Transformations with Jayne Jayne Nakata

Jayne chats with Jacqui Miyabayashi about the intensive nature of afterschool activities, or 'Naraigoto,' in Japan and how to be more successful as a foreign parent.
Jacqui and Jayne share their experiences with their children's involvement in activities like swimming, baseball, volleyball and violin, discussing the challenges, costs, and the importance of choosing the right coach.
You'll hear practical aspects of supporting a young athlete, including managing schedules, providing nutrition, coping with injuries, and navigating team dynamics. Both Jayne and Jacqui offer insights and tips for parents navigating this journey, emphasising the importance of organisation, involvement, and supporting children's passions.
Jacqui mentions:
Kazoku Wallet: https://www.smbc-card.com/prepaid/kazokunoosaifu/index.jsp
Coke ON: https://c.cocacola.co.jp/app/wallet/

In this enlightening episode of the Transformations with Jayne podcast, guest host Brittany Arthur takes the reins to delve into the complexities of navigating public education in Japan, particularly for foreign mothers. Jayne, usually the host, steps into the guest role to share her experience as a foreign mum guiding her children through the Japanese school system. From kindergarten selection strategies to the financial and emotional investments of compulsory education, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent facing the challenges and opportunities of raising bilingual and bicultural children in Japan. Tune in for invaluable insights and practical tips that will empower you to make informed decisions for your family's educational journey!
Was this episode useful? We'd love to hear from you and your insights from your part of Japan. You can find us on Instagram @transformationswithjayne and @_brittanyarthur

In our latest episode, Jo and Jayne provide an end-of-year check-in for 2023. They discuss their personal transformations, from Jayne's newfound love for baseball and her refreshing "inner old lady" approach to life, to Jo's pursuit of her artistic passions and the importance of balancing work and leisure.
We talk about:
The health challenges that Jayne overcame in 2023, are going to mean 2024 is much better!
Jo's awesome triumphs with her art!
Work styles and how we are owning our "obaachan" power more and more
See you in 2024!

Kumiko Nakajima Ekstedt and I are discussing the differences between life in Japan and Sweden where Kumiko has lived for more than 14 years. I am interested to learn more about where in the world women have the best life and are able to live the life they want, be a mother if they want, have a career if they want. Full disclosure, I was having a very difficult time when I recorded this episode. My perimenopause symptoms were really giving me trouble and I may have gotten quite passionate about the summer holiday tooth brushing calendar. 
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Kumiko, @transformationswithjayne and @kummy_in_sweden.
In this episode you’ll hear:
How Kumiko shares her time between Japan and Sweden with her sonsSome of the things that she found surprising even as a Japanese person when putting her sons into Japanese elementary schoolSome of the differences between Sweden and Japan that support women to have an independent life whatever their circumstancesJayne gets very passionate about summer holiday homework
About Kumiko
Kumiko is dedicated to a passion for empowering women and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Originally from Japan, Kumiko has been living in Sweden for the past 14 years, where she has built a life with her Swedish husband and two boys. Currently, she serves as a valued member of the management team in a sales organization.
Kumiko's mission is to support women in Japan by sharing her experiences and insights gained from living in Sweden. She believes that exchanging perspectives can bring about positive change and inspire women to pursue their goals and aspirations. Kumiko's deep understanding of both Japanese and Swedish cultures allows her to bridge the gap between the two, fostering greater understanding and cooperation.
Connect with Kumiko:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/kummy_in_sweden/

Helen Iwata, the Less Effort More Impact Coach, is back on the show after five years! Helen has done quite a few transformations herself since 2018, and I can’t wait for you to hear how she is helping international and Japanese women in Japan to have more ease and joy in their lives. Now that is something we all want!! 
In this episode you’ll hear:
How Helen has transformed since she was on TWJ 5 years agoSome of the top things that Helen sees in the women who come to her for coaching Jayne overcomes not one but three interruptions The #LessEffortMoreImpact movement and how it’s already helping both Japanese and international women 
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Helen, @transformationswithjayne and @heleniwata or send us a message here.
About Helen
Helen is the founder of The #LessEffortMoreImpact Movement for Women in Business. 
Born in the UK, she's an award-winning, bilingual coach with a 3-decade career in Tokyo, including 10 years with McKinsey & Company.
She has helped thousands of business professionals in Japan and beyond to see new perspectives and possibilities and discover how to make meaningful changes in their work results and relationships, confidence and communication, health and happiness - to do brilliant work without sacrificing their personal lives.
Helen is the author of Eigo no Shigoto-jutsu (英語の仕事術), published by Shogakukan, a Nikkei Woman Smart columnist, host of the Sasuga! Podcast, a karate world champion, wife, and mother.
Connect with Helen:
Website: sasugacommunications.com/movement
https://sasugacommunications.com/ 
Links: 
Episode 15 with Helen Iwata https://transformationswithjayne.captivate.fm/episode/episode-15-an-interview-with-helen-iwata- 

Connect with Jayne:
PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting

We are talking about all things peri-menopause and menopause in this episode with Menopause Energy Expert, Miyako Hazama. It’s a topic of discussion almost everywhere I go these days, even Oprah is talking about it! I really want more women to be aware of things they may be putting up with, not realising that it is something that we can get help for and we can get our energy and health back. Miyako shares her knowledge and some of the other options for people who want to use natural ways to manage symptoms.
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @transformationswithjayne or send us a message here.
In this episode you’ll hear:
Jayne’s update on her symptoms and how they got waaaaay worse before starting to get betterHow Miyako came to be helping women with their peri-menopause and menopause symptomsWe all know about hot flashes, Miyako shares some of the lesser know symptomsWhat natural options we have living in Japan and the kind of wome Miyako helps
About Miyako
Miyako Hazama is a Menopause Energy Expert, and the creator of Energenic
Life Design(TM). She helps busy professional women in perimenopause and
menopause relieve their challenges naturally. Miyako learned these secrets and little-known Asian Energenic fountain of youth for over thirty-five years from her Master mentor, Kozo Nishino, a Japanese Ki (energy) expert.
Links of things mentioned in this episode:
Miyako’s page for TWJ listeners: https://miyakoprime.com/Jayne 
Connect with Miyako
Website: www.miyakohazama.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miyakohazama.bim 
IG: https://www.instagram.com/miyako_hazama/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miyakohazama/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUTvr99do4561rM8uVM-Gmg 
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miyako_hazama  

Connect with Jayne:
PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting