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:

We are getting the download on the tech collaborations between Japan and New Zealand in this episode with guest, Pam Ford from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. Pam shares the potential that is waiting for New Zealand tech businesses in exciting markets like Japan and how cities like Auckland, Fukuoka and Tokyo are working together at this subnational level. In a tech business and want to export to Japan? This is the episode for you! 

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:

• Pam’s first trip to Japan in the 80s and experiencing “a loss of face”
• The origins of the Fukuoka- Auckland relationship and how the tech industry is using this relationship
• Opportunities for future collaborations between NZ and Japan in tech
• Pam’s idea for a startup involving her passions and interests

About Pam

Pam is Director of Economic Development at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the region’s economic and cultural agency.

Pam has worked in international trade, investment and local development for over 20 years, including time with NZTE.

Links

https://industry.aucklandnz.com/invest

https://nz.linkedin.com/in/pam-ford-b8315010

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 

Doug Picken is an exceptional individual with unique insights into the world of rugby translation and the cultural intricacies of Japan and New Zealand. In his position as a translator for the DynaBoars rugby team, Doug helps his team to tackle the linguistic and cultural differences daily. We love his passion for wearing the jersey in promoting Japan rugby and his dedication to his podcast, Japan Rugby Weekly, a favourite of the Jandals team and many listeners too! Ikimasho~!

SHOW NOTES (These will become a blog post as well as go into Anchor/Captivate). 

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 Doug started as a translator finding himself at the “Mighty Dynaboars” 
• What makes a good rugby translator and what can get you fired (!)
• The number one thing that helps Kiwis have a long successful career in Japan
• The importance of the company in professional rugby in Japan
• Doug’s podcast, Japan Rugby Weekly, and why we love it

About Doug

Doug was born in Aizu Wakamatsu, Fukushima and spent time between Japan and New Zealand (Rotorua) growing up. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science

Double majoring in Statistics & Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Auckland Doug moved to Japan in 2015. He worked as an English teacher before getting his first translating job in 2017 in Fukuoka at the Coca-Cola Red Sparks Rugby Team.  Doug has also helped the Sunwolves in 2019 and 2021 before moving to Sagamihara to join the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars. He is also host of the wildly popular Japan Rugby Weekly Podcast.

Links

Japan Rugby Weekly: https://redcircle.com/shows/japan-rugby-weekly 

Heiden Bedwell Curtis: https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/episode/eighteen 

Jamie Joseph: https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/episode/twenty-six 

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:

Cookie Time is making waves in Japan and Jason Allen, Representative Director, shares how this came to be. If you are thinking of having Costco as part of your product distribution strategy then this episode is for you. We are so proud of the work that Cookie Time has done in Japan over the past 10 years and excited to see what they achieve next.

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:

• Jason’s insider tips for ordering the best goodies at the Cookie Time store in Harajuku
• Why Cookie Time’s first approach to Costco was unsuccessful
• What it’s like to negotiate a deal with Costco and some of the benefits of working with such a retailer
• Where we can expect to see Cookie Time popping up in the future to fulfil their slogan of “bringing a smile to every face!”

About Jason

Jason is Representative Director at Cookie Time Japan. 

Links

Jason’s first episode on Jandals in Japan: https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/episode/five 

Discount Code for the Japan Online Store: JANDALTIME24

Cookie Time Japan: https://www.cookietime.co.jp/ 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cookietime.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 

Motoko Murata is the country manager for Mainfreight in Japan. Together we delved into what is making Mainfreight stand out in the ultra competitive area of international freight in Japan. Motoko shares the importance of quality in cargo delivery, investment in technology, and the significance of collaboration and customer communication for smooth operations. We also explored cultural differences in conversation and small talk expectations when building relationships with Japanese customers. Grab your earphones for another Jandals listening experience.

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:

• Motoko’s career in logistics and why she decided to take on the challenge of establishing Mainfreight in Japan
• How Mainfreight is innovating in the logistics industry and helping customers in Japan to go paperless
• Some things that Japan is teaching Mainfreight about next level care of shipments
• Motoko’s strategy for breaking the ice with new connections in Japan

About Motoko

Motoko Murata is Country Manager of Mainfreight Japan. She has been in the logistics industry for more than 20 years. Motoko joined Mainfreight as a founding member of the Japan office in 2019, and COVID-19 hit not long after. She took on her current role last year to challenge herself to promote the Mainfreight service and culture, as well as the New Zealand Spirit in Japan with the great Mainfreight team.

Connect with Motoko

Website: https://www.mainfreight.com/global/en-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