Scaling Japan Podcast

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Robert Heldt, CEO of AIM B2B, to explore how marketing in Japan is transforming.Robert shares exclusive data and insights from the 2025 State of Marketing report in Japan and across APAC. From skyrocketing AI adoption to a sharp dip in content marketing effectiveness, this episode unpacks what’s changing, why it matters, and how companies can adapt.If you’re a marketing leader, brand manager, or agency working in Japan, this episode is your inside guide to what’s working and what’s next.AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in AsiaThis episode is sponsored by AIM B2B, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, formerly known as Custom Media. Helping global brands grow across Japan and the APAC region with:• Localized storytelling to build trust • 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 expertiseLearn more: https://aim-b2b.com/Show Notes:00:00 – Introduction01:12 – Overview of the Podcast02:10 – Recap on 2024 Report03:10 – Surveys on Marketing Report06:15 – Significant Changes in Results: AI Usage for Marketing07:50 – Findings About Similarities: Storytelling, Content Objectives09:52 – Report Regarding Usage of Generative AI and AI in General14:00 – Significant Changes in Results: Content Marketing as A Strategy18:36 – Story of Rebranding AIM B2B from Custom Media24:50 – Finding that Impacted AIM B2B’s Strategy: Outsourcing39:07 – Types of Content from B2B Companies41:30 – Importance of Thought Leadership Content45:55 – Content Marketing Trends in Japan49:32 – Top 3 Skills Marketers Will Need50:45 – How AIM B2B is Scaling Clients’ Success52:33 – How to Connect with RobertLinks from Guest Appearance:Robert Heldt on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertheldt/Link to Report : https://aim-b2b.com/blog/longform/content-marketing-japan-2025-insights/AIM B2B Podcast : https://aim-b2b.com/podcast/AIM B2B: https://aim-b2b.comCoaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with his coaching and advisory services. 📈 Learn more: https://scalingyourcompany.com🎤 Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Fariza Abidova, CEO of Trusted Corporation, and a seasoned expert in cross-border innovation, corporate partnerships, and global HR development.Fariza shares what’s really happening inside Japan’s corporate innovation ecosystem from the invisible blockers within large organizations to the cultural nuances that slow down high-potential projects. She dives into why open innovation often fails to scale, which Japanese cities are becoming more startup and innovation-friendly, and what kind of timeline expectations foreign partners should really have.She also pulls back the curtain on hard truth facts as: after 3/4 years of running pilot innovation projects, many companies shut them down if revenue isn’t produced, regardless of long-term potential.If you’re a startup founder, consultant, or part of a government innovation program working in or with Japan, this episode is your inside guide to navigating corporate innovation here.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 marketsStrategic performance marketing for measurable growthAccount‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEOHubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automationData‑driven implementation with cultural expertise⁠Learn more about AIM B2BShow Notes: 00:00 – Introduction 03:05 – Why Accelerating Innovation in Japan 08:05 – Open Innovation 14:10 – Working with Japanese Corporations 19:45 – Innovation Challenges in Japanese Companies 23:05 – Secret Challenges Only Insiders Know 29:50 – How to Foster Innovation in Corporates 31:50 – Cities in Japan to Launch Innovation Projects 35:30 – Strategies for Accelerating Innovation 43:30 – Government Policy Shifts 50:10 – Tips for Engaging with Large Corporations 52:05 – Timelines: Japan vs Global 56:31 – Final Message from Fariza Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Connect with Fariza Abidova on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/fariza-abidova/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

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Bela Schweiger, President and CEO of Enter Japan K.K. Bela brings over 20 years of leadership experience at global firms including The Coca-Cola Company, Nokia, Häagen-Dazs, and L’Oréal.Bela shares essential insights on how retail distribution works in Japan, including the roles of trading houses, drugstores, convenience stores, and corporate buyers. He also provides practical strategies for handling Japanese distributor inquiries and how to pitch your brand effectively in a market known for its high standards and relationship-driven business culture.If you're aiming to launch or expand your consumer product in Japan, this episode is a must-listen for learning how to enter and grow in Japan’s highly structured retail landscape.---AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in AsiaThis 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 marketsStrategic performance marketing for measurable growthAccount‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEOHubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automationData‑driven implementation with cultural expertiseLearn more about AIM B2BShow Notes:0:00 – Introduction1:11 – Overview of Retail Distribution in Japan8:03 – Major Beverage Brands of Japan15:35 – Role of Trading Houses (Sogo Shosha)26:01 – How to Handle Inquiries and Leads from Japanese Distributors33:57 – Comparing Corporate vs. Small Retail Partners37:18 – Growth of Drug Stores and Convenience Stores as Retail Channels40:21 – How to Localize Marketing for Japanese Consumers44:01 – Tips on How to Pitch Your Brand in Japan49:14 – Key Takeaways from Bela SchweigerLinks from Guest Appearance:📘 Intercultural Leadership: Exercises in Action by Sierk A. Horn – Read here🔗 Connect with Bela Schweiger on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/belaschweiger/ Coaching with TysonLooking 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

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome back Robert Heldt, CEO of Custom Media—a comprehensive B2B marketing, branding, and PR agency serving global enterprises expanding into Japan. Robert shares new insights from their latest survey on B2B content marketing trends, revealing what surprised him most and how Japanese companies approach storytelling differently than their Western counterparts. If you’re looking to fine-tune your B2B content strategy for the Japanese market, this episode is a must-listen! --- Show Notes: 0:00 – Introduction 2:40 – What is the survey about? 7:09 – What findings surprise you the most? 11:28 – How Japan tells business stories compared to the West 14:52 – How Japanese companies show themselves to be reliable 16:04 – Cases on how Robert helps a company with storytelling to enter the Japanese market 18:38 – How to get your Japanese customers to give you testimonials 19:34 – How working with an international business benefits a Japanese company 21:10 – Japan’s market view on Generative AI 27:01 – How Custom Media Uses Generative AI 30:20 – Maintaining content quality and scaling production 33:52 – What is a content syndication partner? 36:23 – The future of content marketing in Japan 44:00 – Additional insights from the survey report --- Links from Guest Appearance: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Link to the Report How Custom Media Wins Two Campaign Asia Awards 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 dollars 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

Welcome to another special episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of Japanese government subsidies for startups and small businesses, featuring insights from a seasoned subsidy and fundraising expert, Nobuji Kanai. This discussion is designed to guide both local and non-Japanese entrepreneurs in navigating the challenges and opportunities of Japan’s subsidy landscape. From understanding the nuances of different subsidy types to preparing successful applications, this episode is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs aiming to secure government support and grow their businesses. --- Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction | Seminar Overview and Speaker Introductions02:36 Key Topics | Eligibility, Purpose, and Types of Subsidies in Japan08:51 Eligibility for Non-Japanese Entrepreneurs | Subsidy Accessibility for Foreign Businesses09:41 Grants vs Subsidies | Key Differences in Funding Mechanisms and Applications11:28 National Subsidy Programs | Examples of Subsidies Targeted at SMEs and Startups13:11 Local and Private Subsidies | Unique Regional Opportunities and Time-Sensitive Applications14:04 Application Process | Necessary Steps and Documentation for Successful Applications20:54 Trends and Challenges | Changing Acceptance Rates and Common Mistakes29:10 Deep-Tech Subsidies | R&D and Advanced Innovation Support Programs33:14 Time Investment | How Long It Takes to Apply and Complete a Subsidy Process38:13 Multiple Applications | Strategies for Combining and Stacking Subsidies41:09 Step-by-Step Guidance | Application, Project Execution, and Reporting45:05 Case Study | A Non-Japanese Entrepreneur Securing Subsidies and Loans49:07 Leveraging Loans | Using Subsidies and Business Loans for Financial Flexibility51:51 Local Grants | Maximizing Opportunities through Regional Subsidy Programs55:57 Tools and Resources | Where to Find Updated Subsidy Information01:00:56 Choosing Advisors | The Role of Consultants in Navigating Japanese Subsidies --- Connect with Our Speakers: Reach out to Nobuji Kanai on Linkedin Reach out to KANAI&CO --- Exciting News for Entrepreneurs Entering the Japanese Market! We are delighted to introduce SmartStart Japan, your comprehensive partner for establishing and expanding your business in Japan. SmartStart Japan specializes in assisting small businesses, startups, and foreign corporations