E2J

Osaka Kansai EXPO 2025 opens its doors this month. We had the pleasure of catching up again with Rupert Daniels, Director for Creative, Consumer, Sport and Education, Department for Business & Trade. The UK pavilion is showcasing the strengths of the UK as an innovative and creative force. Guided by our dynamic morphing mascot, PIX. Rupert and his team are taking advantage of the opportunity to promote and support British business and highlight the market for trade and export between our two countries. Along side the Expo, trade missions are providing an opportunity to showcase and learn more about the market. We will keep you up to date with what is happening during the Expo at our webpage https://exporttojapan.co.uk/sector/osaka-expo-2025/

What are the opportunities for international companies to acquire or merge with Japanese companies? We talk with expert, Yuuichiro-san, from Crimson Phoenix, about the global trends and current landscape for company mergers and acquisitions. It is great to once again speak with experts in their field to gain insight into doing business in Japan. Please check out our archive both on the Youtube channel and via the Export to Japan website - www.exporttojapan.co.uk

In this episode we delve into your digital reach in Japan. Jeff Crawford, as well as running his agency, Zo Digital (https://www.zodigital.jp/), also runs a marketing meet-up in Tokyo to bring together others in the field to talk about the latest trends and strategies to best reach your audience in Japan. Here, Steve and Jeff delve into the SEO and the differences operating in Japan for British companies used to a western market.

We talk with Deloitte Japan about the great initiative to collate the variety of grants and tax incentives that are available to non-Japanese companies.  For more information about the Japan incentive insights please watch the short film that the GI3 group have prepared: video And Visit the Japan incentive insights webpage 

As part of the the Department of Business & Trade's (DBT) International Trade Week in the autumn of 2024, Steve and guest Matthew Kyle, hosted a live version of the podcast with an added Q&A. We have scrubbed up the recording and tagged on a little extra intro from Steve, and here it is for you! Matt Kyle, CCO at WeConnect Japan, has years of experience supporting businesses set themselves up and build a team in Japan. He shares with us his insights on doing business in Japan as well as joining Steve to answer some questions from the live webinar audience. The Q&A section questions are as follows: (44:15) Are there any specifics for education and the higher education field in Japan? (45:12) Are there any recommended marketing channels or strategies that work particularly well in Japan? link to previous episode on marketing: Marketing in Japan with Nanako Aramaki of Tamlo | Export to Japan (49:52) Is the Japanese education market open to international students? (50:42) Can you share any insights on working with agents and distributors? Do you recommend doing trade shows independently or through a local partner? More information about the work that Matt does to support companies setting up in Japan can be found at WeConnect Japan. As Matt mentioned, he also runs Arigato Travel. Many thanks to Matt for taking the time to join us for this live session!  ——– The Export to Japan Podcast series is supported by The Foundation for International Trade and Industrial Co-operation (ITIC).

Market research expert Dominic Carter took time to talk to us about the ageing population in Japan and the challenges and opportunities rising from the unique demography of the country. Dominic introduced us to his Living Best initiative and paints us a picture of the 'slow-moving emergency' and the increasing space for assistive technology and aging relating innovation. Having been immersed in the consumer landscape since the 1990's, Dominic has a wealth of experience observing the consumer trends in Japan. For more information head to episode homepage: https://www.exporttojapan.co.uk/opportunity-in-japans-ageing-population-with-dominic-carter/ The Export to Japan Podcast series is supported by The Foundation for International Trade and Industrial Co-operation (ITIC).

Recorded toward the end of October - in anticipation of the recent launch - Steve got the chance to talk with Kanako Kato and Li Sakina from the Station AI Open Innovation Promotions Department.  We learn about the incubator hub established in Aiichi prefecture, and in the third biggest city in Japan, Nagoya. With already over 400 sign ups, the innovation centre is set to provide the perfect environment for innovative tech startups to get a foothold in Japan.  https://stationai.co.jp/   --------------------------------------------------------------  The Export to Japan Podcast series is supported by The Foundation for International Trade and Industrial Co-operation (ITIC).      

