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This is a deep-dive into those mystifying Japanese business practices foreigners in Japan often struggle with. Intercultural Facilitator Masafumi Otsuka explains the frustrating Japanese business practice of "Why Japanese mangers change jobs every 3 years", and "Why they always see the glass as half empty". The periodic job rotation system and the risk adverse decision process  is logically explained by Masa.  This episode is filled with many cultural  Japanese business concepts often misunderstood by Westerners such as Nemawashi, Genten Shugi, and Kyochosei and Masa explains these in an entertaining and enlightening way. He gets personal with his struggles of returning to Japan as a student, the politics of quitting a high profile job, and  his being 1/3 Japanese, 1/3 American and 1/3 "Confused".  Other highlights from our conversation: Why there is no Japanese word for "procrastinate" The unspoken rule for Japanese overseas returnee students The priority in Japan is harmonize What does an Intercultural Facilitator do? Best ever explanation of Nemawashi The subtle art of not having to tell everything Expertise in Japan is 10ft. wide and 1inch deep while in the US its 1inch wide and 10ft. deep Best ever explanation of Genten Shugi  Strategies for getting a positive outcome from Japanese meetings The reason Japanese prefer the process vs the outcome Masafumi Otsuka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masafumiotsuka/More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

Connecting International Curiosity with Japanese Content with 34-year Japan entrepreneur Ruth Jarman. She is the founder of Jarman International and the author of six books in Japanese. We talk about these books, this content, and where her passion for Japan comes from. We also discuss "Reading the Air" and other non-verbal conversation traits in Japan, her top 3 cultural reasons Japanese are uniquely wonderful, and how her new corporate partner is helping solve the nightmare for foreigners that is banking in Japan. She is full of infectious energy and together we share stores laughs, unique insights, and a couple beers at The Rigoletto in Shibuya. Other highlights from our conversation: Why Japanese are comfortable in being "under the wire" or "avoiding the limelight" "Taking it to a higher level" or "Give one's All" is ingrained into Japanese psyche  How attracting foreigners is one part of the Japanese government's revitalization strategy for rural Japan Japan's extreme focus on the "long-term view" of everything Greatest accomplishment in her 34-years in Japan The fundamental Japanese concept of always "Being Watched" Chat about the year 1984, when we both graduated from school 7 of the top 10 denim companies in the world are from Japan Jarman International https://www.jarman-international.comRuth Jarman https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthjarmanjapan/All Ruth's books at Amazon ルース・ジャーマンMore Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

It's passionate travel stories from rural Japan, fascinating historical story-telling, and insightful cultural observations with Diane Tincher.  Diane has been in Japan for 35 years, lived in Kagoshima for 26 years, has 8 children, and is the owner of the must-see website "More than Tokyo". She is a prolific writer of little known historical stories she has researched in Japanese, an accomplished tour guide for Walk Japan, and her knowledge of Japanese history, folklore, and idyllic rural travel spots is 2nd to none!This episode you will hear about where you can hike and active volcano, a brief history of Amaterase, the Japanese Sun Goddess and Tanokami, cute little rice-field gods. Also two reasons English in Japan is so wacky and the only occasion when Japanese are never humble.  You will want to take notes on this one. Parts travelog mixed with history, fun cultural missteps, and humorous language faux pax . Other topics we discuss: Why so many foreigners are writing about Japan these days The backstory of launching her "More than Tokyo" website Learn more about Nakasendo, Kumano Kodo, Aomori, Towada Lake, Oirase Gorge, Yamadera, Omoshiroyama, Yamagata, Kirishima, Onami-Ike, Kagoshima, and Wakayama 3 great reasons to visit rural Japan How much one usually earns writing for Medium Her article "10 Essential Japanese phrases to learn today" Her "Three big mistakes learning Japanese"  Two favorite Japanese words without a direct English translation More Than Tokyo: https://www.morethantokyo.com/Diane Tincher on Medium: https://diane-japan.medium.com/Walk Japan: https://walkjapan.com/ More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

