Scaling Japan Podcast

Welcome to the seventh episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episodes so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast.  In this seventh episode, we are joined by Tracey Northcott, the founder of Tokyo Family Stays, which provides short-term rentals for those looking for an apartment and authentic home in Japan. She has successfully scaled her business to more than 25 listings and has been able to scale a solid business with two full-time staff and freelancers. Join us as Tracey shares her inspiring journey of scaling her company to its current success, all the while maintaining her unwavering commitment to ethical business practices that prioritize the welfare of both staff and customers. Show notes: 00:00 Introduction  3:19 Tokyo Family Stays and How It Began 8:01 Part-Time Residence 8:55 Target Market and Ideal Customer 15:58 Stage 1 18:23 Meeting the Demands 22:07 Challenges Faced in Stage 1 24:12 Building a Relationship with Local Communities 26:15 Debunking Myths about Living in Japan 27:27 Taking More Foreign Customers  29:33 What Would Define The 2nd Stage? 37:12 Creating A Brand  41:10 Being An Ethical Business Owner 43:15 Stage 3: Challenges and The Pandemic 46:34  How Did You Overcome This Challenge? 50:23 Why is Automation Important in The Next Stage? 57:26 Global Best Practices 1:05:01 What’s Next? --- Links from Guest Appearance : Linkedin | Tokyo Family Stays --- The Japan Scalers Podcast is produced by our companies Scaling Your Company & SmartStart 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 Discover how SmartStart can simplify your incorporation journey and fuel your growth in Japan : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://smartstartjapan.com/⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠⁠⁠

Experienced APAC Group Product Manager, Michael Stobo, shares insights on scaling Tripadvisor in Japan, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and decision-making. Topics include SEO management, collaborating with headquarters, and navigating Japanese market intricacies.

Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. In this episode, we are joined by Steve Heller, the Chief Operating Officer of Hashi Media, a rapidly rising social media and influencer marketing agency based in Tokyo. The company specializes in tech, gaming, and lifestyle brands, serving a wide range of clients from small businesses to industry giants like Alibaba, MSI, and Dell. Join us as Steve shares his expertise on influencer marketing in Japan, covering topics such as brand awareness, choosing the right platform, and more. --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠hashimedia.com⁠⁠⁠ --- Links from Guest Appearance: Linkedin⁠⁠ | Hashi Media ⁠⁠⁠--- Show Notes: 00:00 Introducion 1:59 Influencer Marketing 5:01 What is an Influencer? 07:37 Unique Influencers in Japan 8:57 What is a Talento? 11:09 Tiers of Influencers 13:19 Media Platforms Influencers Use in Japan 15:12 Twitter as an Influencer Marketing Channel 17:29 Reaching Out to Influencers and Content Creators 20:43 Differences Between the Tiers 23:31 Advantages of Working With Hashi Media 25:43 Conflict Between Influencers and Agencies 28:57 Tips For a Company Doing Effective Influencer Marketing in Japan 32:27 Measuring the Success of a Campaign  36:39 Foreign Influencer Market in Japan 43:33 Trends in Influencer Marketing in Japan 44:42 Tips for Corporations Who Would Like to Work With Influencer Marketing Agencies 47:18 More Information about Hashi Media --- 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

This is the fifth episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episodes so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast.  In this fifth episode, we are thrilled to welcome Yan Fan, Co-founder of Code Chrysalis, as she shares her expertise in guiding individuals aspiring to establish careers in Japan's software engineering and tech sectors. This insightful discussion will delve into the importance of soft skills and a growth mindset in navigating the Japanese business landscape. Join us as Yan recounts the journey of nurturing Code Chrysalis, overcoming challenges, and ultimately achieving the remarkable success it has today. --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠hashimedia.com⁠⁠⁠ --- Show notes: 00:00 Introduction  3:48 Competitive Advantage: Work Experience and Growth Mindset 7:36 Career Direction and Mindset  9:43 Overcoming Challenges in Communicating Unique Selling Point  12:54 Stage 1  17:18 How Did You Communicate Success?  21:50 Community Building and Innovation 27:29 Personality and Business Style  30:02 Stage 2 32:00 Catalyst for Team Building 35:55 Other Challenges and “Grandiolarity Switching” 40:20 Unique Insights on Stage 2 45:24 Stage 3: Pivoting to Corporate Training  50:44 Challenges in Stage 3 1:02:47 Adapting to Evolve --- Links from Guest Appearance : Linkedin⁠⁠ | Code Chrysalis --- 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 Scaling Japan Podcast. In this episode, we are joined once again by Scott Scofield, CEO of COVUE. COVUE is well-known as a leading brand operator in Japan which provides a full-service market entry platform. Following our previous discussion in Part 1 where Scott talked about choosing the right e-commerce sites in Japan, Part 2 will delve into logistics, import compliance, and post-sales procedures. This will cover topics including Japan's import regulations, with practical examples from food and beauty care products, as well as the correct application of marketing labels and licenses. Join us as Scott shares his expertise and discusses how COVUE has successfully navigated challenges related to import compliance. *Please note that the notes / documents mentioned within the episode are being reworked by COVUE due to updates in regulations, further updates will be posted onhere as well as COVUE's website. --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at ⁠⁠hashimedia.com⁠⁠ --- Links from Guest Appearance: Linkedin | ⁠COVUE⁠ ⁠--- Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction 01:38 Import Regulations in Japan 06:45 PSE and Power Electrical Safety 08:08 What was the Catalyst? 10:24 Foreign Sellers 12:58 Import Compliance in Japan 17:40 Phases of Regulations   21:32 Tariffs 24:03 Import Compliance for Food Products 31:18 Import Compliance for Beauty Care Products 35:46 Marketing Label and License 38:14 Strategies for Ensuring Compliance 39:56 Technology and Compliance      43:18 Solving Problems Involving Import Compliance --- 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 Launch Lab can simplify your journey and fuel your growth in Japan : ⁠https://launch-lab.jp/⁠ --- Send in a voice message: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠⁠⁠⁠

