Now and Zen Japan

Now and Zen Japan

Conversations with Japan experts with a focus on business, culture, and arts. Entertaining and educational stories of success & failure and lessons learned. Discover first-hand what it’s like to live, work, and experience the most fascinating country in the world. Direct from Tokyo, this is the Now and Zen Podcast!

Recent Episodes

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Alvin Tan: 6 Controversial Reasons Foreigners should work for Japanese Companies
Dec. 27, 2024

Alvin Tan: 6 Controversial Reasons Foreigners should work for Japanese Companies

Have you ever been curious about working for a Japanese company but felt discouraged by stories of long hours, low pay, rigid hierarchies, and mandatory social drinking? If so, this episode is for you. Our guest, Alvin Tan, d...
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Sean Nichols: Japan Entertainment industry insider & Ultraman actor
Nov. 26, 2024

Sean Nichols: Japan Entertainment industry insider & Ultraman actor

Welcome to today’s episode! Our guest is the multi-talented Sean Nichols, whose career is as diverse as it is inspiring. Sean has captivated audiences as an entertainer on Japanese TV, performed as a Manzai stand-up comedian,...
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(Best of) Masafumi Otsuka: Intercultural Business Facilitator and Cultural Navigator
Oct. 28, 2024

(Best of) Masafumi Otsuka: Intercultural Business Facilitator and Cultural Navigator

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the often-mystifying Japanese business practices that foreigners in Japan struggle to navigate. Intercultural facilitator Masafumi Otsuka sheds light on puzzling practices like "Why J...
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Yuko Tamura: Bi-cultural storyteller offering
Sept. 28, 2024

Yuko Tamura: Bi-cultural storyteller offering "rebellious" insights on Japan.

In this episode, I’m joined by Yuko Tamura, an award-winning writer on the Medium platform and editor of Japonica —the go-to publication for everything Japan. Yuko’s writing is a blend of "Fun Facts about Japan" and what she ...
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(Best of) Ed Thompson: Marketing Consultant and Educator
Aug. 26, 2024

(Best of) Ed Thompson: Marketing Consultant and Educator

Now and Zen Japan is excited to welcome Mr. Ed Thompson, a Marketing Consultant and the founder of Concept Design. In this episode, we enjoy some beers while diving into Ed's over 20-year journey in Japan and his extensive ca...
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(Best of) Kaki Okumura: Japanese Principles to Live a Longer & Happier Life
July 28, 2024

(Best of) Kaki Okumura: Japanese Principles to Live a Longer & Happier Life

This conversation is one of the most amazing I've had since starting Now and Zen Japan. This episode could certainly change your life. Especially if you suffer from unhealthy lifestyle habits. Prepare to be blown away by Kaki...
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