Serial entrepreneur Tyson Batino, founder of three businesses in Japan including the successful English school chain One Coin English, is the guest this episode. His latest business is  'Scaling Your Company' where he advises and coaches small business owners how to scale their business 5x to 100x!  We talk about his start in Japan, how three mentors changed his career and his business life. Tyson even shares the best two pieces of advise from these mentors about working in Japan.   Tyson explains the challenges of scaling a language school into profitability, how managers and CEO's can manage the complexity of growing a new business, on his being a business specialist by being a "Jack of all Trades", and Tyson introduces his own podcast called "Scaling Japan" and why it fills a niche on how to grow a business in Japan. This episode is filled with so many business tips and gems, Tyson suggests listening to it twice. Other topics we discuss: Most managers "Under value Time and over value Money Creating a company which values customers and employees equally His plan to become a therapist helped shape his passion in Japan The key to training foreign teachers in Japan The difference between Mentoring and Consulting A company can only grow as fast as its leader Cost, Quality, Time, you cannot have all 3 when supporting staff On his 3 mentors and how they helped shortcut his career in Japan Compare our podcasting journeys "A diamond in poop, is still a diamond" Marketing as a branding tool to attract and recruit talent  Favorite Japanese word without an exact English translation Tyson Batino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tysonbatino/Scaling Your Company: https://scalingyourcompany.com/Scaling Japan Podcast: https://scalingyourcompany.com/podcast/ More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

If you are a regular listener to Now and Zen, you'll know many of my fascinating guests are non-Japanese living in Japan. So it's always fun to have a bi-cultural Japanese guest on the show and hear their insights and perspectives.  This episode I speak with Yuko Tamura, she is an award-winning writer on the Medium platform and the editor of Japonica - the publication for everything Japan. She describes her writing as Fun Facts about Japan and "a little Rebellious essays" from Tokyo.  We discuss some of these articles including "The 3 facts you should know before marketing to Japan". Yuko is passionate about cross-cultural topics and she offers  insightful advice she would offer both Japanese and English speakers to avoid cultural misunderstandings. We chat about writing for Medium, the opportunities for writers, and why these writers of Japan topics should join Japonica. We dive into the topics of gender inequality in Japan, internet trolls, how she became bi-cultural despite never living outside Japan, and other interesting stories from her experience working for both Japanese and foreign companies.  Other topics we discuss: Why create a platform of independent writers on Japan  Discuss her "3 Facts to know before Marketing to Japan" article  "Hone" and "Tatemae" explained from a Japanese perspective Breaks down the anatomy of internal business meetings at Japanese companies Why decisions take longer in corporate Japan  How souvenirs from relatives  peaked both of our "international interests" Writing and speaking in English being a "liberating" exercise Only writing in English about gender inequality to avoid internet trolls Motivation behind her articles about female inequality and sexism in Japan Together we coin a new Japanese word for "Empowerment" Favorite Japanese word without an exact English translation Yuko Tamura: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuko-tamura-041b96ab/Japonica: https://medium.com/japonica-publication More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

This episode I step outside my comfort zone and talk about investing with Alternative Investment Specialist Frank Packard.  Specifically we discuss Passion Investing, things like art, watches, and fine wine. What are the opportunities and what are the risks.  Do you have a collection of something which might be worth a lot of money?  Then you know It's not just about portfolio diversification, but also about the joy of ownership.  Frank is really interesting, he was actually born in Japan and only moved back to the US when he was seven. So we discuss what that was like in terms of reverse culture shock and being academically ahead of his peers.  Frank's insight on navigating both American and Japanese culture is story-telling at it's best.  Finally we discuss his 3 golden rules of investing, spoiler alert, #3 is "No Jerks",  some great reasons to be bullish on Japan's future, and a cultural analogy  / insight on American's love of "beating the clock" vs. Japan's love of silence and patience.  Additional topics from our conversation: Being a Westerner born in Japan and childhood stories from the 1950's What exactly are "Alternative Investments"  Discuss interest in Antique Maps, Vintage Posters, and Japanese Screens as personal collectable investments Tells the story of owning (then selling) an original Andy Warhol artwork The role insurance plays when investing in art and collectables What is "Yield Margin" and is it high in Japan?   Japan's low interest rates make real estate investing "low risk" - True or false How growing up in Japan enhanced his professional communication skills Why Japan is the most sensual country in the world His  favorite  untranslatable Japanese word More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

