In this episode of the Jandals in Japan podcast, hosts Jayne and Catherine discuss various topics from the current rice shortage in Japan to the unique process of wine distribution with guest Stephanie Henderson-Grant, Managing Director of Ataahua Wines Limited in New Zealand. Stephanie shares her journey from working in the wool industry to establishing her own vineyard, winning the Double Gold Sakura Award at the Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards, and overcoming the challenges of entering the Japanese market as a small-scale winemaker. The episode highlights the importance of patience, effective communication, and adaptability when navigating international markets.

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If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How a small scale New Zealand winemaker was able to export to Japan
• Winning an award in Japan and what that means in the Japanese market
• How to work successfully with your Japan distributor
• The importance of communication and patience when it comes to working with distributors from other countries, in this case, Japan

About Stephanie

Stephanie Henderson-Grant is the owner and managing director for Ataahua Wines Ltd.

Stephanie’s love of wine and the NZ wine industry began almost 30 years ago when she started selling wine in NZ for a local wine producer. For the last 15 years, they have been producing wine under their own brand Ataahua Wine.

Ataahua Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2022 was recently awarded the “Double Gold Sakura Award” in the Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards 2024 in Japan. Double Gold Wines have an average score at 93-100 points across all categories and just 6% of the total entries receive this award.

Connect with Stephanie

Website: www.ataahuawine.co.nz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ataahuawinesnz/

Links

Ataahua Wines for purchase in Japan: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/ohshu/hnz22aataahua6/

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan

Youtube:

Jason Plato is the General Manager for Sales at Sealord. Jason recounts his very unique bootcamp-like early experience of joining a Japanese bank as a new recruit which has been invaluable to him in his career. He also shares insights into Japan's seafood market, including the importance of preparation in business dealings, cultural nuances, and the challenges posed by changing ocean temperatures. The episode offers valuable advice for New Zealand exporters considering the Japanese market and some interesting opportunities for future collaborations between New Zealand and Japan.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Hakata-ben, Kansai-ben, Iwaki-ben and Tottori-ben: learn a few words in Japanese dialects
• Jason’s unique bootcamp experience of joining a regional Japanese bank as a new recruit
• Jason’s advice for anyone entering Japan for the first time and how he was able to transition from banking to seafood
• Future opportunities for New Zealand and Japan to collaborate in new ways

About Jason Plato

Jason has been with Sealord for 30 years, joining them in 1994. He opened their office in Japan in 1995 and ran the office in Tokyo for 6 years. Jason is now based in Auckland as the General Manager for Sales for Sealord with Japan.

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan

Misa Kitaoka is the Director of Education at Education New Zealand (ENZ) in Japan. She shares her experiences and insights into fostering educational exchanges between New Zealand and Japan. Misa highlights the role of lifelong learning and the changing dynamics of Japanese education that will surely influence what education exchange between New Zealand and Japan looks like in the future. We are also lucky to hear about Misa's memorable experiences during the recent visit to Japan of the New Zealand Prime Minister and the business delegation.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The importance of the concept and depth of responsibility in Japan
• How Misa came to be helping New Zealand to create lasting relationships in the education space
• Misa’s top advice for educators in New Zealand wanting to have Japanese students visit
• Lifelong learning as a potential business opportunity

About Misa

Misa Kitaoka who is based in Tokyo and is currently serving as the Director of Education for Japan at Education New Zealand (ENZ).

With her market expertise and network, Misa is committed to growing the New Zealand education market in Japan market.

She enjoys the opportunity and challenge in utilising her multicultural background and language skills to strengthen education and cultural ties between Japan and New Zealand.

Prior to ENZ, Misa worked for the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan as their Executive Director. There she was responsible for the promotion of and advocacy for Australian and New Zealand corporations in Japan. Misa has also worked in a wide range of finance roles as a CPA in the United States.

Misa graduated with a BA in economics from Stanford University and a Masters in liberal studies at Columbia University. Misa sits on the board of directors of the Stanford Japan Alumni Association and is also an active member of the Stanford alumni group in New Zealand.

Since 2021, Misa has been the partner of New Zealand Ambassador to Japan, Hamish Cooper. In addition to her role as ENZ's representative in Japan, Misa is an active participant in the Tokyo diplomatic community.

Misa is very passionate about supporting the growth of NZ education and lifestyles in Japan and has an Instagram page @misako_kitaoka where you can always find her sharing her life, career and aspects about Japan and New Zealand life and culture.

Links

Prime Minister’s Scholarship: https://scholarships.enz.govt.nz/

https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/ja　　

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/

Instagram:

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.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

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”

Links

Toyota Verblitz: https://sports.gazoo.com/verblitz/

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan

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.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

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

About Jessica Tisch

Jessica Tisch is Country Manager – Japan for Freshco. Freshco are a fully integrated produce company based in Auckland who specialises in apples, squash (kabocha) and cherries).

Prior to Jess starting in the role a year ago, she spent five years working for NZTE; the latter 3.5 years based in Tokyo, as a Business Development Manager.

Jess’ commercial background is in the meat industry, in supply chain management roles; she’s a Chartered Accountant and was a JET participant based in Shimane.

Jess is very passionate about supporting the growth of NZ companies in Japan and has an Instagram page (link below) where she highlights NZ products she finds in Japan.

Connect with Jessica

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyo_retail_things/

Links

Freshco: https://www.freshco.co.nz/

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan

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.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

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

About Takayuki Ichikawa

Before joining K9 Natural Japan, in July 2023, Ichikawa san had a wealth of experience in the F&B industry in Japan in Sales and MD roles with household brand names such as Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Godiva Japan Inc. Nestle Nespresso K.K. and MHD Moet Hennessy Diageo K.K.

Links

https://www.naturalpetfoodgroup.com/

https://www.k9natural.jp/

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan

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!

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

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 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

About Tony

Tony Clifford is the Managing Director of Pan Pac Forest Products Limited.

Pan Pac is based in the Hawke’s Bay and Otago region of NZ and is owned by OJI Green Resources, which is a subsidiary of OJI Holdings Corporation in Japan.

Tony has had a long connection with Japan through his 30 years work with Pan Pac.

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan

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.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

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

About Kerry

Kerry is a Senior Partner at Decipher Group in Christchurch. He helps organisations to not only recruit top talent, but also connect business networks (with some focus on Japanese affiliations) across Japan and New Zealand.

Kerry became interested in Japan through living with homestay students in New Zealand through his High School years. He has had two different experiences in Japan about 10 years in length. He was initially in education whilst living in Shizuoka prefecture and the latter 10 years in recruitment in Tokyo. Ironically it was the earthquake in New Zealand that expedited Kerry’s return to Japan in 2011, despite the Tohoku earthquake in Japan in the same year.

With over 10 years of recruitment experience across Japan and New Zealand, Kerry has a deep understanding of the local and international talent markets and the challenges and opportunities they present.

Connect with Kerry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliskerry1/

Website: https://www.deciphergroup.co.nz/

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan

Youtube: