Episodes

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...

Have you ever dreamed of an ultimate luxury vacation in Japan? If so, then Alex Debs is your man. He is the founder of Hitotoki, the Luxury Travel Designer. This episode you will hear all the intimate details of luxury …

Parissa Haghirian is an internationally renowned expert on Japanese Management and Leadership and a Professor of International Management at Sofia University. She is the author of 12 books on Japanese Management, Cross-Cultu...

Everything you ever wanted to know about the grocery & convenience store business in Japan with Haribo Japan President, Paul Craft. He is an expert on Japan's packaged consumer goods market. Paul started his Japan career 13 ...

Jeff Crawford is the president of Zo Digital, a bi-lingual digital marketing agency he founded over seven years ago. He describes many of the mistakes foreign companies make when setting up their web presence in Japan and exp...

Neil Butler is a 40-year Tokyo veteran and CEO / Publisher of Metropolis Magazine. Neil is well-known in Japan from his successful 13 year stint with Australian Meat & Livestock where he coined the catch-phrase "Aussie Beef" ...

A fascinating look into the on-line gaming business in Japan with Aiko Smith, the CEO of Aloha Shark Casino. Aiko has more than 15 years experience in this exciting industry and is one of the pioneers in the Japanese on-line …

Katheryn Gronauer is the founder of Thrive Tokyo. She is a cross-cultural trainer and business coaching entrepreneur based in Tokyo. We speak about the most common cultural frustrations newcomers to Japan face and how she ...

Learn how to become a confident public speaker, a more effective presenter, and the formula for influential story-telling. Dr. Greg Story is the president of Dale Carnegie Japan and the best-selling author of "Japan Sales Ma...

Deanna Elstrom is a veteran brand marketer, brand strategist, and consumer insights specialist. She has recently launched her own company called Somi Insights, where she combines her love of branding with a fascination of how...

Eric D'Ignazio, a 14-year Japan hospitality veteran who's resume includes InterContinental Hotels and the The Accor Group. Eric has spent his entire professional life working in Japan and has had a very non-traditional hotel...

Dive into the world of traditional Japanese sword making with craftsman Taro Asano. He is one of only a handful of practicing "Kajiya" (a person who forges Japanese swords / Katana) still in Japan. He also offers a workshop i...

Welcome a true Hospitality Professional to the podcast. Mr. Matthias Sutter, the Rep. Director of Shangri-La Hotels Japan and the GM of the Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo. We discuss Japanese customer service, how different national...