This is the fourth episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episodes so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast.  In this fourth episode, we are delighted to welcome David Macdonald, founder and CEO of DJMAC. His company specializes in corporate consulting and advisory, particularly in global and intercultural business challenges, drawing upon his extensive experience at Docomo, Disney, and YouTube, as well as his role as an outside director at KADOKAWA Corporation. Join us as David shares his journey as one of YouTube's early executives in Japan and Asia, and how he led the team that expanded the creator economy in the region. Starting with just 5 team members, David grew it to over 50 in 5 years, benefiting tens of thousands of YouTubers and businesses. --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠hashimedia.com⁠⁠⁠ --- Show notes: 00:00 Introduction 1:26 What is the “Creator Economy”? 2:38 Competitive Advantage 3:17 Stage 1 and the History of Youtube in Japan 7:25 Localization of the Market 10:12 Talent Scouting Youtubers and Partners 16:05 Tips on Getting Partners on Board 19:07 The Turning Point of Youtube 28:35 Importance of Localized Content 34:40 Who are the Right People to Hire? 37:22 What Defines Stage 2? 41:46 Challenges of Youtube 47:55 Takeaways from the Interview 49:08 What’s Next? --- Links from Guest Appearance : Linkedin | DJMAC --- 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

This is the third episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episodes so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast.  In this third episode, Elizabeth Anne Kyle shares her journey of growing Arigato Travel from its humble beginnings as a cooking class to becoming an prominent inbound tourism company in Japan. As the founder and CEO of a company with over 500 trained guides and is the #1 Culinary Tours Company in Japan, she reflects on her experiences as a solopreneur and how her vision turned into a successful tourism business. Join us as we delve into Elizabeth's story to discover how she turned her passion into a successful venture, enriching guests' experiences with profound and unforgettable experiences. --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at ⁠hashimedia.com⁠ --- Show notes: 00:00 Introduction and about Arigato Travel 03:59 Target market & competitive advantage 07:56 Stage 1 12:28 : Challenges & Solution in Stage 1 19:33 : Advantages for a foreigner in Stage 1 32:41 Adapting your personality to the business 34:47 Stage 2 (going from food tour to full plan inbound) 40:51 Importance of a good Internship program for a business 44:15 Having good accounting in Stage 2 49:10 Challenges during the pandemic 54:51 How to maintain service quality as you scale 57:42 What's next for Arigato Travel? --- Links from Guest Appearance : ⁠Linkedin⁠ | Arigato Travel --- 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

Join Scott Scofield, CEO of COVUE, as he delves into the world of e-commerce in Japan. Explore the challenges and restrictions of opening accounts on Rakuten and Amazon. Gain insights into loyalty point systems, Yahoo Shopping, and the ease of creating accounts. Discover key strategies for success in the Japanese e-commerce market.

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Takuo Urushihara, who serves as the Program Manager (international) for Venture Café Tokyo. Recommended by acquaintances for his expertise in community building, Takuo has spearheaded the growth of Venture Cafés, initially beginning with events in Tokyo and expanding to numerous other cities across Japan and throughout Asia. His efforts have successfully attracted both Japanese locals and foreigners to participate in their events, showcasing the inclusive nature of their initiatives. In this podcast, Takuo discusses communities that exist in Japan, what Japanese and Foreign guests seek from venture cafes, and insights on building a community! --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at ⁠hashimedia.com⁠ --- Links from Guest Appearance: LinkedIn Venture Cafe Tokyo Venture Cafe Tokyo - Events Show Notes: 00:00: Introduction 3:31: About CIC and venture cafes 7:35: What type of communities exist in Japan? 14:42: The concept of "online salon" communities in Japan 19:03: What do both Japanese and Foreign guests seek from venture cafes and start-up events in a multicultural community? 27:28: What do both Japanese and Foreign guests seek from venture cafes and start-up events in a Japanese community? 29:52 Insights on building the core group of a community 42:19: Networking culture in Japan vs. America 45:10: Tips for growing your community --- 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

This is the second episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episodes, so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast. In this second episode, Bela Schweiger will share his story as an expert in scaling Häagen-Dazs. With an impressive track record including collaborations with major brands like The Coca-Cola Company, Nokia, General Mills, and L’Orèal, Bela shares his knowledge into spearheading the transformation of Häagen-Dazs in Japan and pioneering AI-driven ESG solutions for the Japanese market. Join us in today's episode as we look into Bela's experiences with innovative strategies and strategic partnerships that drove the successful revamp of Häagen-Dazs, imparting valuable lessons for businesses in the Japanese market. --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at hashimedia.com --- Show notes: 00:00: Introduction 02:14: What type of companies do you typically help to expand the Japanese market? 11:05: Advice on scaling your business and brand in Japan 14:50: About Häagen-Dazs coming into the Japanese market 24:40: About innovation and new product development 31:32: What was the situation when Häagen-Dazs first brought you in? 35:46: Dynamic change in Häagen-Dazs Japan 39:22: Brainstorming and its role in scaling up your business 45:10: Case Study of Costco Japan wanting a product due to a Korean Manga 46:32: Problems faced with Häagen-Dazs 49:28: Overcoming problems through the use of vending machines 53:05: Secret to scaling --- Links from Guest Appearance : Linkedin | Life-Lab --- 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