A very entertaining conversation all about the Italian pasta business in Japan.  This episode you meet Nikhil Gupte the Managing Director for Barilla Japan.  Barilla is a 145 year old family owned Italian food company and Nikhil is responsible for introducing their traditions, values, and world famous pasta to the Japanese market. What happens when Italian authenticity comes up against Japanese Wafu style pasta recipes? Why Barilla's packaging is unique only to Japan?  How has COVID changed the way Japanese consume pasta? The cultural reason spaghetti is far and above the most popular pasta style in Japan. Nikhil's very first trip to Japan was when he came to take over the MD position. Yes, business cultural challenges were / are numerous.  How has he overcome these?  Additional highlights from our conversation: Only-in-Japan customer complaints Speak about our mutual respect for Costco and their top management Which story-telling messages work best in Japan The innovative story of introducing an industry 1st, paper pasta packaging  How he was able to get staff to speak up in meetings Why most high-end Italian restaurants don't use Barilla pasta despite its top quality reputation How living in Japan for 4 years has transformed him professionally Introduces one of his favorite restaurants in Tokyo using Barilla pasta, it's not Italian Some pasta history in Japan Why "strange" shape pasta is not as popular as long pasta His  favorite  untranslatable Japanese word Barilla Japan: http://barilla.co.jp/More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

I thought it might be a challenge to interview my old friend David Clement. After-all we both grew up in the same small town and have known each other in Japan for over 20 years. However, his wisdom, Japan insight, and most of all, his entertaining stories make this a very fascinating episode.  22 years in B2B sales working with the biggest names in Japan and now the country manager for a "perfect start-up" in Japan. How does one make this big transition? David shares three riveting stories on leadership quirks,  negotiating, and my favorite, the hoops and hurdles he overcame to the seal the deal with with the famous Den Fujita the president of McDonalds Japan early in his career.  Additional highlights from our conversation: Debate the English definition of Nemawashi Why he describes himself as a "corporate entrepreneur" The challenges foreigners faces working for a Japanese company and "inventing ones position" David's Dale Carnegie vs. Kaizen theory Creating your own Gravity for success in Japan EdgeCast's business explained to a 5 year old What is an Embarrassment of Pandas ? "Leadership comes from taking responsibility or the opportunity to lose face the Japanese don't want" Pro and Cons of relationship building and networking in the pandemic era Why Kaizen is the enemy of dynamic change  Two favorite  untranslatable Japanese words EdgeCast: https://www.edgecast.com/More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

Fascinating innovations are happening in the food & beverage industry around the world and Ugo Bataillard is introducing them to Japan.  Ugo is the Founder and CEO of GourmetPro, a startup which began as a Japan market-entry consulting company for foreign food and beverage companies. After a successful 1st year of having too much business, GourmetPro shifted their business model to focus more on plant and cell based foods, sustainability, and other innovations in food and beverage.  You will hear all about these  developments and how GourmetPro utilizes a network of expert consultants to introduce these to Japan. We also talk about Japan market-entry and the top three transgressions foreign companies are most guilty of,  chat about cell based meat, insect protein, The Cheesecake Factory, and review Doutour's soy meat burger.  Other highlights from our conversation: Where the original idea come from to start GourmetPro Why food trends come and go so quickly in Japan How the market is changing from distributor domination to direct import and private label Ideas how to sell The Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes in Japan What is cell-based meat and is plant based meat really a boom we are lead to believe How sustainability and food innovation is an initiative for younger generations  How GourmetPro is able to enlist so many expert consultants Why the Flexitarian movement is gaining popularity Mistakes made when entering the Japanese market Favorite  untranslatable Japanese word GourmetPro: https://www.gourmetpro.co/More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