How a UK Tech Start up successfully built a partnership with one of Japan's leading insurance firms. Mind Foundry is a company that develops responsible and ethical AI solutions for various industries. Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance is the Japanese company with that teamed with them, bringing insurance expertise.  Together they have formed the Aioi R&D Lab. Spinning out of Oxford University with the support of a team of expert professorial advisors, they bring innovative algorithms and AI solutions to various sectors in the UK and Japanese marketplace. Steve was able to catch Aioi R&D Lab CEO, Junichi Ikegami, and Chief Technical Officer of Mind Foundry, Davide Zilli. A fascinating example of the unexpected and complex ways in which ventures can succeed in Japan! GUESTS:  Junichi Ikegami - CEO of Aioi R&D Lab, Oxford Davide Zilli - Chief Technical Officer of Mind Foundry Please visit the website: https://www.aioilab-oxford.eu/ You can view features on the latest projects via the 'Videos' page.    The Export to Japan Podcast series is supported by The Foundation for International Trade and Industrial Co-operation (ITIC).

This episode sees us catch up with Roger Berman of Zenworks. Product and character licensing for merchandise, branding, brand awareness... ...with over 30 years of experience in Japan, Roger gives us an overview of what licensing is, the scope of where it applies, and how it works in Japan. A very informative conversation, and some very useful information. 9 years ago Roger spoke to Export to Japan for a live webinar. We are well overdue a catch up!   The Export to Japan Podcast series is supported by The Foundation for International Trade and Industrial Co-operation (ITIC).

Wanting to sell online to the Japanese market? Essential listening for consumer and retail exporters! A new chat with Rakuten to talk about selling online in Japan. Steve talks with Senior Business Development Manager for Rakuten Group, Koki Araga.  Koki gives us the tips and advice for approaching e-commerce in Japan.  Rakuten landing page: https://marketplace.rakuten.net/  Koki Araga: Contact For more information on doing business in Japan head to our website Export to Japan

GUESTS: Rupert Daniels, Director, Creative, Consumer, Sport and Education, Department for Business & Trade. Carolyn Davidson, Commissioner General for the UK Pavilion, Osaka Kansai Expo 2025. As hosts of Expo 2025, the global spotlight will be shining on Japan, and the Kansai region. In anticipation of this major event, we bring you and episode introducing the vision for Expo, looking at how we are also promoting business engagement and how UK companies can use EXPO 2025 as a platform to enter or expand their presence in the Japanese market.  Steve talks to the Osaka Kansai EXPO 2025 Commissioner General, Carolyn Davidson. Carolyn provides an overview of the plans for the duration of the EXPO. The episode also features a conversation between Carolyn and DBT Director for Creative, Consumer, Sport and Education, Rupert Daniels, while he was visiting Japan, to engage with existing and potential stakeholders of EXPO.  To find more information about OSAKA EXPO 2025 - you can visit our dedicated webpage where you will find further links and details of business tenders, theme weeks and the programme of events running up to and throughout the EXPO period:   https://exporttojapan.co.uk/sector/osaka-expo-2025/ ************************************ The Export to Japan Podcast series is supported by The Foundation for International Trade and Industrial Co-operation (ITIC).

Kicking off a new season of conversations for 2024-25, Steve has a really valuable with Valeria Vigilante and John Austin-Sheridan from the Free Trade Agreement Utilisation (FTAU) team within the Department of Business and Trade (DBT). The CEPA (UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) was the first trade agreement made after the UK left the EU. The conversation delves into the benefits of the FTA and how companies can find out if they can capitalise on any of the changes. The UK is also reaching the home straight to 'entry into force' of CPTPP (Comprehensive & Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership). Being part of this important trading block will improve conditions for British companies exporting across the region. Browse our wealth of Japan-specific guidance across ExporttoJapan.co.uk, and reach the DBT export support service via our contact page. You can also find export support on Great.gov.uk where you will have access to additional guidance, tools, and services as well as the export support service. https://www.great.gov.uk/ You can check their dedicated market guide on Japan where you can find specific information on doing business and operating in Japan and a link through to the wider resources on Export to Japan, additional guidance on CEPA and CPTPP will be published later in 2024. https://www.great.gov.uk/markets/japan/ Guests:  John Austin-Sheridan: Account Manager – FTA Utilisation team (Department for Business and Trade) Valeria Vigilante: CPTPP Lead – FTA Utilisation team (Department for Business and Trade)

Steve caught up with Naomi in her capacity as Relationship Manager of FinCity.Tokyo. The conversation was a fascinating dive into the  promotion of Tokyo as a global financial hub, great opportunities for UK companies in the sector and the support offered by the FinCity.Tokyo and its members. With members comprising financial institutions, operating companies, industry groups and government agencies, FinCity.Tokyo aims to showcase Tokyo as a top-class global financial city. Learn more at the FinCity.Tokyo website Connect with FinCity.Tokyo on LinkedIn

