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO HubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automation Data‑driven implementation with cultural expertise Learn more about AIM B2B Show Notes:0:00 – Introduction 1:11 – Overview of Retail Distribution in Japan 8:03 – Major Beverage Brands of Japan 15:35 – Role of Trading Houses (Sogo Shosha) 26:01 – How to Handle Inquiries and Leads from Japanese Distributors 33:57 – Comparing Corporate vs. Small Retail Partners 37:18 – Growth of Drug Stores and Convenience Stores as Retail Channels 40:21 – How to Localize Marketing for Japanese Consumers 44:01 – Tips on How to Pitch Your Brand in Japan 49:14 – Key Takeaways from Bela Schweiger Links from Guest Appearance:📘 Intercultural Leadership: Exercises in Action by Sierk A. Horn – Read here🔗 Connect with Bela Schweiger on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/belaschweiger/ Coaching with TysonLooking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with his coaching and advisory services.📈 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit here to learn how he can help 🎤 Send in a voice message:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

    51 min
  8. Episode 81: B2B Content Marketing Landscape in Japan with Robert Heldt

    20 JAN

    Episode 81: B2B Content Marketing Landscape in Japan with Robert Heldt

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome back Robert Heldt, CEO of Custom Media—a comprehensive B2B marketing, branding, and PR agency serving global enterprises expanding into Japan. Robert shares new insights from their latest survey on B2B content marketing trends, revealing what surprised him most and how Japanese companies approach storytelling differently than their Western counterparts. If you’re looking to fine-tune your B2B content strategy for the Japanese market, this episode is a must-listen! --- Show Notes: 0:00 – Introduction 2:40 – What is the survey about? 7:09 – What findings surprise you the most? 11:28 – How Japan tells business stories compared to the West 14:52 – How Japanese companies show themselves to be reliable 16:04 – Cases on how Robert helps a company with storytelling to enter the Japanese market 18:38 – How to get your Japanese customers to give you testimonials 19:34 – How working with an international business benefits a Japanese company 21:10 – Japan’s market view on Generative AI 27:01 – How Custom Media Uses Generative AI 30:20 – Maintaining content quality and scaling production 33:52 – What is a content syndication partner? 36:23 – The future of content marketing in Japan 44:00 – Additional insights from the survey report --- Links from Guest Appearance: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Link to the Report How Custom Media Wins Two Campaign Asia Awards Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit here to learn how he can help⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠

    46 min
See All (105)

About

Helping business owners in Japan scale their businesses from $100,000 annually to $10,000,000 and beyond. Everything you need to know from recruitment, marketing, sales, and operations, we got you covered in taking your business to the next level. Go to scalingyourcompany.com/the-scaling-japan-podcast and listen to experts and people who have scaled companies in Japan share their journeys and tips.

Information

  • Creator
    Tyson Batino
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tyson Batino
  • Show Website
    Scaling Japan Podcast

You Might Also Like