Cynthia Usui becomes the 1st ever return guest to the podcast. Less than a year ago, Cynthia was surviving as a part-time supermarket cashier after losing her high profile job, and now, she is the Japan Country manager for a new chain of small hotels in Tokyo! LOF Hotels. Once again  Cynthia has reinvented herself.  This episode you will hear this amazing story, why she initially turned down the hotel offer, how she's using her personal brand as a marketing tool, what is the business model of this brand new hotel chain, and how she is "paying it forward" by helping single mothers. We also discuss what she discovered about society, hardship, and why working as a part-time cashier gave her confidence . . . at 61 years of age. Other highlights from our conversation: How she found herself unemployed in late 2020 The only 4 job categories available for 61 year olds in Japan Working as a cashier was the hardest new job she ever had to start Overcoming fear and lack of confidence The two "conditions" she requested before accepting the job offer How the LOF hotel keeps expenses low and unique marketing strategies Challenges and success stories of hiring stay at home moms Why becoming the Country Manager was important to her story How she is "paying it forward" and why this is an obligation and responsibility  Is being an author of three books profitable? Favorite and least favorite untranslatable Japanese words LOF Hotel Shinbashi: https://shimbashi.lof-hotel.com/Cynthia Usui: Cynthia Usui LinkedInMore Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

Now and Zen Japan welcomes Mr. Ed Thompson, a Marketing Consultant and the founder of Concept Design. This episode we share beers and talk about his 20+ years in Japan and professional career in marketing, branding, advertising, and academia. He has also been a lecturer at Temple University for over 15 years. Ed is a straight talker and has strong opinions when it comes to the business of marketing. We discuss his early years in Japan getting beat up with bamboo sticks everyday, working with bureaucrats, and starting his own business after only five years in Japan. Ed has a fascinating theory on why Japanese brand logos tend to be words rather than pictograms, how to find your Personal Branding "voice" from hating-on the competition, then Ed gets deep and philosophical when analyzing Wabi-Sabi and Kintsugi and how this is related to perseverance and the Japanese human spirit. Other topics we discuss: An interesting way to translate the  word "marketing"  Studying Japanese at a martial arts university Understanding self-worth and context when giving yourself an appropriate business title Why his list of clients in Japan are predominantly foreign affiliated How "creative" departments differ in Japan and the main role of ad agencies "Making order out of chaos" . . .  the driver for Ed's passion for marketing Was Omotenashi developed as a social norm or a way to make customers more receptive to your brand? "People will believe what you tell them unless you give them a reason to disbelieve" In Japan, "Being present is more important than being whole" Why email remains the most important CRM data His upcoming classes at Temple and takeaways students can expect Concept Design: https://conceptdesign.io/Ed Thompson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethompson/More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