In this episode we talk with Mark Dytham. The Klein Dytham architectural practice is behind award winning projects. He has over 30 years of experience from first encounters with Japanese architecture heroes, through establishing a practice in Japan and the myriad relationships built across the creative and construction industries and the wider business community in Japan. Here, among many keen insights, Mark sheds a light on the current state of construction and on market trends for office spaces. For more information about Mark's work with Klein Dytham architecture, plus the great work building connections in the creative industries through the regular 'PechaKucha' events, visit their website: http://www.klein-dytham.com/

In this episode we reconnect with our very first guest, Tim Romero, who brought his insights from the world of startups. Today we have him back for a fascinating chat covering a range of topics including changing receptivity to innovation and collaboration amongst industry and government in Japan, as well as touching upon the hot topic of digital transformation. At the time of talking to Tim he is about to embark on his new role as Partner at JERA Ventures, investing in startups that can support the Japanese energy firm deliver on decarbonisation and digital transformation. Among his vast experience he also provides perspective from his recent position as Head of Google for Startups Japan.  Tim is also the host of his own successful podcast focussing on startups changing Japans economic landscape: Disrupting Japan. Disrupting Japan Podcast:  https://www.disruptingjapan.com/disrupting-japan/ JERA Ventures:  https://www.jera.co.jp/en/corporate/business/ventures Our previous catch-up with Tim: https://exporttojapan.co.uk/the-world-of-japanese-startups-with-tim-romero-2/  

In this episode Steve chats with experienced lawyer, Hiroshi Chiba, of Uchisaiwaicho Law Firm. With his speciality in employment law, Chiba-san provides key insight on the subject. From recruiting and managing Japanese staff, through the particularities of Japanese employment law, what happens if something goes wrong, and how to avoid it in the first place! Hiroshi Chiba can be found here: http://chiba-lawfirm.com/english/ The webpage and access to all the other valuable resources of Export to Japan can be found here: https://exporttojapan.co.uk/employment-law-in-japan-with-hiroshi-chiba/ There's also the YouTube version if you want to subscribe to the videos:  https://youtu.be/RFElaBKtEmA

Welcome to the new season of episodes. Kicking off with a conversation about Intellectual Property with Mori-san from Shiga International Patent Office. https://shigapatent.com/en/    

The UK-Japan Digital Partnership was signed at the end of 2022. Steve talked to Jana Psarska earlier in the year to discuss the implication of the agreement, the priorities and collaboration in digital technologies, infrastructure and data. Jana enlightens us on the complimentary strengths of the UK and Japan, the importance of commitment to like-minded partners to help drive the UK's digital strategy, and opening up opportunities for British companies. techUK is a trade association bringing people, companies and organisations together to realise the positive outcomes of what digital technology can achieve. They create a network for innovation and collaboration across business, government and stakeholders. Find out more at: https://www.techuk.org/  More about the UK-Japan Digital Partnership: https://www.techuk.org/resource/uk-and-japan-launch-new-a-digital-partnership.html

Professor Joe Howe and Richard Lyle talk to Steve about the hydrogen economy in Japan. Professor Joe Howe is Executive Director of the Thornton Energy Research Institute of the University of Chester, Chair of the Northwest Hydrogen Alliance, and academic lead at Hynet, among other roles. He has strong connections with Japan and shares his valuable and extensive knowledge and experience on the status and progress in hydrogen technologies, and commercial opportunities.  Richard Lyle appears again on the Export to Japan podcast, but this time in his role leading on energy sector projects for Intralink. Intralink were commissioned by the British Embassy Tokyo to report on the hydrogen economy in Japan. Richard brings his experience of supporting companies entering the Japanese market to offer advice on talking to potential partners.  Useful links including the Intralink report on the Hydrogen Economy, can be found at episode notes on the Export to Japan Podcast page: https://exporttojapan.co.uk/podcast/  

The second part of Steve's chat with Anil Malhotra, Chief Marketing Officer (and co-founder) speaking from the UK, and Andy Suzuki, SVP for APAC, based in Tokyo. Bango's recent acquisition of the global payment business of Japanese telecommunications giant NTT Docomo, prompted us to get in touch with Andy and Anil for a discussion on the route they have taken to build trust and establish themselves in the Japanese market. Learn about the rise of Bango, its long connection with Japan and hear Anil and Andy's perspective on long-term relationships, persistence and investment needed to achieve success in Japan. Don't forget to listen to Part 1 first: More information about Bango: Bango has developed unique purchase behavior technology that enables millions more users to buy the products and services they want, using innovative methods of payment including carrier billing, digital wallets and subscription bundling. Bango harnesses this purchase activity into valuable marketing segments, called Bango Audiences. Merchants use these audiences to target their marketing at paying customers based on their purchase behavior. Better targeting increases spend through the Bango payments business, in turn generating more data insights, creating a powerful virtuous circle that drives continuous growth. Everyone connected to the Bango Platform thrives as the virtuous circle grows. The world's largest online merchants, including Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), use Bango technology to acquire more paying users. Find out more at Bango.com  

Steve talks to Bango's Anil Malhotra, Chief Marketing Officer (and co-founder) speaking from the UK, and Andy Suzuki, SVP for APAC, based in Tokyo. Bango's recent acquisition of the global payment business of Japanese telecommunications giant NTT Docomo, prompted us to get in touch with Andy and Anil for a discussion on the route they have taken to build trust and establish themselves in the Japanese market. Learn about the origins and rise of Bango and its long connection with Japan. Hear Anil and Andy's perspective on long-term relationships, persistence and investment needed to achieve success in Japan. It was such a fruitful discussion that it has extended into two parts!  More information about Bango: Bango has developed unique purchase behavior technology that enables millions more users to buy the products and services they want, using innovative methods of payment including carrier billing, digital wallets and subscription bundling. Bango harnesses this purchase activity into valuable marketing segments, called Bango Audiences. Merchants use these audiences to target their marketing at paying customers based on their purchase behavior. Better targeting increases spend through the Bango payments business, in turn generating more data insights, creating a powerful virtuous circle that drives continuous growth. Everyone connected to the Bango Platform thrives as the virtuous circle grows. The world's largest online merchants, including Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), use Bango technology to acquire more paying users. Find out more at Bango.com

Rutherford's bags are a success story of grassroots consumer goods expanding into the Japanese market. Capitalising on the value and trust Japanese consumers put on high quality British products.  Alex Hughes has been working with a Japanese distributer for over 10 years and has great insight into maintaining the working relationships and the investments required to successfully embed into the Japanese market. Find out more about Rutherford's: https://rutherfordsengland.com/ Find out more about the consumer goods market in Japan: https://exporttojapan.co.uk/sector/consumer-goods/

Steve catches up with Gary Waterfall, the Senior Defence Advisor to Clarion Defence & Security (not to mention the (now retired) Air Vice Marshall's packed military career and being part of The Red Arrows!). DSEI JAPAN 2023 comes after the recent reciprocal access agreement between UK and JAPAN, as well as the landmark GCAP (Global Combat Air Program) - the trilateral agreement (along with Italy) to work together on the next generation combat aircraft for cutting edge air defence. Gary and Steve explore what the new agreement means and what opportunities this opens up for companies across the whole supply chain. Clarion Defence & Security are organising DSEI JAPAN in March 2023: JAPAN'S ONLY FULLY INTEGRATED DEFENCE EVENT DSEI Japan is the only large-scale, fully integrated defence event to take place in Japan, providing unprecedented levels of access into the Japanese and wider Asia-Pacific market. DSEI Japan will take place from 15-17 March 2023 at Makuhari Messe, Tokyo. Find out more via: exporttojapan.co.uk/dsei-japan

Nanako Aramaki, Chief Localisation Officer, from Tokyo/London content marketing agency Tamlo, joins Steve in a chat that covers the specific considerations for digital marketing in Japan. Copying and pasting your global campaign won't cut it! Localisation is the key. We also cover social media in Japan, the rise of influencer marketing, and the importance of building trust with your Japanese audience. Nanako brings a fresh perspective. Enjoy! For more on marketing in Japan visit the sales and marketing section at https://exporttojapan.co.uk/guide/ For more about Tamlo visit: https://tam-tamlo.com/en/  

