

Business Success Japan
Lydia Beukelman
This podcast is made for those who want to develop or strengthen the communication skills, cultural savvy, insights into current trends and conditions, and mindsets essential in a Japanese business environment. The helpful, practical suggestions and engaging insights offered here provide listeners with the in-depth cultural context to achieve their own version of success while collaborating with their Japanese counterparts.
Support the podcast here: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan
Support the podcast here: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 4, 2025 • 57min
Connecting with the Japanese Consumer with Timothy Connor
Timothy Connor is a bilingual and bicultural longtime resident of Tokyo Japan. He has 25 years of experience in consumer related businesses, from startup launch to growth oriented small and medium enterprises, and has developed a deep understanding of the Japanese market, its consumers, and the unique aspects of doing business in Japan, where trust relationships are essential.
Through his work in multiple sectors, he has deep insights into the complex Japanese distribution system, as well as consumer behaviors especially regarding foreign brands.
Now as CEO of Synnovate, where he helps companies and startups evaluate, enter, and grow in the Japanese market he develops road maps to growth, leads the implementation, and works synergistically with local distributors to achieve growth. He is also Partner Faculty at Globis Graduate School of Management, where he is in charge of an upper level MBA course called Venture Management.
Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan
Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.
I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

Oct 16, 2024 • 47min
Unlocking Innovation Through Startups in Japan with Tim Romero
Tim Romero is a Tokyo-based entrepreneur, author, and innovator with a diverse background in startups and technology. He is deeply engaged in Japan's startup ecosystem as a Partner at JERA Ventures, with a focus on sustainability and decarbonization. Previously, he led initiatives at Google for Startups Japan and has founded several companies throughout his career. Tim also hosts the podcast "Disrupting Japan," where he explores the unique stories of Japanese entrepreneurs. His journey reflects resilience and a commitment to fostering innovation in Japan's vibrant startup community.
Disrupting Japan. https://www.disruptingjapan.com/
Way more about Tim than you wanted to know (according to Tim): https://www.disruptingjapan.com/tim/
LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/timromero/
Twitter: https://x.com/timoth3y
Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan
Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.
I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

4 snips
Sep 9, 2024 • 1h 9min
Three Paths to Life and Success in Japan: A Live Conversation with Anthony Griffin, Katheryn Gronauer, and Austin Zeng
In a vibrant live discussion, executive coach Katheryn Gronauer dives into cross-cultural challenges and work-life balance in Japan. Marketing expert Anthony Griffin stresses the power of learning Japanese for deeper market insights. Freelance perspective from Austin Zeng adds to the dynamic, addressing the unique advantages and hurdles faced by foreigners. They explore COVID-19's business impact, the weakening yen, and the evolving job market, all while sharing personal stories and effective networking strategies. A rich exchange of insights for anyone navigating life and career in Japan!

Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Contest for Japan's Economic Future: Richard Katz on Innovation and Renewal [encore interview]
In this podcast interview, Richard Katz, a special correspondent for Toyo Keizai and author of The Contest for Japan's Economic Future, discusses Japan's economic challenges and potential for recovery. He reflects on Japan's history, the rise of its industrial power, and the current economic stagnation. Katz emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation, arguing that Japan needs to move away from propping up outdated industries and focus more on supporting startups. He explains how the existing economic model, including the lifetime employment system and zombie companies, has stifled growth and innovation. Katz calls for a balance between supporting large firms and encouraging new ventures, highlighting the need for government policy changes to foster entrepreneurship and drive economic growth in Japan.
Richard's Links:
Substack: https://richardkatz.substack.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-katz-937308204/
Latest Book: https://www.amazon.com/Contest-Japans-Economic-Future-Entrepreneurs/dp/0197675107
Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan
Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.
I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

Jun 28, 2024 • 54min
Navigating Entrepreneurship and Building Influence in Japan with Anastasiia Vydiuk
Anastasiia Vydiuk is an expert in social media and influencer marketing who supports influencers in achieving financial freedom. She’s a founder and CEO of an influencer marketing agency promoting inbound tourism in Asia, called PrettyPass. Be sure to keep listening to learn more about her experiences building influence and a company in Japan.
Anastasiia's Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/anastasiiavyy?igsh=cThiMG5hNHp6and6
PrettyPass's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettypass.inc?igsh=YWR2N243bzRleXlh
Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan
Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.
I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

