Jandals in Japan

Jayne Nakata & Catherine O'Connell
Jandals in Japan

The best show about New Zealanders doing business in Japan, bringing The Land of the Long White Cloud to The Land of the Rising Sun How do you build a brand in Japan and nurture a loyal customer base? What do you need to have in your tool belt if you are thinking of coming to Japan to launch a business here? Japan is often considered to be in the "too hard" basket but we are here to open up the black box of doing business in Japan. We will share stories from successful Kiwis selling their products and services here in Japan. They'll tell you their tips for success and pitfalls to avoid. They'll share their challenges and what they did to overcome them. They will tell you things you can't find in textbooks or on the internet. We will also be sharing the latest intel and insights on Japan from our on-the-ground presence And you'll hear some super business culture and other tips from us sprinkled throughout. Grab a glass of sake and let's get into it.

  1. Skincare Secrets: Elizabeth Barbalich’s Formula for Success in Japan with Antipodes

    29 DE JUN.

    Skincare Secrets: Elizabeth Barbalich’s Formula for Success in Japan with Antipodes

    What does it take to succeed in Japan's notoriously difficult beauty market? Elizabeth Barbalich, founder and Director of iconic New Zealand skincare brand Antipodes, shares her fascinating 7-year journey of patience, persistence, and cultural learning that led to success in one of the world's most discerning markets. From developing seven products over two years in her quest for natural wellness, to navigating the complex world of Japanese retail partnerships and formal business etiquette, Elizabeth reveals why Japan isn't just about revenue -it's about building brand equity that opens doors globally. Discover the surprising cultural differences (like why Japanese women condition their hair nightly!), the power of retail staff relationships over influencer marketing, and why being seen on Japanese shelves makes international buyers take notice. Whether you are considering Japan as a market, or simply love hearing about entrepreneurial grit, this episode is packed with actionable insights about building authentic brand trust in a market where customers read every ingredient and expect perfection. 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 Elizabeth overcame the challenge of minimal sales with three different distributors for the first three years in Japan • The six-hour "etiquette meeting" required to switch distributors and what it taught her about Japanese business culture • How she created a vitamin C toner specifically for Japanese consumers (and why it became a hit in other markets too) • Why she values formal business meetings and trains her entire team on proper etiquette for every market About Elizabeth Elizabeth Barbalich is the founder and CEO of the iconic New Zealand skincare brand Antipodes which she founded over 20 years ago in 2004.  Elizabeth grew up on the Mainland amidst the Canterbury Plains, undertook a science degree in biology from the University of Canterbury, then embarked on an MBA from the University of Auckland. She won a highly competitive position with a United States medical technology corporation and spent 8 years training surgeons and registrars in the use of their cutting-edge equipment. Antipodes skincare products are made of pure bioactive ingredients from New Zealand’s nature. To launch the sustainable beauty brand, she drew on her background in science. Today Antipodes is available in Japan and many other countries.  Links Antipodes: https://jp.antipodesnature.com/  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: a...

    49min
  2. Crossing Swords: Kendo, Culture, and Commerce in Japan with Graham Sayer

    18 DE MAI.

    Crossing Swords: Kendo, Culture, and Commerce in Japan with Graham Sayer

    We cross swords/minds with Graham Sayer, a 7th dan Kyoshi kendo practitioner, former president of the New Zealand Kendo Federation and recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun.  Graham has been a huge supporter of Jandals in Japan Podcast from its early days and we are thrilled that he agreed to join us to share his wealth of experience in both kendo and business between Japan and New Zealand. Listen to hear more about this fascinating martial art that changed the trajectory of Graham’s life.  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 Japan was like in the bubble era of the late 70s and early 80sLoyalty and the challenge of switching martial arts codes in JapanHow learnings from kendo can take you into the business worldJapan’s timber industry and why Graham is selling timber to New Zealand About Graham Graham Sayer: Kiwi spirit, global horizons  Graham grew up in Taranaki and in 1978, at 20 years of age, headed to Japan to chase his dream of getting a black belt in judo. A knee injury rerouted him to kendo which then became a lifelong passion, sparking a career blending entrepreneurship and cultural exchange. Graham founded a trading venture as well as running a private English school for children in Kyoto before returning to NZ in 1985 to raise his family.  Graham has been involved in many different businesses over the years including, importing wooden toys (into Japan) and cultured pearls (into NZ). He also ran a joint venture with a Japanese company, building a small chain of four photo/camera stores in Auckland as well as launching Escapepods motorhomes, and lastly, was a manufacturer and distributor of rota-moulded fishing kayaks in Japan.  Graham now focuses on Japanese timber exports and supporting his wife’s kendo travel business.  Graham was Kendo President, NZ Kendo Federation for 33 years as well as Auditor for the International Kendo Federation (present). He co-founded the Auckland Kendo club in 1988 which today is NZ’s largest Kendo club. In 2022, he was awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun for services to cultural ties between Japan and New Zealand via the art of Kendo.  Today, he spends his time between Japan and NZ - embracing simplicity, tradition, and new ventures.  Connect with Graham Kendo: https://akc.org.nz/  Kendo Tours: www.kendotours.com    Timber: www.japaneselumber.com  Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch

    50min
  3. Building Bridges as a Kiwi in Japan: Sean O'Connell on Intercultural Communication

    27 DE ABR.

    Building Bridges as a Kiwi in Japan: Sean O'Connell on Intercultural Communication

    If you are a long term resident in Japan and consider yourself to be a cultural bridge builder, then this episode is a must listen for you. Sean O’Connell, Professor and Director of the International Center at Nanzan University, is about to drop some gold nuggets in your lap on how you can ace being an even better cross-cultural bridge builder. This is the jandal you have been looking for.  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 the Karate Kid kicked off Sean’s interest in the martial arts and the Japanese languageSean’s tips for also successfully interpreting feeling and nuance between Japanese and English counterpartsThe biggest culture shock moment for people new to business in JapanBringing Sean’s skills in bridge building to life at his bar, The Hungry MooseWhy Sean loves the Jandals in Japan Podcast!  About Sean Sean has a passion for bridging cultures, and has spent decades (30+ years in Japan alone) immersed in Japanese language, business, and the like. After an exchange year in Yokohama in 1986, he earned a BA in Japanese, an MA in Advanced Japanese Studies, and a PhD in Intercultural Business Communication. Sean’s career has taken him from guiding and managing Japanese tours in New Zealand, and business interpreting and translation in Japan to corporate training, where he specialises in preparing expats and fostering multicultural teamwork. Sean is a Professor and Director of the International Center at Nanzan University in Nagoya. In his free time you can find him at the bar he co-founded, The Hungry Moose.  Connect with Sean Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SOCNAGOYA  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-o-connell-8294b071/  Links: The Hungry Moose: https://www.thehungrymoose.jp/en  Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne Connect with Jayne and Catherine LinkedIn: 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

    47min
  4. Exploring Kiwi Excellence in Business: Behind the Scenes at Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya with Rebecca Thorn

    16 DE MAR.

    Exploring Kiwi Excellence in Business: Behind the Scenes at Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya with Rebecca Thorn

    Rebecca Thorn is the Kiwi General Manager of the hugely popular Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya. Rebecca shares insights into the hotel's unique blend of neighborhood culture, innovative team dynamics, and creative initiatives, showing that innovation is alive and well in Japan’s hospitality industry. The episode is a deep dive into the vision and strategies that have led to the hotel's success, capped off with exciting upcoming collaborations and events. If you are considering a career in the hospitality industry in Japan, this is an episode not to be missed. 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 Rebecca inspires her team to try new ideas, including finding a way to make waffles shaped like “Hachiko” the famous dog who waited for its master at Shibuya stationThe design, fashion, music and art themes that run through all aspects of the hotelHow Rebecca is building a diverse and inclusive team in JapanThe Kilimanjaro Strategy that her team is talking about About Rebecca Rebecca, a proud Kiwi, is the General Manager of Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, which opened in August 2023. She has been loving living and working in Tokyo now for over 5 years. This year marks 19 years with IHG, the company which she has had the opportunity to work in 7 different hotels across 4 different countries with. Connect with Rebecca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-thorn-65b49940/  Links: Rebecca’s First Episode #33: https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/episode/thirthy-three/  Personal/work Instagram - @rebecca_thorn_ Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-thorn-65b49940/ Hotel Instagram - @hotelindigotokyoshibuya Hotel LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelindigotokyoshibuya/posts/?feedView=al l Hotel Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HotelIndigoTokyoShibuya/  Hotel website - https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/shibuyaku/hndsh/hoteldetail  Gallery 11 Restaurant: https://gallery11.jp/  Vinyl market in Tokyo: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/03/08/lifestyle/vinyl-records-japan-overseas-buyers/ Hachiko: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachik%C5%8D  Hachi...