How a 17 year old British programmer brought to Japan by Nintendo went on to found one of the most successful independent games development studios in Japan! - PART 2 As we head toward the New Year, how about catching up with the rest of Steve's conversation with Q-Games to motivate you with their success story? Hear about getting to know and work in, the often challenging but highly rewarding, Japanese market. And the nurturing environment of Kyoto, as a contrast to the non-stop metropolis of Tokyo.  For more information and updates from Q-Games: Website: https://www.q-games.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/PixelJunkNews Play the PixelJunk Scrappers Deluxe Demo: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1663210/PixelJunk_Scrappers_Deluxe/

How a 17 year old British programmer brought to Japan by Nintendo went on to found one of the most successful independent games development studios in Japan! 'tis the season! A wintertime two-parter to warm your cockles! Steve tucks into hearty conversation with Dylan Cuthbert and Hollie Hughes from Kyoto-based Q-Games. Learn more about Dylan's amazing journey, being brought to Japan by Nintendo, working with Sony and Google, to founding his own company in 2001. Hollie covers the valuable marketing role at Q-Games. Together they cover the gamut of topics from digital publishing and marketing in Japan versus the UK, great insight on getting to know Japan, to the benefits of setting up business in Kyoto.... so much to unpack from these two special episodes. Keep your eyes peeled for Part 2, coming just before New Year! For more information and updates from Q-Games: Website: https://www.q-games.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/PixelJunkNews Play the PixelJunk Scrappers Deluxe Demo: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1663210/PixelJunk_Scrappers_Deluxe/  

Steve talks to experts from Dentsu and E&Y Strategy & Consulting about opportunities around OSAKA EXPO 2025 and beyond. OSAKA EXPO 2025 "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" is a great opportunity to shed light on the vast potential of the Kansai region and western Japan. There is a lot going on beyond the metropolis of Tokyo. Kay Nemoto, Senior Business Co-creation Producer at Dentsu, and Minami Uchida, Partner at E&Y Strategy and Consulting, offer their thoughts and experience on the aspects of supporting large events, potential for international companies to get involved, and what it could mean for further opportunities in the challenging and rewarding Japanese market. For more information and updates on OSAKA EXPO keep an eye out for further reports from Export to Japan, as we watch the developments leading up to 2025 very closely. Of course, with keen focus on how the UK pavilion shapes up! You can also visit https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/

In this month's instalment Steve chats with Richard Lyle, the new(ish) President of the British Chamber of Commerce Japan (BCCJ). With the mission to strengthen business ties between UK and Japan, BCCJ is a not-for-profit private membership organisation that brings together representatives of UK and international businesses to promote networking and information exchange. Ahead of the prestigious British Business Awards, Richard enlightens us on the great initiatives spearheaded by BCCJ and the value of membership. More information on BCCJ https://exporttojapan.co.uk/about-us/your-strategic-partners/british-chamber-of-commerce-japan/

Steve talks to Masayasu Ishida, the President and CEO of SPACETIDE Foundation.  Discussing the current status of commercial space opportunities in Japan and beyond. As well as opportunities for UK players to collaborate and get involved.  Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum Official Website: https://www.aprsaf.org/annual_meetings/aprsaf28/meeting_details.php SPACETIDE Contact Information: Official Website: https://spacetide.jp/en/ Email: info@spacetide.org  

In this episode, Steve talks financial services with Takuma Tanaka, Deputy Director of the Strategy Development Division of the Financial Services Agency in Japan (JFSA). The two discuss the opportunities in Financial services in Japan, recent policy changes and the challenges that still remain in the market. Helpful links: International Financial Center Japan https://www.fsa.go.jp/internationalfinancialcenter/en/ JFSA on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-services-agency-japan/

Japanese business is often compared to the ecosystem on the Galapagos Islands: unique due to its isolation. Can changes in regulation provide a shot in the arm for Japan's economy? Steve talks to Dr. Lei Liu from AstraZeneca Japan about some the challenges and opportunities being brought about by this period of rapid change.

In this episode, Steve talks to Rupert Sutton from Weben Partners. Rupert is an experienced FMCG Commercial Director. He has global expertise in strategy development, consumer and trade marketing, CRM, research, and sales category management. Rupert explains some key concepts to understand about the Japanese consumer that companies should consider before entering the Japanese market.

In this episode, Steve talks to Mitch Chihara, International Relations Advisor at Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).

In this episode, we interview Tajinder Banwait, Founder and Managing Director at Urban Apothecary London. Tajinder shares some great insight into her company's journey into the Japanese market.

