Scaling Japan Podcast

In this episode of the ⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠, we are joined by Antti Sonninen. Antti is the main organizer of Takeoff Tokyo, the place for internationally ambitious entrepreneurs. Originally from Finland, Antti came to Japan 10+ years ago first bringing the Angry Birds game here as the company's first country director. Antti has also worked on several projects bridging the tech communities of Japan and the rest of the world, most notably as co-founder and CEO of Slush Tokyo. He will discuss the importance of attending startup events in Tokyo, highlighting the benefits for founders, investors, and corporations. Antti will also share strategies for maximizing event participation and mention some major startup events in Japan, along with insights on the cost of organizing such events. Links from Guest Appearance : Takeoff Tokyo LinkedIn Show Notes : (00:00) Introduction (02:26) takeoff Tokyo (11:38) Why go to a startup event (12:50) What happens at a startup event (15:43) Benefits for attending startup events for founders and investors (21:25) Benefits of attending a startup corporation (22:32) Maximize Event Participation as a founder (29:57) Maximize Event Participation as an Investor (32:24) Maximize Event Participation as a Corporation (41:28) What are some major events in Japan (46:31) Cost of running a startup event 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.

Welcome to another episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, we welcome Jeff Crawford, the CEO of Zo Digital Japan. They are a Digital Marketing agency based in Tokyo that provides SEO, Content Marketing, PPC advertising, Digital PR, and more to Overseas companies entering Japan, as well as foreign-minded Japanese companies. In this episode, Jeff discusses the fundamental concept of SEO and its universal applicability for companies seeking enhanced online visibility. Jeff shares intriguing cases of successful SEO strategies in Japan and explores the critical role of EEAT in Google’s algorithm and the impact of AI technologies on SEO. Jeff also talks about the distinctions between SEO and SEM and the qualities that define an outstanding agency. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin Zodigital tokyodigitalmarketers Show Notes: (00:00) Introductions (05:52) What is SEO (07:05) Why and when should a company consider using SEO (08:05) What types of companies can benefit from using SEO (21:06) What search engines are popular in Japan and how are they similar & how are they different (22:05) The differences in search behavior between Japanese and those in Western or other Asian countries (28:47) What is EEAT and why should we care (34:09) How has AI affected SEO recently (47:28) The qualities of a good agency (50:17) Conclusions & Jeff Crawford's contact information 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

Dustin Ikeda, co-founder of Hashi Media, discusses social media platforms popular in Japan and the unique ones. He explores the differences between Western and Japanese social media, recommends platforms for targeting foreigners in Japan, and covers pros and cons of agencies versus freelancers in marketing.

Goki Sawada, co-founder of Mixer, shares insights on designing Japanese websites. He discusses challenges faced by Japanese companies in accessing global designs due to language barriers. Goki explores distinctions between Japanese and foreign designs and highlights exceptional Japanese websites. The podcast also touches on minimalist designs, copywriting approaches, and differences in creating logos.

In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠, we are once again joined by Joshua Flannery, the CEO of Innovation Dojo and a pivotal figure in Japan's startup landscape. With a keen focus on assisting foreign entrepreneurs, Joshua delves into Japan's startup events, dissecting the advantages of large versus smaller gatherings. Gain insights into the world of pitch contests, discovering the prizes at stake and understanding the strategic industries that benefit most. Uncover the power of startup communities and groups, exploring the resources they offer and the collaborative spirit they foster. Joshua also discusses the concept of business matching, revealing its significance and practical applications. Tune in for a deep dive into the Japan startup scene with a true expert. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin⁠ ⁠Kobe Global Startup Support program⁠ ⁠Japan Business Development service for foreign universities looking for R&D partnerships in Japan Show Notes: (02:15) The startup events in Japan (09:25) The events in Kansai (12:30) About pitch contests (17:26) Pitch contests prices (21:14) Startup communities & groups (27:40) What is open Innovation (36:41) How can a startup determine which open innovation to participate in (38:28) What is business matching (41:51) Types of clients Joshua Flannery is accepting 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

Joshua Flannery, founder and CEO of Innovation Dojo Group, discusses the startup ecosystem in Japan. He talks about the roles of incubators and accelerators, the significance of vibrant startup cities, and leveraging overseas universities for global entrepreneurship.

