Export to Japan
Export to Japan is the web's richest resource for companies doing business in the Japanese market. In the Export to Japan podcast, we give you a clear picture of what is happening in the Japanese market by bringing you conversations with people who are at the heart of the Japanese business community. https://exporttojapan.co.uk/
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41. Financial Services in Japan - With Naomi Takegoshi of FinCity.Tokyo
04/25/2024
41. Financial Services in Japan - With Naomi Takegoshi of FinCity.Tokyo
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 Connect with
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40. Construction, Interior Design, Architecture in Japan - with Mark Dytham
01/29/2024
40. Construction, Interior Design, Architecture in Japan - with Mark Dytham
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:
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39. Innovation & Collaboration in Japan with Tim Romero
11/20/2023
39. Innovation & Collaboration in Japan with Tim Romero
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 , 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 . Tim is also the host of his own successful podcast focussing on startups changing Japans economic landscape: Disrupting Japan Podcast: JERA Ventures: Our previous catch-up with Tim:
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38. Employment Law in Japan - with Hiroshi Chiba
10/03/2023
38. Employment Law in Japan - with Hiroshi Chiba
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: The webpage and access to all the other valuable resources of Export to Japan can be found here: There's also the YouTube version if you want to subscribe to the videos:
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37. IP in Japan - with Shiga International Patent Office
09/06/2023
37. IP in Japan - with Shiga International Patent Office
Welcome to the new season of episodes. Kicking off with a conversation about Intellectual Property with Mori-san from Shiga International Patent Office.
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36. The UK-Japan Digital Partnership with Jana Psarska of techUK
04/17/2023
36. The UK-Japan Digital Partnership with Jana Psarska of techUK
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: More about the UK-Japan Digital Partnership:
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35. Hydrogen in Japan - With Joe Howe & Richard Lyle
04/04/2023
35. Hydrogen in Japan - With Joe Howe & Richard Lyle
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:
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34. Japan Success Story - Bango (PART 2)
03/07/2023
34. Japan Success Story - Bango (PART 2)
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
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33. Japan Success Story - Bango (PART 1)
03/07/2023
33. Japan Success Story - Bango (PART 1)
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
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32. Japan Success Story: Rutherford's
02/20/2023
32. Japan Success Story: Rutherford's
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/
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31. DSEI JAPAN: Defence & Security Opportunities with Gary Waterfall
02/03/2023
31. DSEI JAPAN: Defence & Security Opportunities with Gary Waterfall
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:
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30. Marketing in Japan - with Nanako Aramaki of Tamlo
01/19/2023
30. Marketing in Japan - with Nanako Aramaki of Tamlo
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 For more about Tamlo visit:
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29. Japan Success Story - Q-Games (part 2)
12/30/2022
29. Japan Success Story - Q-Games (part 2)
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: Twitter: Play the PixelJunk Scrappers Deluxe Demo: And as promised in the chat here's a link to Bitsummit:
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28. Japan Success Story - Q-Games (part 1)
12/23/2022
28. Japan Success Story - Q-Games (part 1)
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: Twitter: Play the PixelJunk Scrappers Deluxe Demo:
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27. Osaka Expo 2025 - A World of Opportunity
12/01/2022
27. Osaka Expo 2025 - A World of Opportunity
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/
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26. Introducing the British Chamber of Commerce Japan
10/11/2022
26. Introducing the British Chamber of Commerce Japan
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/
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25. Exploring the Space Sector in Japan with Masayasu Ishida
09/21/2022
25. Exploring the Space Sector in Japan with Masayasu Ishida
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: SPACETIDE Contact Information: Official Website: Email:
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24. On the Money with Takuma Tanaka
05/20/2022
24. On the Money with Takuma Tanaka
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/
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23. Overcoming Japan's 'Galapagos Syndrome' with Dr. Lei Liu
03/24/2022
23. Overcoming Japan's 'Galapagos Syndrome' with Dr. Lei Liu
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.
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22. Market Research in Japan with Rupert Sutton
02/25/2022
22. Market Research in Japan with Rupert Sutton
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.
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21. Japan’s Electronics and IT Sector with Mitch Chihara
02/10/2022
21. Japan’s Electronics and IT Sector with Mitch Chihara
In this episode, Steve talks to Mitch Chihara, International Relations Advisor at Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).
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20. Building Your Brand in Japan with Tajinder Banwait
02/04/2022
20. Building Your Brand in Japan with Tajinder Banwait
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.
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19. Japan's Energy Market with Dan Shulman
09/30/2021
19. Japan's Energy Market with Dan Shulman
Today we explore some of the opportunities in Japan's energy market with Dan Shulman, CEO at Shulman Advisory.
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18. Fintech in Japan with Takeshi Kito and Yuki Kishi
09/09/2021
18. Fintech in Japan with Takeshi Kito and Yuki Kishi
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.
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17. Smart Cities in Japan with Takehiko Nagumo
08/20/2021
17. Smart Cities in Japan with Takehiko Nagumo
In this episode, Steve explores the emerging trends in smart cities in Japan with Takehiko Nagumo, director at the Smart Cities Institute of Japan.
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16. Food, Drink and Agriculture Part 4 with Jonathan Eckley
06/03/2021
16. Food, Drink and Agriculture Part 4 with Jonathan Eckley
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)
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15. Food, Drink and Agriculture Part 3 with Phil Hadley
04/22/2021
15. Food, Drink and Agriculture Part 3 with Phil Hadley
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).
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14. Food, Drink and Agriculture Part 2 with Robert Sheasby
04/16/2021
14. Food, Drink and Agriculture Part 2 with Robert Sheasby
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).
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13. Food, Drink and Agriculture Part 1 with Dominic Goudie
04/16/2021
13. Food, Drink and Agriculture Part 1 with Dominic Goudie
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).
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12. Navigating Japanese Business Culture with Wakako Yamaguchi
04/01/2021
12. Navigating Japanese Business Culture with Wakako Yamaguchi
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.
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