Jandals in Japan® copertina

Jandals in Japan®

Jandals in Japan®

Di: Jayne Nakata & Catherine O'Connell
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A proposito di questo titolo

 The best show about New Zealanders doing business in Japan, bringing The Land of the Long White Cloud to The Land of the Rising Sun How do you build a brand in Japan and nurture a loyal customer base? What do you need to have in your tool belt if you are thinking of coming to Japan to launch a business here? Japan is often considered to be in the "too hard" basket but we are here to open up the black box of doing business in Japan. We will share stories from successful Kiwis selling their products and services here in Japan. They'll tell you their tips for success and pitfalls to avoid. They'll share their challenges and what they did to overcome them. They will tell you things you can't find in textbooks or on the internet. We will also be sharing the latest intel and insights on Japan from our on-the-ground presence And you'll hear some super business culture and other tips from us sprinkled throughout. Grab a glass of sake and let's get into it.Copyright 2026 Jayne Nakata & Catherine O'Connell Economia Gestione e leadership Leadership Politica e governo
Episodi
  • The Kiwi Brothers Origin Story: Transforming Zespri Marketing in Japan with Kanako Inomata

    The Kiwi Brothers Origin Story: Transforming Zespri Marketing in Japan with Kanako Inomata
    Apr 19 2026

    Kanako Inomata is the Head of Marketing APAC for Zespri International, one of the world's most recognised fresh produce brands. Working remotely from her hometown in Aizu, Fukushima, she leads marketing strategy across Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, and beyond.

    Kanako reveals the fascinating story behind the Kiwi Brothers characters, which have become so iconic in Japan that they've been rolled out globally across Europe, the Americas, and even back to New Zealand. Whether you're interested in brand building, cross-cultural marketing, or living a purpose-driven career, Kanako's wisdom will resonate.

    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:

    • What drew Kanako to move her career to a kiwifruit company from New Zealand
    • How Kanako and her team created the now-iconic Kiwi Brothers characters (and now their little sister “Ruby”)
    • The importance of being consumer centric marketing
    • Kanako’s experience working remotely from Fukushima and leading teams across APAC

    About Kanako

    An international marketing leader with extensive experience across Consumer, Shopper and Digital marketing. Starting her career at Unilever in Japan, her international marketing experience expanded into South Africa, and now extends across all of Asia Pacific

    where she leads a multinational marketing team of Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and India at Zespri International. Representing one of the world’s biggest fresh produce brands, Kanako has led the Zespri marketing team to receive regional recognition including Tangrams Strategy & Effectiveness Awards etc.

    Kanako is a talented consumer driven marketer with a strong sense of accountability and business acumen. She is passionate about developing her team’s capability, and contributing positively to society so she can leave the world in a better place.

    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
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    54 min
  • Staying When It Gets Tough: How Glen Argyle Earned Trust and Built a Sustainable Business in Japan’s Pharmaceutical Industry

    Staying When It Gets Tough: How Glen Argyle Earned Trust and Built a Sustainable Business in Japan’s Pharmaceutical Industry
    Apr 5 2026

    Glen Argyle left Invercargill for what he thought would be a two or three-year teaching stint in Osaka. Twenty-eight years later, he is currently the CEO of Baxter Japan, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies. His journey from JET program teacher to pharmaceutical industry leader is a masterclass in cultural adaptation, patience, and authentic leadership. Whether you're considering a move to Japan, leading a team here, or exploring business opportunities, Glen's wisdom will resonate deeply.

    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 Glen Argyle went from teaching English on the JET program to becoming CEO of Baxter Japan
    • The best decision of Glen's career, and how learning to adapt communication styles, was essential to his success
    • The critical importance of supply consistency, relationship building, and earning trust in the Japanese market
    • How the inverted pyramid leadership model and values-based decision making can drive cultural change in Japan

    About Glen

    Glen Argyle was born and raised in Invercargill, New Zealand and studied in Dunedin at University of Otago. Following graduation, Glen moved to Osaka expecting to stay only three years and has now spent more than 28 years living and working in Japan. During his career Glen has worked in a range of healthcare leadership roles, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and service organizations. Passionate about people and empowering teams through servant leadership, Glen tries to bring his Kiwi roots to his leadership style. Glen is currently CEO of Baxter 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

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    53 min
  • Grassroots Diplomacy: New Zealand's Deputy Head of Mission on Life, Culture, and Connection in Japan

    Grassroots Diplomacy: New Zealand's Deputy Head of Mission on Life, Culture, and Connection in Japan
    Feb 1 2026
    Gareth Pidgeon is Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. From his roots in New Plymouth under the shadow of Mount Taranaki to his current diplomatic role, Gareth shares his incredible journey through Japan that began at just 14 years of age. Discover the unspoken rules of Japanese business culture, find out what a diplomat does in his day job, learn about Matariki celebrations expanding across Japan, and hear how Gareth uses his platform to promote New Zealand's values of inclusion, equality, and diversity. Plus, find out where to get the best vegan ramen in Tokyo!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:A Japanese lesson on top phrases we use in diplomatic, business and social situationsGareth's unique diplomatic journey, from studying Japanese in high school, attending university in Japan at 17, and now serving as Deputy Head of Mission in TokyoGareth’s experience as a gay man living and working in Japan todayThe power of building genuine relationships and why New Zealand's humble approach creates natural connectionsHow Matariki is connecting Kiwi communities across Japan and how you can connect with other Kiwis hereAbout GarethGareth is the Deputy Head of Mission and Consul-General at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. Before coming to Tokyo in 2023, Gareth worked as Lead Adviser Japan and Korea in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Wellington. Gareth joined MFAT in 2007. He has focused on New Zealand’s relationships with Asia for most of his career. In addition to Tokyo, he has previously served in Kuala Lumpur and New Delhi. Before joining MFAT, Gareth worked for the New Zealand Ministry of Defence and Immigration New Zealand.After learning Japanese at high school in New Zealand, Gareth spent five years studying in Japan and graduated from the University of Tsukuba with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations. He holds a Master of Arts degree in History of International Relations from the London School of Economics. LinksNew Zealand Embassy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nzembassyjapan Japan New Zealand Business Council https://www.jnzbc.com/ ANZCCJ https://www.anzccj.jp/ Sora no Iro https://soranoiro-vege.com/store-menu/soranoiro-nippon/ Jikase Mensho https://menya-shono.com/parco/ Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with JayneConnect with Jayne and CatherineLinked 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
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    55 min
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