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. Episode 99: How to Get Clients on LinkedIn in 2026 with Stef Curcio

    1D AGO

    Episode 99: How to Get Clients on LinkedIn in 2026 with Stef Curcio

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Stef Curcio, founder of Scale Acquisition AI, who has helped over 200 clients and supported more than 1,000 professionals with LinkedIn lead generation. With hands-on experience building outreach systems, personal brands, and AI-assisted workflows, Stef shares how LinkedIn can still be used as a powerful client acquisition channel in 2026. He explains why many people fail to get results on LinkedIn not because the platform stopped working, but because they misunderstand how trust, visibility, and conversations actually drive conversions. If you are a founder, consultant, agency owner, or B2B operator trying to generate more clients, this conversation will change how you think about LinkedIn content, outbound, and relationship-building. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why LinkedIn is still one of the strongest B2B acquisition channels in 2026 Why silent viewers and profile visitors often become your best leadsHow a simple system of posting and daily outreach can build a consistent pipeline Why personalized DMs can outperform volume-based outreachHow to recognize buying signals and know when to make the ask How to find and validate the right prospects on LinkedInWhere AI can support lead generation without replacing human relationships Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Stef Curcio and LinkedIn lead generation 02:21 Why LinkedIn is still powerful for B2B customer acquisition 04:48 How organic reach works and why silent viewers matter 11:21 A simple LinkedIn system for building pipeline 19:19 Relationship-first outreach and when to make the ask 31:22 How to find and validate the right prospects on LinkedIn 37:40 Using AI and automation without losing authenticity Links from Guest Appearance:Stef Curcio : Founder of Scale Acquisition AI 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stef-curcio/  Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Tyson Batino helps founders scale from $100,000 to $10,000,000 through coaching and advisory. 📈 Learn more: https://scalingyourcompany.com 🎤 Send a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

    50 min
  2. Episode 98: Why AI Adoption in Japan Fails Without Leadership Buy-In with Brittany Arthur

    APR 22

    Episode 98: Why AI Adoption in Japan Fails Without Leadership Buy-In with Brittany Arthur

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Brittany Arthur, Co-Founder and CEO of Design Thinking Japan, and a leader in human-centered AI implementation. With experience working with companies like Nissan, Honda, and Starbucks, Brittany helps organizations move beyond AI hype into real, practical adoption. She is also an official partner of Microsoft’s Elevate Initiative, supporting companies in building AI capability from the ground up. In this episode, Brittany explains why many AI initiatives in Japan fail not because of the technology, but because of gaps in leadership, strategy, and foundational understanding. If you are a founder, executive, or marketer working with AI in Japan, this conversation will change how you approach implementation and scaling. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why AI is a multiplier, not a shortcut, and what that means for leadership Why many AI initiatives fail when treated like side projects The concept of “Minimum Viable Literacy” and what leaders need to understand Why data, ethics, and security are critical for AI success Why AI adoption requires both literacy and experimentationJapan’s opportunity in “physical AI” and monozukuri How Japan can compete globally in the AI era Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to Brittany Arthur and Human-Centered AI 04:33 Japan’s AI Landscape: High Interest but Unclear Starting Point 08:19 AI is a Multiplier: Why Leadership and Strategy Must Come First 12:22 Japan’s Opportunity: From Missed Software Era to Physical AI 16:45 Minimum Viable Literacy: Data, Ethics, Security, and Problem Definition 29:22 AI Adoption = Literacy + Experimentation 39:06 Why Japan Is Positioned to Win: Monozukuri, Culture, and Longevity Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Brittany Arthur – Co-Founder & CEO, Design Thinking Japan🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyart/  Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Tyson Batino helps founders scale from $100,000 to $10,000,000 through coaching and advisory. 📈 Learn more: https://scalingyourcompany.com 🎤 Send a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

    52 min
  3. Episode 97: Trade Shows in Japan: How to Build Trust, Stand Out, and Turn Leads into Deals with Shuma Goko

    APR 6

    Episode 97: Trade Shows in Japan: How to Build Trust, Stand Out, and Turn Leads into Deals with Shuma Goko

