Now and Zen Japan

Oct 27 2024 94 ep. 42 mins 18

Now and Zen Japan Podcast artwork

Entertaining and insightful conversations with Japan focused business professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Recorded in bars around Tokyo, it’s like eavesdropping on candid conversations with Japan experts who share engaging stories of success, failure, and wisdom gained in Japan. 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!

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

Oct 27 2024 43 mins

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 Japanese managers change jobs every three years" and "Why they always see the glass as half empty." Masa offers a logical breakdown of the periodic job rotation

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

Sep 28 2024 43 mins

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 calls "a little rebellious essays" from Tokyo.We discuss some of her standout articles, including "The 3 Facts You Should Know Before Marketing to Japan."

(Best of) Ed Thompson: Marketing Consultant and Educator

Aug 26 2024 42 mins

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 career in marketing, branding, advertising, and academia. Ed has also been a lecturer at Temple University for more than 15 years. Known for his straightforward

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

Jul 28 2024 45 mins

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 Okumura's wisdom, demeanor, and insight into well-being and nutrition. Kaki breaks down Japanese based wellness concepts through her "Four Essential Pillars t

(Best of) Robert Whiting Part 2: "Tokyo Junkie" Baseball Stories and more

Jun 24 2024 35 mins

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 players and well-known Japanese baseball stars. Part 2, we talk mostly about the baseball stories from his memoir, but also get into the important story of how writ

(Best Of) Robert Whiting: "Tokyo Junkie" 60 Years of Bright Lights, Back Alleys, and Baseball - Part 1

May 29 2024 42 mins

I've been a devoted fan of Robert Whiting since I first read "Chrysanthemum and the Bat" in high school during the 1980s. After many critically acclaimed books, I had the opportunity to sit down with Bob to discuss his latest memoir, "Tokyo Junkie: 60 Years of Bright Lights and Back Alleys... and Baseball." In our conversation, Bob shares his firsthand insights into six decades of

Meshida: Japanese Stand-Up Comedian

Apr 29 2024 39 mins

Meshida, a former Japanese salaryman turned English language standup comedian, has spent the last ten years crafting his unique brand of comedy, delighting audiences in both Japan and the UK. Alongside his successful career as a standup, he's made a name for himself on YouTube, particularly for his humorous take on Japan's "pink" culture, while also exploring many other "wholesome"

Alex Debs: Luxury Travel Designer

Mar 26 2024 40 mins

Have you ever fantasized about the ultimate luxury vacation in Japan? If so, Alex Debs is your go-to guy. As the founder of Hitotoki, the Luxury Travel Designer, Alex specializes in crafting luxurious travel experiences in Japan. In this episode, you'll get an inside look into the world of luxury travel planning, including the most challenging requests his team has faced. We'll dis

Anthony Griffin: Global Communications Entrepreneur

Feb 28 2024 44 mins

It's a truly inspiring chat with the incredibly positive and humble entrepreneur, Anthony Griffin. He's the brains behind Saga Consulting, a company dedicated to helping organizations and individuals share their stories with the world. They specialize in global communications, offering top-notch copywriting, digital marketing, and cross-cultural coaching. Anthony also pens insightf

Dr. Greg Story: Japan Business Expert, Author, Sales, Presentations and Communications Master Trainer

Jan 23 2024 47 mins

Discover the art of mastering public speaking, enhancing your presentation skills, and unraveling the secrets to impactful storytelling. Join Dr. Greg Story, the esteemed president of Dale Carnegie Japan and bestselling author of "Japan Sales Mastery" and "Japan Business Mastery," as he shares invaluable insights into successful sales techniques, post-COVID sales process shifts, an