Episodes

This is a deep-dive into those mystifying Japanese business practices foreigners in Japan often struggle with. Intercultural Facilitator Masafumi Otsuka explains the frustrating Japanese business practice of "Why Japanese man...

Connecting International Curiosity with Japanese Content with 34-year Japan entrepreneur Ruth Jarman. She is the founder of Jarman International and the author of six books in Japanese. We talk about these books, this content...

It's passionate travel stories from rural Japan, fascinating historical story-telling, and insightful cultural observations with Diane Tincher. Diane has been in Japan for 35 years, lived in Kagoshima for 26 years, has 8 chi...

Serial entrepreneur Tyson Batino, founder of three businesses in Japan including the successful English school chain One Coin English, is the guest this episode. His latest business is 'Scaling Your Company' where he advises...

If you are a regular listener to Now and Zen, you'll know many of my fascinating guests are non-Japanese living in Japan. So it's always fun to have a bi-cultural Japanese guest on the show and hear their insights and …

This episode I step outside my comfort zone and talk about investing with Alternative Investment Specialist Frank Packard. Specifically we discuss Passion Investing, things like art, watches, and fine wine. What are the oppo...

A very entertaining conversation all about the Italian pasta business in Japan. This episode you meet Nikhil Gupte the Managing Director for Barilla Japan. Barilla is a 145 year old family owned Italian food company and Nik...

I thought it might be a challenge to interview my old friend David Clement. After-all we both grew up in the same small town and have known each other in Japan for over 20 years. However, his wisdom, Japan insight, …

Fascinating innovations are happening in the food & beverage industry around the world and Ugo Bataillard is introducing them to Japan. Ugo is the Founder and CEO of GourmetPro, a startup which began as a Japan market-entry ...

Cynthia Usui becomes the 1st ever return guest to the podcast. Less than a year ago, Cynthia was surviving as a part-time supermarket cashier after losing her high profile job, and now, she is the Japan Country manager for a …

Now and Zen Japan welcomes Mr. Ed Thompson, a Marketing Consultant and the founder of Concept Design. This episode we share beers and talk about his 20+ years in Japan and professional career in marketing, branding, advertisi...

This episode is an entertaining and simulating conversation with a forward-thinking, self-described "Evangelist" for for Digital Transformation in Japan, Mr. Evan Berkosky. Before you decide to tune-out because "Digital Tra...

This episode I have an entertaining conversation with an old friend of mine. Yukie Kito is an award winning movie producer with over 20 films to her credit. This is really an "insiders" episode where we talk about her life, …

It's time to get your motor running and head out to the highway. This episode I speak with the president of Ducati Japan Mr. Mats Lindstrom. You do not need to be a "bike guy" or a "gear-head" to enjoy …

This episode we are treated to a wonderful conversation with an amazing woman who continues to have a fascinating life. Karen Hill Anton discusses her memoir "The View from Breast Pocket Mountain". Published in late 2020 the...

The phrase "Do what you love and you never have to work another day in your life" fits Mac Salman perfectly. Mac left the finance industry and pursued his passions - Travel, Japan, and tasty spirits. We discuss his customize...

Meshida is an ex-Japanese salaryman turned English language standup comedian. For the past eight years Meshida has been performing his style of comedy in both Japan and the UK. In addition he is a successful YouTuber, mostly ...

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...

It's a real feel-good conversation with uber positive and incredibly humble entrepreneur Anthony Griffin. He is the founder of Saga Consulting where he "helps organizations and individuals tell their story to the world". It...

We all miss traveling, and this episode I get to speak with long-time, airline professional, Don Bunkenburg. Don is the Senior Director in Japan for the Lufthansa Group. Which includes Swiss Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and ...

Frank Foley is a charismatic 30-year Japan professional with a deep understanding of character licensing, content marketing, and IP management. He was the country manager for Guinness World Records Japan where he successfull...

Part 2 of my interview with author Robert Whiting about his recent best selling memoir "Tokyo Junkie" 60 years of bright lights, back alleys, and baseball. In this episode, Bob tells great stories about colorful foreign playe...

I have been a big fan of Robert Whiting ever since I read "Chrysanthemum and the Bat" back in high school in the 1980's. Numerous, critically acclaimed books later, I sit down with Bob to discuss his latest book, a …

This episode is #40, and the content is a little different from the past 39 episodes in that today's guest is . . . myself. It's actually a re-purposed podcast from Dr. Greg Story's "Japan's Top Business Interviews" podcas...