This episode is an entertaining and stimulating conversation with a  forward-thinking, self-described "Evangelist" for for Digital Transformation in Japan, Mr. Evan Berkosky.  Before you decide to tune-out because "Digital Transformation" sounds unexciting,  Hold On!  Evan makes this topic both insightful and relevant and shares his ideas on how he would initiate quick wins to transform Japan digital landscape if he were to hypothetically, be appointed to the newly created  "Japan Digital Agency".  What's more entertaining than listening to foreigners give their opinion on how to improve Japan?  In this case however, Evan truly knows his area of expertise. We also discuss his early challenges in Japan, starting a successful English school, and how this led to the establishment of a premiere boutique digital marketing agency. He explains how  current media monitoring,  influencer marketing, and media engagement are vital to every organization, and finally challenges me as to why he should buy a Japanese branded knife from a German knife company. Other topics we discuss: Historically,  disruptions have created a culture of  "uncertainty avoidance" in Japan Why he is so passionate about digital transformation in Japan The scaleability challenge of creating a chain of English schools Why Japan, well-known for high tech industries are not leaders in digitalization What two major initiatives he would implement if he were the head of the Japan Digital Agency How the traditional Hanko system has slowed business in Japan during the pandemic Being a bi-cultural "shock-absorber" explained The positive trends propelling Japan's A.I. technology adoption  The future role of  social "Influencers" and how they will evolve  How brands can save time and make money from social media monitoring Favorite Japanese word w/o an exact English translation Meltwater: https://www.meltwater.com/enMore Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

This episode I have an entertaining conversation with an old friend of mine. Yukie Kito is an award winning movie producer with over 20 films to her credit.  This is really an "insiders" episode where we talk about her life, challenges, and successes as an independent producer and really gain a lot of insight into the Japanese film industry: What has happened to creativity and how some missteps have allowed S. Korea to become Asia's entertainment powerhouse. She talks about some great memories making movies and anecdotes about Hollywood stars. Other topics we discuss: What a film producer actually does When watching films does she view or critique them differently than general audiences How she got her start in Hollywood Tears of joy (and envy) when seeing the international success of Korean entertainment  The one film she is the most proud of Why she makes an appearance in almost all her movies Her criteria when selecting movie projects Why so little "Original" content is produced in Japan Working with Ethan Hawke and their close friendship How her "win-win" philosophy helps her survive in the film industry We try to explain "Mono no Aware" and another untranslatable Japanese word Yukie's Movie list: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2183344/ More Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

It's time to get your motor running and head out to the highway. This episode I speak with the president of Ducati Japan Mr. Mats Lindstrom.  You do not need to be a "bike guy" or a "gear-head" to enjoy this conversation with Mats. We chat about "Empowerment" in Japan, his unique strategy and reasons for conducting management meetings in English, and his biggest takeaways from days at IKEA when he arrived in Japan to  set up the first stores in 2005. Of course we also talk about the bike business, specifically how he differentiates Ducati from the established domestic brands, why Ducati owners are known for their loyalty and passion, and he shares success stories from  the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) program he initiated earlier this year. Recorded at the Oak Door,  Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Other topics we discuss: Biker camaraderie and how it differs in Japan What sets Ducati apart from the established Japanese competition Becoming a “bike guy” from the age of 3 “People buy for what you help them become” Who is a Ducati “type” and from which profession are many Ducati owners Is Ikigai really a Japanese concept Lessons learned starting up IKEA in Japan Most unique characteristic of Japanese consumers Ensuring a consistent level of service and hospitality with over 40 dealers The Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) explained Favorite untranslatable Japanese word The “communication” between a Ducati bike and its owner  Ducati Japan: https://www.ducati.com/jp/ja/homeDucati Riding / Racing Experience: https://www.ducati.com/jp/ja/contents/dreMore Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

This episode we are treated to a wonderful conversation with an amazing woman who continues to have a fascinating life.  Karen Hill Anton discusses her memoir "The View from Breast Pocket Mountain". Published in late 2020 the book has received numerous literary awards and has a 5 start rating from Amazon. We talk about her motivation behind writing her 1st book, she offers solid advise for anyone contemplating a memoir,  dive into some of the back stories and highlights from her book, and the challenges not only she had to deal with but what every writer of a memoir faces.  The View from Breast Pocket Mountain is a unique and untold story and a treasure trove of experiences crossing boarders and cultures. If you ever wondered what your life would be like taking that road without a map, this is the book and the episode for you. Other topics we discuss: Why everyone should write a memoir What contributed to the books success, accolades, and awards  The conundrum of "looking inwards" vs. writing for a broad audience How the narrative of the memoir is split into worldwide adventures & rural life in Japan The ironic Japanese meaning of "Breast Pocket" and Karen's actual life The sense of community became a key learning from the 1  year dojyo experience Why she quite writing her newspaper columns after 15 years The ability to recall so many details of her early adventures and why this is so important for a memoir Karen's favorite untranslatable Japanese word Why the business / corporate experience side of her life was not included in the book Karen Hill Anton: http://karenhillanton.comMore Now and Zen Japan episodes: http://nowandzen.jpGrow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