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Shuma Goko, who has extensive experience supporting global companies with trade shows and event marketing in Japan. With hands-on experience helping foreign companies enter the Japanese market, Shuma shares how trade shows can be used as a powerful go-to-market channel in a country where trust, relationships, and in-person interactions are critical. In this episode, Shuma explains why many companies fail to generate results from trade shows in Japan not because of the channel itself, but because they misunderstand how Japanese buyers evaluate vendors and build trust. If you are a founder or marketer entering Japan, this conversation will change how you think about offline GTM, localization, and lead conversion. In This Episode, We Cover: Why trade shows are still essential in Japan’s trust-based business culture How face-to-face interaction and product experience impact buying decisions The industries where trade shows perform best, including tech, manufacturing, food, and lifestyle The most common mistakes foreign companies make, especially around localization and follow-up Why clarity in messaging matters more than flashy booth design The reality that only about 10 percent of attendees are decision-makers How fast and structured follow-up within 24 to 48 hours drives conversions Show Notes : 00:00 Introduction to Shuma and global trade show experience 06:00 Why trade shows still matter in Japan 09:53 Best industries for trade shows 12:29 Common mistakes foreign companies make 19:04 What makes a booth stand out 20:30 Who actually attends trade shows in Japan 28:22 Why follow-up is critical for conversion Links from Guest Appearance: Shuma Goko : Founder and Producer at OUTBOUND K.K. 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuma-goko-08152732/  📩 Want more insights? Subscribe to our newsletter for Japan business resources and upcoming event invites: 💌 https://scalingyourcompany.com/blog/#newsletter 🎤 Scaling Japan Podcast Grow your business in Japan with Tyson Batino 📱 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more 🌐⁠⁠ https://scalingyourcompany.com/podcast/⁠⁠

    33 min
  4. Episode 96: Getting to 50 B2B Clients in Japan Through Partnerships with Shay Khosrowshahi

    FEB 18

    Episode 96: Getting to 50 B2B Clients in Japan Through Partnerships with Shay Khosrowshahi

    Most foreign SaaS companies struggle to land even a handful of enterprise clients in Japan. Shay Khosrowshahi helped scale Ulife to 50+ B2B customers in just 18 months, largely through strategic partnerships. In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we break down how he did it. Shay is the co-founder of NXL and former Managing Director of Ulife APAC. After a 100M investment, he was sent to Japan to launch and scale the business in one of the most credibility-driven markets in the world. We explore what partnerships really mean in Japan, how to align incentives with distribution partners, and why most founders underestimate the level of commitment required to succeed here. Shay shares tactical insights on discovery calls, partner qualification, internal champions, cultural misalignment, and how to create momentum that compounds over time. If you are a SaaS founder, CRO, or GTM leader entering Japan, this episode offers a practical partnership blueprint grounded in real execution. In This Episode, We Cover: What a partnership actually means in the Japanese market Distribution partners vs strategic alliances Why hunger and ambition matter more than brand size The 70/30 discovery framework for qualifying partners How to forecast revenue impact to align incentives Managing harmony culture while still driving urgency Why early wins create long-term momentum When to double down or exit a partnership Why getting direct customers first gives you leverage Guest Appearance: 🔗 Shay Khosrowshahi LinkedIn 🌐 NXL : www.yournextlevel.io Show Notes : 00:01 Introduction to Shay and his Japan scaling journey 02:09 Defining partnerships in the Japan context 03:11 Types of partnerships that worked 06:39 How to vet partners and why hunger matters 10:47 The 70/30 discovery call framework 17:21 Training partners and building internal champions 29:20 Cultural hurdles and harmony-driven challenges 38:21 Measuring partnership health beyond revenue 45:32 Final advice on commitment in Japan 46:31 Why direct traction strengthens partnership leverage 📩 Want more insights? Subscribe to our newsletter for Japan business resources and upcoming event invites: 💌 https://scalingyourcompany.com/blog/#newsletter 🎤 Scaling Japan Podcast Grow your business in Japan with Tyson Batino 📱 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more 🌐⁠ https://scalingyourcompany.com/podcast/⁠