    48min
  5. Playing the Long Game with Innovation and Hydrogen: FABRUM's Journey from New Zealand to Japan

    2 DE MAR.

    Playing the Long Game with Innovation and Hydrogen: FABRUM's Journey from New Zealand to Japan

    Chris Boyle is Co-founder, Executive Chair and Managing Director of FABRUM. Chris shares FABRUM's expansive journey in the hydrogen energy sector, including breakthrough projects and partnerships with NASA, Rolls Royce, and significant Japanese corporations like Obayashi. We hear real stories about the failures as well as the successes that have helped them to be where they are today.  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 FABRUM started to get noticed by big organisations such as NASA and Rolls RoyceThe benefits of working with NZTE and how  joining ministerial visits gives you  credibility in JapanThe pitfalls of casualness in business and how FABRUM designed a way that helps customers have confidence in themThe long term vision for FABRUM in hydrogen and for Christchurch and New Zealand’s up and coming engineers.  About Chris Christopher Boyle is the co-founder and Executive Chair of FABRUM, a New Zealand company with the tagline of “advancing a world where people can do more, with less, for longer, by creating clean-tech solutions which enable humanity to tread lightly.“ Christopher has been with FABRUM for over 20 years. He is an adventurer and serial entrepreneur, setting up a number of start-ups over the last two decades.  After graduating from the University of Canterbury with an electrical engineering degree, Chris ventured into the power industry, which took him around the world in a range of different roles. When he returned home, a reunion with an old university mate led to the creation of FABRUM Solutions.  Christopher was a Finalist in the EY New Zealand Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 FABRUM is a world leader in providing engineering and cryogenic technologies that help generate power. From designing cryogenic systems for major hydrogen plants to developing lightweight composite liquid hydrogen tanks for the aviation industry, FABRUM has a number of patents on bespoke pieces of technology. The company was driven by the goal to develop Kiwi renewable technology for global adoption, helping sectors like aviation, marine, and heavy industry transportation decarbonise. Japan’s Obayashi Corporation participated in FABRUM’s $23M Series A financing round in February 2023. Obayashi is one of the world’s leading construction companies with expertise and technological innovation and a long track record of projects in New Zealand. In August 2023, FABRUM collaborated with Obayashi Corporation on their first project together where FABRUM is the supplier of a Hydrogen Refuelling Station (HRS) package for a refuelling station project in Auckland.  Recently, FABRUM’s proprietary storage solutions have achieved some impressive performance milestones. For example, their cutting-edge liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage technology has been shipped to the top car manufacturer in Japan (Toyota) for further research and development.  Links: FABRUM: https://fabrum.nz/  Jandals in Japan is brought to you by a...

    53min
  6. Bringing NZ Leadership to Japan on and off the field with Steve Hansen

    16 DE FEV.

    Bringing NZ Leadership to Japan on and off the field with Steve Hansen

    Sir Steve Hansen, the former All Blacks Coach and current Head Coach of Toyota Verblitz joins us on Jandals in Japan and we were thrilled when he shared his favorite treat from a Japanese convenience store on treat night! We also dive into his experience in Japan and insights into coaching and team dynamics here, his deep respect for Japanese culture while making changes and questioning norms to take the Toyota Verblitz to the next level. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Steve Hansen's coaching philosophy this is the episode for you. 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: Steve’s early years on a dairy farm to a family run pub and what it taught him about peopleThe importance of flexibility, communication, and positive reinforcement in fostering a high-performance teamThe challenges of integrating multinational players and the significance of mentoringThe future of rugby in Japan and improvements that would transform the competitionUnexpected mentors in shaping Steve’s journey   About Steve Sir Steve Hansen is the Head Coach of the Toyota Verblitz Rugby Team. He was a former New Zealand rugby union coach and a former player. He famously led the All Blacks to victory during the 2015 Rugby World Cup as their head coach, a role that he held from 2012 to 2019. He built the All Blacks in this era to be not only the world’s most successful rugby team but also the most successful sports team at the time. Steve was born in Mosgeil to dairy farming parents who had a farm on the Taieri Plain. He did his secondary school education and Christchurch Boys’ High School and spent six years in the New Zealand Police working at the Hornby Police Station. He played centre in rugby union representing Canterbury at first-class level on 21 occasions.  He began his coaching career with the Canterbury provincial rugby union team from 1996 to 2001, coached the Wales National Team, then returned to New Zealand as assistant coach for the All Blacks, rising to Coach of the team in 2012.  Steve ventured to Japan in 2020 to take up his assignment with Toyota Verblitz in coaching consultant for Top League side Toyota Verblitz serving as an advisor and mentor and was appointed Head Coach in 2024.   Steve became Sir Steve Hansen after being awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby in the New Year’s Honours list in 2020.  Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne Links: Japan Rugby Weekly Podcast: https://redcircle.com/shows/japan-rugby-weekly Connect with Jayne and Catherine Linked In: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h11min
  7. 10/12/2024 · BÔNUS