In this episode of ⁠Scaling your company⁠, we are delighted to have John Kirch, a Tokyo-based consultant with over 30 years of experience in helping international startups enter the Japanese market and providing B2B software solutions. Today, we'll delve into the world of Proof of Concepts (PoCs) and their significance in the Japanese business landscape. John will share insights on the value of PoCs, their popularity among Japanese corporations and the government, and the distinctions between PoCs and paid projects, offering a wealth of knowledge to our listeners. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin Gmail Show Notes: (1:27) Self introduction (2:57) What is POCs (7:28) Why are PoC's popular with Japanese corporations and the Japanese government? (11:42) The difference between a PoC and a paid project (12:22) The ranges of how long a PoC has gone in John Kirch experience in Japan (17:57) The unique expectations for a foreign company entering the Japan market when doing their first PoC (20:32) The differences in metrics and responsibilities (21:55) How to launch a PoC successfully in Japan. (24:04) How should a company approach a PoC and what are signs of success / danger signs at each of the following stages, i.e. negotiation, execution, and post-execution? (26:46) What is PoC hell and how do we avoid this? (30:16) Ways to penalize another company if they are not committing their end of the bargain or are creating delays (33:38) Why do many companies fail to make it past the PoC stage? (35:12) What frameworks would John Kirch recommend for managing a PoC? (40:43) Requests for the listeners and where can they find John Kirch 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

In this episode of ⁠Scaling your company⁠⁠ podcast, we have Takashi Nishida, the CEO of Sophia Projects and a Business Development and Customer Success consultant. He will discuss the importance of hiring the right salesperson for the Japanese market and the role of a business developer in Japan. Takashi Nishida highlights the need for market assessment, connections to target buyers, and understanding Japanese business dynamics. Links from Guest Appearance LinkedIn Techmahindra Show Notes (0:42) Takashi Nishida introduction (2:00) What does a business developer do in Japan? (4:15) Why is a BD necessary in Japan? (6:22) What do foreign companies tend to misunderstand about Japan?  (15:45) Why does cold calling often not work in Japan for foreign corporations? (21:20) What types of contracts do BDs have with companies? (21:30) Salaried contracts (24:25) Salaried & Success contracts (27:54) Commission only (29:47) What would a company do to attract experienced BD in Japan (31:42) Where do you find BDs in Japan (35:37) Ending comments & thoughts --- 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/⁠⁠⁠ ---

Welcome to this special episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Today, we're delighted to host two distinguished guests: Satoru Ichihara and Akihiro Mori. Satoru serves as the General Manager of Station AI, an innovative startup support center in Aichi ; Akihiro is the Assistant Director in the overseas collaboration division for Aichi prefecture. They'll talk about why Aichi and Nagoya are excellent locations for startups and discuss the programs available to support startups in the region. Links from Guest Appearance Satoru's LinkedIn┃⁠Akihiro's LinkedIn⁠┃StationAI┃Accelerate Aichi - 500 Global⁠ Show Notes (0:00) About Satoru & Akihiro(4:53) Three things you should know about Aichi & Nagoya(7:29) Industries Aichi is known for(9:02) Why start your company in Aichi?(11:52) What are some startup programs offered at Aichi?(13:49) What does StationAI do?(16:31) Accelerate Aichi - 500 Global(22:03) Collaborations with the foreign organizations(24:13) Financial Support Aichi offer to startups(26:52) Requirements to applying to Aichi's subsidies(29:55) Does StationAi invest in companies?(32:07) Requirments to StationAI fund(32:52) Who are the rising stars of Aichi & Nagoya startup?(36:20) What is so Unique about Nagoya?(38:40) What are business culture differences in Nagoya?(42:56) What are Nagoya /StationAI'ss plans for the next 3 years 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.

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, we have Yoshi Nishikawa, he is an innovation specialist for the city of Kobe and he will tell us more today about Kobe city and its approach to startups. He will also share success stories from both local and foreign startups in Kobe This episode is a part of our series on startup cities, and we have interviewed Kobe, Aichi, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Shibuya. Links from Guest Appearance LinkedIn InvestKobe┃NextKitchen-Kobe┃Climate Tech Challenge Show Notes (02:54) About Kobe (05:36) Industries that Kobe is strong at (11:52) What is Life-Tech KOBE? (13:21) What type of support Does Kobe offer foreign entrepreneurs? (17:26) Financial Support From Kobe (19:41) Success cases of a foreign company / startup in Kobe (27:47) What is unique about Kobe? (30:45) How can a startup develop more trust with cities / Japanese companies? (35:49) Plans for Kobe for the next two years (37:56) Kobe's current startup programs 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.