    48 min
  5. Episode 95: Copywriting in Japan: Earning Trust Word by Word

    FEB 6

    Episode 95: Copywriting in Japan: Earning Trust Word by Word

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we explore the world of copywriting in Japan, a critical but often misunderstood part of doing business in the Japanese market. We’re joined by Yuji Kobayashi, CEO of Kakusha and lead Japanese copywriter for Scaling Your Company, and Asama Toyozawa, CMO of AI Market with past experience at global firms like Spotify and Taboola. Together, we unpack why trust-based messaging, tone, and phrasing are essential for success in Japan and how Western-style copywriting can fall flat if not localized properly. From dissecting campaigns by brands like Nike Japan to understanding how language and psychology influence consumer behavior, this episode offers practical tips and cultural insights for businesses targeting Japanese customers. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or localization professional, this is a must-listen episode for creating Japanese copy that converts. 🎧 Listen to learn: Why direct copy fails in Japan and what to do instead How Japanese consumers read trust (and spot inauthenticity) Cultural reasons behind soft, inviting phrasing in Japanese marketing The difference between writing for LINE, Instagram, and websites Examples of both good and bad Japanese copy (and why they work or don’t) When to use polite vs casual language across platforms Why buzzwords rarely work in Japanese copywriting How font and character choice can make or break trust Guest Appearance: 🔗 Yuji Kobayashi on LinkedIn 🔗 Asama Toyozawa on LinkedIn 🔗 Asama’s AI Market Website Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction & Guest Backgrounds 03:36 - Why Copywriting is Critical in Japan 05:37 - Good Copywriting Examples 08:00 - Building Trust for Small Businesses 10:40 - Second-Hand Bookstore Case Study 12:43 - AI Market's Copywriting Journey 17:10 - Font Mistakes & Trust Issues 18:37 - Japanese vs Western Copywriting Differences 20:00 - Making Copy More Welcoming 22:41 - Formality Levels Across Platforms 24:05 - Expressing Results Differently 26:06 - Translation & Localization Challenges 27:58 - Buzzwords of the Year 32:00 - Why Not to Use Buzzwords in Marketing 36:05 - Platform-Specific Copywriting Strategies 39:05 - Instagram Text Layout & Eye Scanning 41:07 - Video vs Static Performance 43:06 - Closing Thoughts 📩 Want more insights? Subscribe to our newsletter for Japan business resources and upcoming event invites:💌 https://scalingyourcompany.com/blog/#newsletter 🎤 Scaling Japan Podcast Grow your business in Japan with Tyson Batino 📱 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more 🌐 https://scalingyourcompany.com/podcast/

    43 min
  6. Building a Japan-Ready GTM Strategy with Cultural Intelligence and AI

    JAN 9

    Building a Japan-Ready GTM Strategy with Cultural Intelligence and AI

    In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Anna Skrypka, a cultural AI strategist, creative director, and founder of Anna Skrypka Studio. Anna is also the creator of the Augmented Human Method, a framework that unifies cultural intelligence and AI-powered go-to-market (GTM) strategy. With over 15 years of experience in global tech and nearly a decade in Japan, Anna has helped scale SaaS and creative tech businesses for companies like Autodesk and Woven by Toyota. She now advises startups and corporates on how to enter and scale in Japan using culturally intelligent GTM systems. In this episode, Anna shares how most startups are failing their Japan GTM — not because of product issues, but because they ignore cultural trust signals and scale with AI in the wrong direction. If you're a founder or marketer entering Japan, this conversation will change how you think about localization, AI workflows, and market fit. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why Japan is a high-context market and how it changes buyer behavior How cultural intelligence improves GTM messaging and product resonance The 3 biggest GTM traps (Great Translation Fallacy, Silent Excellence Trap, AI Acceleration Paradox) How to use AI marketing workflows with cultural nuance Visual and narrative localization: what most GTMs miss Japan tech trends to watch in 2026 Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction 02:40 – Cultural Intelligence: The Missing Piece in Japan GTM Strategy 06:23 – Trust Signals and Misconceptions About “Difficult” Japan 12:04 – 3 Big GTM Traps Companies Fall Into 20:59 – AI Workflows for Culturally Intelligent Marketing 34:50 – Visual Localization and Creative AI Tools 43:33 – 5 Questions to Diagnose If Your Japan GTM Will Fail Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Anna Skrypka – Founder, Anna Skrypka Studio 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaskrypka/ 🔗 Website: https://annaskrypka.substack.com/ 📄 Case Study: The AI Marketing Workflow That Actually Works in Japan https://annaskrypka.substack.com/p/the-ai-marketing-workflow-that-actually?utm_source=publication-search 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

    47 min
  7. 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/ 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

    43 min
  8. 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
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tyson Batino
  • Show Website
    Scaling Japan Podcast

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