The phrase "Do what you love and you never have to work another day in your life" fits Mac Salman perfectly. Mac left the finance  industry and pursued his passions - Travel, Japan, and tasty spirits. We discuss his customized tour business Maction Planet where he has never conducted the same itinerary twice. Then his pivot to Kanpai Planet when the pandemic halted Japan tourism. We discuss these two businesses and life in Tokyo while we sample three "Japan Related" tequilas.  Mac is an inimitable and articulate British gentleman who does his homework. He brings insider knowledge and back stories to Shizuku,  Cascahuin, and Don Suenos tequilas and their fascinating Japan connections. Even if you are not a big fan of whiskey or tequila, Mac's stories and insight make for a very lively and enjoyable conversation.  Other topics we discuss:  Leaving the lucrative  finance industry and pursuing his passion for travel The philosophy of changing tour guiding from a "commodity to a profession" Maction Planet's 99.6% rating on Trip Advisor and why its not 100% 25 straight years of whisky consumption decline in Japan. That all changed in 2008 Why he can be found at Jingu Stadium up to 50 times a year How Kanpai Planet was born, the current USP's and future plans Sample the Blanco and Reposado from Shizuku and discover its ties to Fukuoka Mac's amazing Sake knowledge and how he applies it to tequila tasting  Mac's hierarchy of needs and the 5 reasons Tokyo is the "Greatest Metropolis on Earth" Taste test the Blanco and an Extra Anejo from Cascahuin created by Japanese "Tetsu" Kageda Overcoming  bureaucratic challenges foreigners face in Japan The background of the only Tequila brand owned by a Japanese woman - we try the Reposado and Anejo from Don Suenos  Maction Planet: https://www.mactionplanet.com/Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.comKanpai Planet: https://www.youtube.comMore Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

Meshida is an ex-Japanese salaryman turned English language standup comedian. For the past eight years Meshida has been performing his style of comedy in both Japan and the UK. In addition he is a successful YouTuber, mostly known for his comedic commentary on Japan's "pink" culture despite his many other "wholesome" cultural topics. We discuss why he decided to become a full-time standup comedian, the difference between Japanese and  Western humor,  stories from the stage, how much he earns from YouTube viral videos, where he gets his joke writing inspiration, and what his parents and Japanese audiences think about his career and content. Other topics we discuss:  First open mic experience at 21 Why physical humor is popular in Japan Turning his insecurities into self deprecating humor His 1st successful joke which got a huge laugh Is "Manzai" the Japanese equivalent of Western standup?  Once losing his confidence for 6 months after bombing on stage The one question he would ask his favorite comic Why its difficult to monetize YouTube even with millions of views and 60k subscribers  His YouTube strategy to gain more fans and followers Meeting other international Japanese standup comedians His current projects in Tokyo and his response to the pandemic  Standup Comedian Meshida: https://www.youtube.com/channel/Funny Japan Project: https://funnyjapanproject.com/More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

