Jandals in Japan (2025)

16/03/2025

Rebecca Thorn is the Kiwi General Manager of the hugely popular Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya.
Rebecca shares insights into the hotel's unique blend of neighborhood culture, innovative team dynamics, and creative initiatives, showing that innovation is alive and well in Japan’s hospitality industry. The episode is a deep dive into the vision and strategies that have led to the hotel's success, capped off with exciting upcoming collaborations and events. If you are considering a career in the hospitality industry in Japan, this is an episode not to be missed.

In this episode you’ll hear:
🐕 How Rebecca inspires her team to try new ideas, including finding a way to make waffles shaped like “Hachiko” the famous dog who waited for its master at Shibuya station
🐕 The design, fashion, music and art themes that run through all aspects of the hotel
🐕 How Rebecca is building a diverse and inclusive team in Japan
🐕 The Kilimanjaro Strategy that her team is talking about

Link to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R0PkiFtmj7Q

16/02/2025

Sir Steve Hansen, the former All Blacks Coach and current Head Coach of Toyota Verblitz joins us on Jandals in Japan and we were thrilled when he shared his favorite treat from a Japanese convenience store on treat night! We also dive into his experience in Japan and insights into coaching and team dynamics here, his deep respect for Japanese culture while making changes and questioning norms to take the Toyota Verblitz to the next level.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Steve Hansen's coaching philosophy this is the episode for you.

In this episode you’ll hear:
- Steve’s early years on a dairy farm to a family run pub and what it taught him about people
- The importance of flexibility, communication, and positive reinforcement in fostering a high-performance team
- The challenges of integrating multinational players and the significance of mentoring
- The future of rugby in Japan and improvements that would transform the competition
- Unexpected mentors in shaping Steve’s journey

Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PQTQHNpglVw

08/12/2024

Teri Tall is the Kiwi owner of the Hakuba Matata Lodge in Hakuba. She shares her experiences and insights on running a ski lodge in Japan. Teri shares the journey to finding their own ski lodge and setting up business here, with her motto, just do it, ask questions and tread respectfully. The winter sports industry is thriving in Japan and there is much scope for Kiwis to be part of it as Teri explains.

In this episode you’ll hear:
⛷️ How Teri and her husband turned a love of winter sports into a lifestyle in Japan
⛷️ Things to look for in a town when you are purchasing a business
⛷️ The Outdoor Women's Network Japan and their activities
⛷️ Teri’s gems and crystal ball moments

🎧 Link to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vtL85DzhxWY

#ニュージーランド
#ポッドキャスト

10/11/2024

🚀 Ready for a taste of Japan with a Kiwi twist?

Lindsay Gray delves into his role as Executive Chef and shares insights on working in Tokyo's vibrant food scene. Don't miss this episode of Jandals in Japan!

🎧 Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fa3PpHg_RAg

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

14/10/2024

🏁 Discover how motocross champion Jay Wilson navigated a world of challenges to become a key figure in Japan's motocross scene working with and riding for the Yamaha Factory Innovation Team.

From humble beginnings to coaching and bike innovation in Japan, his story is one of resilience and growth. Catch it on the latest Jandals in Japan episode!

🎧 Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HEDcgVTV-1o

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

29/09/2024

🎥 Just Released! In our latest "Jandals in Japan" episode, Jayne and Catherine discuss with Hiroaki (Hans) Nagahara from Air New Zealand the brand's visibility challenges and their ambitious goals for future tourism numbers. 🌐 How will they achieve 120% customer satisfaction?

Find out by listening in! Join us for this engaging discussion.

✈️ Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IH0vaBZ-0RE

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト #夢見るエアライン #ニュー自由ランド

16/09/2024

🌟 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🌟

🎙️Kia Ora! We recently had an insightful conversation with Craig Fenton, the Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby Commercial, on the Jandals in Japan podcast.

Tackle this episode to learn about:
🏉 The intersection of elite sport and business performance
🏉 Craig's full-circle journey from law to tech to rugby
🏉 The unique cultural synergies between Japan and New Zealand
🏉 Exciting future plans for New Zealand Rugby in Japan

Whether you're a rugby enthusiast, a business professional, or just curious about cultural connections, this episode is packed with valuable insights and anecdotes!

👉Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
YouTube: https://youtu.be/WJU377KRUeA

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

08/09/2024

🌟A Toast to Success! 🍾

We're thrilled to introduce our latest Jandals in Japan podcast guest, Stephanie Henderson-Grant of Ataahua Wines.
Learn how Stephanie became an award-winning winemaker, successfully distributing on a small scale to the Japanese market with her unique wines. 🏅🍇

Discover how she navigates:
- The complexities of wine export
- The importance of building strong business relationships
- Patience in achieving long-term success
This compelling episode is packed with insights, especially for small-scale producers aiming to reach international markets. Check it out now!

🎧 Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tqnmpjyZSjU

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

21/07/2024

🌊 Tune in to hear Jason Plato from Sealord share his unique experiences in Japan, from counting money in a Kyushu bank to introducing New Zealand's finest seafood to Japanese markets!
A must-listen episode full of cultural insights, business tips as well as a little dialect practice!

Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dy5ph_TPInI

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

09/07/2024

🌟 Ever wondered how to foster stronger relationships in international business?

Our latest Jandals in Japan podcast episode featuring Misa Kitaoka has the answers! 🙌 Misa shares her unique insights on collaboration and mutual learning between New Zealand and Japan in the industry of international education.