May 26, 2024 • 48min
On Professional Success and Establishing Boundaries in Japan with Rosa Aldridge [Replay]
[This interview was originally published on November 29, 2021.]
Rosa Aldridge is an American who has had her entire professional career in Japan, and she is passionate about creating sustainable culture practices while promoting Japanese hospitality to the world. At the time of recording, she worked in an environment that dealt with event planning and promoting international understanding, and she has successfully navigated job searching in Japan and has held a variety of positions through various companies and institutions in Japan. Some topics discussed in today's conversation include how to effectively find (the right) jobs in Japan, taking advantage of unique opportunities through positioning yourself as a cultural bridge, and how to best navigate the resources available if you find yourself in a workplace that isn't for you.
Rosa's Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-aldridge/
逆求人 website: https://www.careertrek.com/
Related Episodes:
Communicating Your Value in the Japanese Job Market with Sam Thornton: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Communicating-Your-Value-in-the-Japanese-Job-Market-with-Sam-Thornton-ervoi9
Learning the Dance of Effective Cross-Cultural Communication in Japan with Kevin Crowell: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Learning-the-Dance-of-Effective-Cross-Cultural-Communication-in-Japan-with-Kevin-Crowell-e153r78
Surviving the Salaryman Lifestyle in Japan with Michael Howard Thuresson: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Surviving-the-Salaryman-Lifestyle-in-Japan-with-Michael-Howard-Thuresson-esfn4d
Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan
Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.
I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

Apr 21, 2024 • 52min
Cross-Cultural Connections: Marketing Strategies for Success in Japan with Anthony Griffin [encore interview]
Marketing and communications coach, Anthony Griffin, discusses cultural communication differences between Japan and America, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural nuances in marketing strategies. He shares insights on aiding Japan-based companies with marketing to international audiences and coaching executives on effective communication. The podcast also explores the impact of small details on success in foreign markets, the risks of relying solely on translation tools, and considerations for Japanese companies expanding into the US market.

Mar 12, 2024 • 44min
On Japanese Management, Servant Leadership, and Rice Paper Ceilings with Rochelle Kopp [Replay]
This episode is a replay of an interview originally published on March 14, 2022.
Rochelle Kopp is the founder and managing principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting, an international training and consulting firm focused on Japanese business. Her area of expertise is Japanese culture and business practices, particularly Japanese communication style and organizational behavior and decision-making in Japanese firms. She’s also a prolific writer and actively posts much of her practical and insightful work on LinkedIn.
Just a few topics covered in today's conversation include:
-Servant leadership and why it could be a good fit in a Japanese business context.
-What is the rice paper ceiling, and what should non-Japanese people do when they encounter it?
-How HR traditionally functions in Japan, why, and how it should change.
-An example of how to effectively deepen work relationships with Japanese counterparts without meeting in-person.
Rochelle's links:
Japan Intercultural Consulting: https://japanintercultural.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JapanIntercult
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellekopp/
Related Episodes:
Learning the Dance of Effective Cross-Cultural Communication in Japan with Kevin Crowell: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Learning-the-Dance-of-Effective-Cross-Cultural-Communication-in-Japan-with-Kevin-Crowell-e153r78
Building Lasting Relationships Amidst the Covid-19 Digital Transformation in Japan with Will Jasprizza: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Building-Lasting-Relationships-Amidst-the-Covid-19-Digital-Transformation-in-Japan-with-Will-Jasprizza-e12dldf
Evolving Trends in Japanese Subsidiary Companies and the Lasting Power of Monozukuri with Francis Pacheco: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/episodes/Evolving-Trends-in-Japanese-Subsidiary-Companies-and-the-Lasting-Power-of-Monozukuri-with-Francis-Pacheco-e14ne9c
Want to support the podcast? Check the podcast's ko-fi page to help keep me well-caffeinated and making content: https://ko-fi.com/businesssuccessjapan
Be sure to follow or subscribe for more Japanese language and cultural insights. And if you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review so that other people can find it as well. And of course, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at businesssuccessjapan@gmail.com.
I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/businesssuccessjapan/message

Feb 11, 2024 • 50min
Comedy, Culture, and Entrepreneurship in Japan with BJ Fox
Tokyo-based British comedian and entrepreneur BJ Fox shares his journey in Japan, from launching Japan's first stand-up club to navigating cultural differences and breaking comedy chains. The podcast delves into unexpected opportunities, embracing extremes for growth, and the challenges of the Japanese comedy industry.

Jan 7, 2024 • 1h 1min
[Replay] On Building the Business, Lifestyle, and Body You Want in Japan with Menya Hinga
American immigrant and health coach Menya Hinga discusses the challenges of starting a business in Japan, the importance of providing value as a content creator, and the power of small shifts in making big changes. He also emphasizes the significance of time management for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and shares insights on the difficulties foreigners face in achieving health and fitness goals in Japan.