Today we explore some of the opportunities in Japan's energy market with Dan Shulman, CEO at Shulman Advisory.

In today's episode, Steve speaks to Takeshi Kito and Yuki Kishi from the Fintech Association of Japan about the emerging trends in financial technology. They discuss some of the bigger picture of the Japanese fintech market, give examples of foreign companies having success in the market, and explore some of the current opportunities.

In this episode, Steve explores the emerging trends in smart cities in Japan with Takehiko Nagumo, director at the Smart Cities Institute of Japan.

In the final installment of our mini series on Food, Drink and Agriculture, Steve talks to Jonathan Eckley, Head of Asia Pacific at AHDB, about the UK Japan Free Trade Agreement (CEPA)

In part 3 of our mini series on Food, Drink and Agriculture, Steve talks to Phil Hadley, International Market Development Director at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) about the UK Japan Free Trade Agreement (CEPA). For more information, head to https://exporttojapan.co.uk/sector/fo...

In part 2 of our mini series on Food, Drink and Agriculture, Steve talks to Robert Sheasby, CEO at Agricultural Industries Confederation about the UK Japan Free Trade Agreement (CEPA). For more information, head to https://exporttojapan.co.uk/sector/food-drink/

In part 1 of our mini series on Food, Drink and Agriculture, Steve talks to Dominic Goudie, Head of International Trade at Food and Drink Federation about the benefits of the new UK Japan Free Trade Agreement (CEPA)

In this episode, Steve is joined by colleague Wakako Yamaguchi, Account Manager at Business Link Japan. Over her career, Wakako has helped shape the Japan market entry strategy and business development for many international companies, particularly in the tech sector. As a native Japanese speaker with many years of experience introducing brands to the Japanese market, Wakako gave us her take on how to go about doing business in Japan.

Jim Walker is co-managing director of Walker's Shortbread Ltd, whose products are now a staple of souvenir shops up and down Japan. In this episode, Jim gives us some great insight into his company's journey into the Japanese market.

Harry and Christina are with EY-Parthenon's strategy consulting practice, with a focus on life sciences and healthcare. Harry specializes in the life sciences industry in Japan and has extensive experience with both pharmaceutical companies and medical device companies on commercial strategy and digital excellence. Christina specializes in international and global healthcare. She has significant experience working with US government agencies, multilateral institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and public and private sector stakeholders.

In this episode we are joined by Mike Nguyen, Global Partnerships Planner at Rakuten, to explore the rapidly growing world of Japanese ecommerce.

In this episode, we interview David Van Turton, Director at Cavelier Logistics. David shares some of his vast experience and we ask him some of the common questions we get from viewers about sending products over to Japan.

Today we interview Yoko Majima, a certified Japanese gyosei shoshi lawyer who specialises in market entry for international companies. For more info, visit https://exporttojapan.co.uk/guide/ Sorry for the poor sound quality. This is our first time to record a podcast remotely and we are learning!

Today we dive into the world of recruitment in Japan with Kevin Holdaway, Sales Director at Gplus media. We discuss the available recruitment methods, cultural differences, typical employee benefits and many other topics companies need to be aware of before hiring their team.  Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvlBRxVKje0

Steve is joined by Sue Kinoshita, Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the British Embassy in Tokyo, to discuss the role the embassy plays in helping UK companies enter the Japanese market.

In this episode, we take a close look at how can foreign exporters sell to Japanese buyers and how to avoid fatal business pitfalls. Our guest, Dr. Greg Story, author of Japan Sales Mastery, is a well-known leader in academia, consulting, investments, trade representation, international diplomacy, retail banking and people development. Greg has lived in Tokyo for 28 years and joined Dale Carnegie Training Japan as president in October 2010. His book Japan Sales Mastery is the product of 30 years in the trenches, experiencing real-world pain, frustration, disappointment, and elation selling to Japanese buyers. Listen in to some valuable advice on how to choose distributors and sales partners in Japan, how to work with Japanese consumers and how to navigate the Japanese mindset and business culture. Japan Sales Mastery is available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Japan-Sales-Maste…rty/dp/4909535004(not affiliated).

Today, Steve talks to Robert Heldt, co-founder of Tokyo based online media agency Custom Media, about the intricacies of social media in Japan. Robert gives us some great insight into the numbers of users and demographics of each platform, as well as explains what to look out for before diving into the world of Japanese social media management and marketing.