with incorporation, government subsidies, loans, and market growth strategies. Services Offered: Incorporation Support: Facilitating company or branch office setup, processing business manager visas, serving as temporary directors and handling tax notifications and filings. Government Subsidies & Loans: Assisting clients in securing government-backed loans and subsidies for various business needs, such as sales, marketing, and research initiatives. Reach out to us at https://smartstartjapan.com/ --- Send in a voice message: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to an extra episode on the Scaling Japan Podcast. Today, we're bringing you an insightful, in-depth conversation on how to effectively localize your marketing in Japan. Join experts Nanako Aramaki and Nathan Hoernig as they share practical strategies and crucial insights to help businesses adapt to the Japanese unique marketing environment. Throughout this episode, we’ll cover the essentials of high-context culture, adapting marketing content, common mistakes made by foreign companies, and proven approaches to build trust with Japanese consumers. Nanako and Nathan also dive into the subtleties of Japanese language use in marketing, the importance of social proof, and when to consider creating new content versus localizing existing material. --- Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro00:44 - Speaker Backgrounds: Nanako Aramaki and Nathan Hornig05:15 - Host Overview of Agency’s Revenue Growth Services in Japan07:07 - Japan's High-Context Culture and Marketing Adaptation Needs10:22 - Language Nuances in Japanese Marketing and Consumer Perceptions14:38 - Effective Indirect Marketing for Japanese Consumers20:25 - Importance of Language Tone and Context in Marketing Content26:04 - Establishing Trust in the Japanese Market with Social Proof and Quality30:31 - Japanese Consumer Preferences for Quality and Service Standards32:37 - Localizing Content vs. Creating New Content for Japan42:43 - Translation Pitfalls in Japanese Marketing46:30 - Misaligned Messaging and Cultural Disconnects56:11 - Common Mistakes by Foreign Companies Entering Japan1:09:47 - Evaluating Product-Market Fit in Japan Before Market Entry1:14:24 - Strategies for Effective Marketing Localization in Japan1:31:16 - Cultural Expectation for Detailed Guidance in Japanese Consumer Experience1:39:54 - Closing Remarks and Speaker Contact Information --- Connect with Our Speakers:Nathan Hoernig: Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/digitalmarketingjapan/ Humble Bunny : https://www.humblebunny.com/ --- Nanako Aramaki Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nanakoaramaki/ TAMLO : https://tam-tamlo.com/ --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Resources on Getting a Startup visa:Getting help to apply for a startup visaMore information on Startup visa in JapanIncorporate your business in Japan---Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast! In this episode, we’re thrilled to host Vijayalakshmi, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 13 years of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and education. Vijayalakshmi is the founder of FOX Academy and ATIK Energy Solutions.Vijayalakshmi dives deep into the startup visa process, sharing who should consider applying, the limitations involved, and specific insights into Hokkaido’s Startup Visa Program. She covers essential requirements, from eligibility criteria for various types of startups to the critical steps in creating a business plan. ---Timestamps:02:53 Starting the Journey | How Viji Obtained Her Startup Visa05:46 More About the Startup Visa | Who Should Apply and Limitations07:11 About Hokkaido’s Startup Visa Program11:17 What Hokkaido Looks for in Visa Applicants13:18 Eligibility for Non-Tech Startups15:49 Process for Obtaining the Startup Visa18:47 Essential Business Plan Details | Expected Timeline26:05 Support Available from the Local Government29:08 Business Restrictions During the Startup Visa Period31:12 Costs Associated with the Startup Visa32:16 Tasks Required of Applicants33:33 Tips for Applying for a Startup Visa36:21 Transitioning to the Business Manager Visa40:12 Support Options for the Business Manager Visa44:50 Costs Associated with the Business Manager Visa46:28 Major Advantages of Starting with a Startup Visa48:59 Post-Company Formation Filings51:25 Office Requirements for Startup Visa vs. Business Manager Visa54:59 Post-Incorporation Notifications for Company Setup---Connect with Vijayalakshmi on LinkedInExplore courses at FOX Academy---Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !!We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino.This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---Send in a voice message:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to another episode of the Japan Scalers Podcast! This week, we’re thrilled to have Paul McMahon, founder of Tokyo Dev, a leading platform that helps software developers navigate and secure job