    Jandals Highlights: Our New Zealand Podcast Award 2024 Submission

    We wanted to share our submission to the New Zealand Podcast Awards for 2024. Although we were certainly pipped at the post, we are so proud of the work we have done and thankful to the wonderful guests who have shared their experiences with us. Jandals" is a unique podcast focused on guiding New Zealand businesses entering the Japanese market. It exemplifies the power of going niche, offering extreme value to listeners who apply its insights directly to shape their Japan business strategies. The podcast features guests from a broad range of sectors, including sports, education, hospitality, F&B, forestry, seafood, tech, pet food, fitness, horticulture and logistics. These experts provide invaluable insights into every facet of the business relationship between New Zealand and Japan, sparking cross-sector collaborations. Budding NZ exporters often reach out to our guests for trusted, in-market advice. With its niche focus and measurable impact on businesses, careers and community, "Jandals" is a valuable platform to profile New Zealand-Japan business success. [00:00] Episode 45: Cookie Time lands a massive deal with Costco, a decade in the making. This frank discussion reveals what it's like working with this retail giant and why it’s not for everyone. [04:05] Episode 51: Jessica Tisch from FreshCo shares surprising insights on selling New Zealand's premium apples in Japan. From sustainability to Japan’s unexpected tech gap in agriculture, this episode explores the challenges of fruit exports and showcases how NZ agri-tech innovation is driving advancements in Japan's agricultural industry. [07:44] Episode 43: Joe Harawira tells the inspiring founder story behind Wai Mānuka  premium beverage brand born from a New Year’s Eve Kiwi BBQ. Now it’s a premium beverage export riding the wave in Japan. With Māori business values resonating well in Japan, the future looks bright for Wai Mānuka’s success. [10:54] Episode 52: We scored a major win with rugby legends Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith, opening up about their time at Toyota Verblitz, what Japan has taught them and the pivotal role families play in their careers. Fun and insightful, we discover a different side of these sports icons boosting the business of rugby between Japan and NZ.

    15min
  8. A Kiwi Approach to Owning a Ski Lodge in Japan: Hakuba Matata

    08/12/2024

    A Kiwi Approach to Owning a Ski Lodge in Japan: Hakuba Matata

    Teri Tall is the Kiwi owner of the Hakuba Matata Lodge in Hakuba. She shares her experiences and insights on running a ski lodge in Japan. Teri shares the journey to finding their own ski lodge and setting up business here, with her motto, just do it, ask questions and tread respectfully. The winter sports industry is thriving in Japan and there is much scope for Kiwis to be part of it as Teri explains. 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 Teri and her husband turned a love of winter sports into a lifestyle in JapanThings to look for in a town when you are purchasing a businessThe Outdoor Women's Network Japan and their activitiesTeri’s gems and crystal ball moments About Teri Teri is the Kiwi ski lodge owner of Hakuba Matata Lodge located in Hakuba, Japan.  She has a passion for the mountains that she loves sharing with others. Hosting guests at Hakuba Matata Lodge is a source of pride and joy for her, especially when bringing more women into the outdoors.  Being new to both business ownership and Japan when they arrived in 2018, Teri and her husband have approached their Japanese mountain business adventures together with a Kiwi attitude and a “no worries” mantra. As an outdoor enthusiast and entrepreneur Teri is also the creator of the Outdoor Women's Network Japan.  Connect with Teri Website: https://hakubamatata.com/  Links Outdoor Women’s Network Japan: https://www.facebook.com/groups/outdoorwomenjapan  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

    45min

Sobre

The best show about New Zealanders doing business in Japan, bringing The Land of the Long White Cloud to The Land of the Rising Sun How do you build a brand in Japan and nurture a loyal customer base? What do you need to have in your tool belt if you are thinking of coming to Japan to launch a business here? Japan is often considered to be in the "too hard" basket but we are here to open up the black box of doing business in Japan. We will share stories from successful Kiwis selling their products and services here in Japan. They'll tell you their tips for success and pitfalls to avoid. They'll share their challenges and what they did to overcome them. They will tell you things you can't find in textbooks or on the internet. We will also be sharing the latest intel and insights on Japan from our on-the-ground presence And you'll hear some super business culture and other tips from us sprinkled throughout. Grab a glass of sake and let's get into it.

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