Scaling Japan Podcast

Tyson Batino
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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. Tyson's

    4D AGO

    Tyson's

    Tyson's self record

    47 min
  2. Episode 93: What Makes a Great Co-Founder in Japan (Part 2) with Ryosuke Murai

    12/22/2025

    Episode 93: What Makes a Great Co-Founder in Japan (Part 2) with Ryosuke Murai

    In this follow-up to Part 1, we continue our conversation with Ryosuke (Ryo) Murai, CEO and co-founder of AI Market and former CSO of Connected Robotics, where he led a ¥1.7B Series B raise. This episode is all about how to stand out as a potential co-founder, what really matters during the decision-making process, and how to build a founding team that can last, especially in the Japan startup ecosystem. Ryo shares his perspective on the co-founder "dating process," how to assess fit beyond just skills, and why 3 co-founders ended up being the right structure for their team. If you're thinking about starting a company in Japan, or advising someone who is, this is an honest and practical look at how co-founder partnerships are actually formed. What you’ll learn in this episode: What founders look for when choosing a co-founder How to communicate your vision without overhyping Why startup experience isn’t everything (and what matters more) The emotional and mindset fit behind great co-founder teams Why AI Market chose to bring on a third co-founder Show Notes:00:00 – Introduction and recap from Part 101:34 – What makes someone stand out as a co-founder04:50 – Selling your vision and framing your skills09:00 – Is track record necessary? What else matters?14:05 – Dating analogy continued: chemistry and red flags19:50 – Co-founder role clarity and team structure23:40 – Why 3 co-founders worked better than 228:12 – Final thoughts for founders entering the co-founder search Guest:Ryosuke (Ryo) Murai – CEO & Co-founder, AI MarketLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryosukemurai/

    43 min
  3. Episode : 92 How to Find a Co-Founder in Japan with Ryosuke Murai (Part-1)

    12/10/2025

    Episode : 92 How to Find a Co-Founder in Japan with Ryosuke Murai (Part-1)

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Ryosuke (Ryo) Murai, CEO and co-founder of AI Market and former CSO of Connected Robotics, where he led a ¥1.7B Series B raise. Ryo shares what it actually takes to find a strong co-founder in Japan and opens up about how he and Tyson teamed up to start AI Market. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation where we dive deep into co-founder decision-making, mindset alignment, storytelling, and early fundraising strategy in Japan. If you're planning to launch a startup in Japan or are in the early stages of finding a co-founder, this episode is packed with practical insights from two operators who have done it. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why Ryo decided not to launch solo What makes someone an attractive co-founder How to sell your startup vision to a potential co-founder Where to actually meet co-founders in Japan The importance of founder-market fit and track record Why AI Market chose to bootstrap with angels instead of raising VC Show Notes00:00 – Introduction 02:27 – Why Ryo decided to look for a co-founder 04:08 – How Ryo and Tyson met and decided to team up 06:52 – What makes an attractive co-founder 13:58 – Selling your vision and founder-market fit 27:40 – Co-founder fit is like dating 30:03 – Where to find co-founders in Japan 35:04 – The Benefits of Having Three Co-Founders 38:00 – External Resources: Accelerators and LinkedIn 41:40 – Why AI Market didn’t raise VC and chose angel funding 45:20 – Alternative Funding Strategy with Angel Investors  Stay tuned for Part 2! Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Connect with Ryosuke (Ryo) Murai on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryosukemurai/  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

    46 min
  4. Episode 91 : How to Use LINE Ads Effectively in Japan with Ignacio Dávalos

    11/25/2025

    Episode 91 : How to Use LINE Ads Effectively in Japan with Ignacio Dávalos

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Ignacio Dávalos, Content Strategy Director at AIM B2B (a Custom Media company), and an experienced marketer who has led multi-channel B2B and B2C strategies for global brands like L’Oréal, Gengo, and Lionbridge. Ignacio breaks down how LINE Ads work in Japan, why they are so effective across multiple industries, and how the platform differs from Western advertising tools like Meta. He explains the ad formats that perform best, how targeting works using Yahoo Japan’s data, and why the LINE Official Account is essential for converting and nurturing leads. He also shares B2C and B2B case studies, full-funnel strategies, CRM integration recommendations, and the most common mistakes foreign companies make when using LINE Ads. If you’re a marketer, founder, or advertiser looking to grow in Japan, this episode gives you a tactical, platform-specific playbook for succeeding with LINE. 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 (LINE Ads, LinkedIn Ads, GEO, SEO) Account-based marketing (ABM) and paid media HubSpot-certified CRM & marketing automation Data-driven implementation with cultural expertise 🔗 Learn more about AIM B2B : https://hi.switchy.io/h7TM  01:35 – Guest Introduction 03:54 – Introduction to LINE’s role in Japan 05:08 – LINE vs Meta comparison 07:20 – Ideal industries for LINE Ads 08:24 – LINE's lead-generation features 11:42 – B2C & B2B case studies 15:32 – LINE ad formats (VOOM, Smart Channel, more) 18:06 – Best video ad length 19:01 – Targeting using Yahoo Japan data 24:48 – Full-funnel strategy with LINE 27:10 – LINE Official Account features 30:42 – CRM integration via LINE API 32:50 – Common mistakes foreign companies make 35:16 – Misconceptions about LINE 35:57 – Advanced B2B funnel (LINE → LinkedIn) 38:16 – Future of LINE (AI integration & B2B growth) 41:37 – Ignacio’s upcoming GEO seminar Connect with Ignacio Davalos on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/ignaciodavalos  Link to GEO Strategy Online Webinar from AIM B2B: https://aim-b2b.com/lp/the-master-generative-engine-optimization-strategy/  Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your company from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with personalized coaching and advisory.🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

    44 min
  5. Episode 90: LinkedIn Advertising in Japan with Ignacio Davalos

    11/21/2025

    Episode 90: LinkedIn Advertising in Japan with Ignacio Davalos

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Ignacio Davalos, Content Strategy Director at AIM B2B (a Custom Media company) and an experienced marketer who has led full-funnel B2B and B2C programs for brands like L’Oréal, Gengo, and Lionbridge. Ignacio breaks down how LinkedIn is actually used in Japan, who the real users are, what types of campaigns perform well, and why Western lead-generation playbooks often fail when applied to the Japanese market. He shares practical insights on localization, targeting, tool integrations, and campaign structure, backed by multiple real case studies. If you're a marketer, consultant, or B2B advertiser looking to run LinkedIn campaigns in Japan, this episode gives you a tactical, Japan-specific guide to what works and what doesn’t. 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 (including LinkedIn Ads) Account-based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO HubSpot-certified CRM and marketing automation Data-driven implementation with cultural expertise Learn more about AIM B2B here: https://hi.switchy.io/h7TM 00:29 – Introduction 00:56 – Guest Introduction 03:03 – LinkedIn user numbers & growth 07:09 – User demographics in Japan 11:41 – Competitors to LinkedIn 14:10 – How Western companies use LinkedIn 15:50 – How Japan uses LinkedIn differently 18:34 – Japanese vs Western tool integrations 26:30 – French newspaper case study 28:50 – Strengths of LinkedIn as an ad platform 34:39 – Cybersecurity case study 37:29 – How to build a successful awareness-phase campaign 40:10 – Localization of messaging & targeting 48:23 – Japanese vs English ads 49:50 – Pitfall: MBA campaign with low results 51:16 – Common mistakes in follow-up and nurturing Connect with Ignacio Davalos on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/ignaciodavalos  Link to GEO Strategy Online Webinar from AIM B2B: https://aim-b2b.com/lp/the-master-generative-engine-optimization-strategy/  Looking to take your business to the next level?Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your company from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with personalized coaching and advisory. 🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

    58 min
  6. Episode 89 : Optimizing Content for GEO/AEO with Sam Bird

    11/12/2025

    Episode 89 : Optimizing Content for GEO/AEO with Sam Bird

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Sam Bird, a marketing and communications executive with over two decades of experience in digital strategy, business development, and B2B marketing. He has served as COO of Custom Media and AIM B2B, and has trained executives and multinational teams across Japan. Sam breaks down how AI is transforming search behavior, and why traditional SEO tactics no longer guarantee visibility in AI-generated results from tools like ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, and Perplexity. He explains the growing importance of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), what companies are getting wrong when adapting, and how businesses in Japan can take advantage of the current AI adoption gap. If you’re a marketer, consultant, or content strategist looking to stay ahead of the AI curve, especially in Japan, this episode is your inside guide to the future of search. 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 ➜ https://hi.switchy.io/h7TM Link to GEO Strategy Guide from AIM B2B : https://aim-b2b.com/lp/the-master-generative-engine-optimization-strategy Show Notes: Show Notes:00:00 – Introduction 02:19 – What is GEO and How is it Different from SEO? 06:06 – Are GEO and AI Searches being done in Japan? 08:01 – Can You Rank on Google and NOT Appear in AI Searches? 14:47 – AI Adoption and Usage in Japan 18:23 – What LLMs are Popular in Japan? 21:11 – Mistakes Companies Make Switching to GEO/AEO 26:01 – How LLM and GEO/AEO Fit in Content Marketing 31:51 – Best Practices for GEO/AEO 34:00 – GEO in B2B Strategy

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

    10/24/2025

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

    09/24/2025

    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
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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
    111
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tyson Batino
  • Show Website
    Scaling Japan Podcast

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