opportunities in Japan. Tokyo Dev has become an essential resource for those looking to break into Japan’s competitive tech industry. In this episode, Paul takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, sharing how he built Tokyo Dev from the ground up and leveraged his deep knowledge of both Japanese and international tech ecosystems. Tune in to hear Paul's story and the invaluable insights he's gained along the way in creating Tokyo Dev as the go-to platform for developers aiming to grow their careers in Japan! --- Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 3:17 How did Paul start Tokyo Dev? 6:24 Tokyo Dev's target market 7:30 Paul's Special Advantage 11:00 Tokyo Dev's mission 12:14 How did Paul adapt your personality for stage 1? 17:12 How did the networking community help Tokyo Dev? 20:26 Challenges with pricing 28:16 Stage two transitioning from blog to business 36:26 Tokyo Dev's competitors 40:07 Funding 42:00 Third Stage 50:59 Tips to other people about the transitioning stage 58:00 Tokyo Dev's community 1:01:58 Main challenge for Tokyo Dev --- Links from Guest Appearance : Paul's LinkedIn⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠TokyoDev --- The Japan Scalers Podcast is produced by our companies Scaling Your Company & Launch LabScaling Your Company offers several services Scaling Your Company : 1 on 1 advisory on sales, marketing, management Scaling Your Sales : Courses to increase your sales in Japan. Scaling Your Marketing : Creating websites in English or Japanese + SEO + MEO Launch Lab : Japan Incorporation Services Discover how SmartStart can simplify your journey and fuel your growth in Japan : ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://smartstartjapan.com/ --- Send in a voice message: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Arnar Jensson, CEO of Cooori, a cutting-edge AI-powered language learning platform. Dr. Arnar brings a wealth of experience in scaling businesses in Japan's unique market. Cooori has made waves with its innovative approach to language learning, combining advanced technology and human-centered design to enhance education. Join us as Dr. Arnar dives into his journey with Cooori, navigating the B2B market in Japan, uncovering competitive advantages, and sharing insights from his experience in the different stages of business growth. He also offers valuable tips for companies looking to expand into new markets and adapt their strategies for survival and success. This episode is packed with practical advice for scaling your business in Japan and beyond. --- Show Notes : 00:00 Intro 1:48 What is Cooori? 3:30 Dr Arnar & Japan 5:58 B2B market 8:46 Competitive advantage 10:38 Stage 1 24:00 Unique insights in stage 1 26:48 How did you adapt your personality for stage 1? 32:07 Stage 2 42:00 What advantages did you get in stage 2? 47:58 Unique insights 49:08 Current progress 52:45 What are some important factors in your mind when moving to another market? 54:35 Several things that help your company to survive. 1:00:14 Messages for listeners --- Reach out to Dr Arnar Jensson Learn more about Cooori! --- The Japan Scalers Podcast is produced by our companies Scaling Your Company & SmartStart Japan Scaling Your Company : 1 on 1 advisory on sales, marketing, management Scaling Your Sales : Courses to increase your sales in Japan. Scaling Your Marketing : Creating websites in English or Japanese + SEO + MEO SmartStart: Japan Incorporation Services --- Send in a voice message: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast! In this episode, we’re excited to have Apolline Daimaru, a branding expert with a wealth of experience in helping businesses establish their identity in Japan. Apolline dives deep into the world of branding, sharing her insights on how startups can effectively build a brand, the tools and components involved, and the timeline for creating a lasting impression in the market. She also discusses when startups should start investing in branding, common mistakes made in Japan, and how understanding Japanese culture plays a crucial role. Tune in as she covers these topics and more, including trends in Japanese branding and a few fascinating rebranding projects. ---Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 3:55 What is Branding? 8:28 Branding for startups 11:49 Building a brand & tools and components involved in creating a brand 14:03 How long does the branding process take for startups & small businesses 16:39 When should a startup start to invest in branding? 22:18 Some steps startups could take to create their own brand 26:22 Pros & Cons of in-house branding vs freelance/agency 31:18 What are some common mistakes that startups in Japan make 34:50 How important is understanding Japanese culture for successful branding? 43:22 Branding trends happening among Japanese people 48:45 Example rebranding projects --- Reach out to Apolline on her LinkedIn⁠ ⁠here⁠⁠ Visit nowthen on their website⁠ ⁠here ⁠⁠ --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