This conversation is one of the most amazing I've had since starting Now and Zen Japan. This episode could certainly change your life. Especially if you suffer from unhealthy lifestyle habits. Prepare to be blown away by Kaki Okumura's wisdom, demeanor, and insight into well-being and nutrition.  Kaki breaks down Japanese based wellness concepts through her "Four Essential Pillars to Healthy Living" in a very convincing and non-preachy way.  She is a writer, an illustrator, a wellness coach, and very well could be a therapist or nutrition teacher. In addition to her fascinating backstory  which includes her experience with food being a source of stress and anxiety and how healthy eating does not have to be a sacrifice,  we get into her business as a writer on Medium, starting her own business just after university, and the various revenue streams she has built for herself. Just start listening to the first 5 minutes and for sure you will be hooked and inspired by her simple and empathetic message. Other topics we discuss:  Improving your overall well-being based on Japanese concepts Being overweight OR underweight negatively effects mental health Why eating healthy in the US is a challenge whereas its pretty simple in Japan The power of balanced meals, moderation, and portion management How retired sumo wrestlers lose weight What Japanese can learn from the US about healthy living Why ginger is included with so many Japanese meals Food is closely linked to environment, experiences, and emotions Is "organic" really healthier? Variety, and why this is nutritionally important   How much can one make writing for Medium? The Free Unsolicited Business Idea Kaki's two favorite untranslatable Japanese words Kaki's Website: https://kakikata.space/More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

It's a real feel-good conversation with uber positive and incredibly humble entrepreneur Anthony Griffin.  He is the founder of Saga Consulting where he "helps organizations and individuals tell their story to the world".  It's global communications through excellent copy-writing, digital marketing, and cross-cultural coaching.   Anthony often writes insightful and though-provoking articles for Kokoro Media on LinkedIn. He is especially passionate about Japanese language learning and frequently offers tips on how to take ones Japanese to the next level.  We both offer our three suggestions for basic but "culturally impactful" Japanese words every beginner of Japanese language should master. Other topics we discuss: New client acquisition techniques for entrepreneurs How Saga Consulting helps Japanese organizations expand internationally Biggest stumbling blocks for Japanese companies when trying to expand overseas Balancing "trying to do it the Japanese way" vs. keeping his own personal style Working with "Foreign Curious" companies is his sweet spot, explained What working for a Japanese company taught him   Early cultural missteps from Japanese corporate life Best Japanese language Apps for quick learning Simple language tips for building better relations in your community Favorite untranslatable Japanese word Swap culturally unique Japanese words beginners should master  Anthony Griffin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonygriffin/ Saga Consulting: http://www.consultsaga.comKokoro Media: https://kokoro-jp.com/ More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts

We all miss traveling, and this episode I get to speak with long-time, airline professional, Don Bunkenburg.  Don is the Senior Director in Japan for the Lufthansa Group. Which includes Swiss Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and Germany's Lufthansa. We talk about how Lufthansa competes in the Japan market renowned for its level of service and hospitality, the "No risk culture" similarities between Germany and Japan,  how each airline in the group tailors their service offering to reflect the culture of each country, the steps required to actually fill up an airplane day after day, how Lufthansa changed from a process driven service delivery to a personalized service offering to earn the only European airline ranking of "5 Star" airline, and why the definition of "On Time Departure" is a little more important in Japan than some "other" countries. Other topics of discussion: How Don, an American, deciding to take a Summer job to improve his German, led to a 30 years plus career working for Germany's largest airline Do Airline rankings really matter and how this relates to customer service investments What is "Swissness" The unique service differentiation between Austrian, Swiss, and Lufthansa His regret regarding a different, missed opportunity in the aviation industry How the special relationship shared with ANA gives Lufthansa a big advantage The biggest challenge of working in Japan Safety 1st vs. Service 1st. Do Western airlines and Asian Airlines perceive this differently Lufthansa's response to the COVID Pandemic Why Brazilians make up a significant % of travelers between Japan and Germany The Free Unsolicited Business Idea More Now and Zen Japan episodes: https://www.nowandzen.jp/Grow website traffic = Zo Digital: https://www.zodigital.jp/Great Sleep Starts Here = gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jpJapan Adventures via Camper Van = Dream Drive: https://www.dreamdrive.life Use the code word "ZEN" to receive discounts