Discover more by tuning into the episode on your preferred podcast app or on YouTube. 🚀
Link to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pooLG6e8G1Y

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

08/07/2024

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🌏 Dive into the cultural and educational exchange between Japan and New Zealand in our latest "Jandals in Japan" podcast. Join us as we chat with Misa Kitaoka, Director of Education at Education New Zealand in Japan, about fostering bilateral relations, empowering women, and promoting international education as well as her insights from the recent visit to Japan of the NZ Prime Minister and business delegation. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation!

Link to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pooLG6e8G1Y

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

16/05/2024

This one goes out to all the mums.
We see you giving it your all to support your kids and their dreams. It turns out they see you and hear you, though it may not seem like it most days!
We hear the best advice Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith received and wait for it...it comes from their mums and nana!

In addition to that, in this episode you’ll hear:
- How Beauden and Aaron came to be international rugby players now playing in Japan
- The difference between life in Tokyo and Nagoya for rugby lifestyle
- The top advice they received from their mums and nana as well as their advice for Kiwis considering Japan
- Secret talents, fave conbini treats and their favourite “nihongo”

Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IDnzOSA-vtQ

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

12/05/2024

Join us for a face to face interview with Toyota Verblitz players Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith.

The boys share their insights into the deep-rooted respect within Japanese culture and sports, and how these athletes navigate their lives on and off the field in Japan. Plus, hear their personal journeys from small-town New Zealand to the international rugby stage and the unexpected quirks of living in Japan. Don't miss this unique blend of sports, culture, and heartfelt stories! A huge thank you to Team Toyota and Team Toyota Verblitz for helping to make this all possible.

In this episode you’ll hear:
- How Beauden and Aaron came to be international rugby players now playing in Japan
- The difference between life in Tokyo and Nagoya for rugby lifestyle
- The top advice they received from their mums and nana as well as their advice for Kiwis considering Japan
- Secret talents, fave conbini treats and their favourite “nihongo”

Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IDnzOSA-vtQ

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

06/05/2024

Are you wondering where your latest fix of Jandals in Japan is?

We went on an adventure and you will be able to see and hear what happened soon!
Make sure you are subscribed to get the latest episode when it comes out on Monday, May 13th, 2024.
If you can't believe your ears, you might want to check out the YouTube version!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
Subscribe to listen here: https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/listen

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

21/04/2024

Jessica Tisch, Japan Country Manager for Freshco, joins us to share the lay of the land in the fresh produce sector in Japan. We traverse the topics of the “biggest lake in Japan”, Lake Biwa to candid conversations with Kansai taxi drivers. In this episode we “peel back the layers” of this market in Japan. As the Country Manager in Japan, Jess shares how she is navigating the intricacies of the Japanese produce market.

In this episode you’ll hear:
- Jessica’s journey from a curious student of Japanese to leading Freshco in Japan as Country Manager
- The nuances of Japanese consumer behavior around fresh produce
- Jessica’s mission to revolutionise Japan's apple consumption habits
- The NZ and Japan collaborations helping to innovate processes through kaizen and help maintain the future fresh food supply
- Her invaluable advice for women looking to break into the Japanese market

Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gs__LAUtYc0

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

07/04/2024

We dive into the fascinating world of pet ownership and dog trends in Japan with our guest, Takayuki Ichikawa, from K9 Natural, a premium New Zealand pet food product being sold in the Japan market.
Takayuki shares insights into the growing humanization trend for pets in Japan, where they are treated as valued family members. We also explore the success of K9 Natural in the Japanese market, the power of word-of-mouth promotion, and the importance of understanding the Japanese market for New Zealand businesses. Tune in for an engaging conversation that sheds light on the evolving pet industry in Japan and the potential for international collaboration.

In this episode you’ll hear:
🐶 Why Takayuki decided to try his hand at dog food after working with premium brands
🐶 His top three things to keep in mind when entering the Japanese market
🐶 How to avoid a huge marketing budget and build a community of loyal customers
🐶 His top tip of all for what will make your product a success in a mature market like Japan

Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1uLNFFBJop4

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

10/03/2024

We are thrilled to bring you a wonderful Jandal: Tony Clifford, who is sharing his experience of working with a Japanese corporation for 30 years. That’s quite some dedication to the relationship between both countries that we don’t often see. You will love Tony’s insights, tips and advice for those who are just getting started, levelling up or wondering if you are doing the right thing. Let’s get into it!

In this episode you’ll hear:
- Tony, Catherine and Jayne’s favourite foods to have when they get off the plane in Japan
- The challenges of having NZ Radiata pine recognised as a high quality wood in Japan
- What is really happening when there is a silence in a business meeting with your Japanese partners
- “Yes” is not a “yes”, and “difficult” is a “no”.
- Tony’s crystal ball predictions for areas of growth and opportunities with Japan

Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
YouTube: https://youtu.be/V2-l-ng-Dkw

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

25/02/2024

We sit down with the insightful Kerry Ellis, a Senior Business Partner at Decipher Group in Christchurch, who has extensive experience in both New Zealand and Japan. Kerry shares fascinating stories and valuable insights about engaging with the Japanese market, understanding cultural differences, the importance of all kinds of diversity in business and how to successfully transition to work in Japan. We also delve into some fun “hanami” cherry blossom viewing stories and the protocols you want to make sure you know before you go! Join us as we explore the intersection of business, culture, and diversity in this enriching conversation with Kerry Ellis.

In this episode you’ll hear:
- Catherine’s rather shocking first hanami experience
- Some of the possibilities that might surprise you about coming to work in Japan, even with little or no Japanese
- Kerry’s number one gem of advice for cross-cultural communication
- The importance of thought diversity for business and how New Zealanders can contribute to Japan

Link to listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jandals-in-japan/id1612222516
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rKo0IVVFD6A

#ニュージーランド #ポッドキャスト

Jandals in Japan