Now and Zen Japan
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!
Episodes
96 episodes
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, dives into his contr...
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Episode 96
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43:04
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, and even served as...
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Episode 95
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42:02
(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 Japanese managers ch...
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Episode 94
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43:04
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 calls "a li...
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Episode 93
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43:25
(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 career in marketing, ...
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Episode 92
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42:13
(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 Okumura's wisdom, ...
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Episode 91
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45:09
(Best of) Robert Whiting Part 2: "Tokyo Junkie" Baseball Stories and more
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 J...
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Episode 90
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35:02
(Best Of) Robert Whiting: "Tokyo Junkie" 60 Years of Bright Lights, Back Alleys, and Baseball - Part 1
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 Jun...
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Episode 89
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42:50
Meshida: Japanese Stand-Up Comedian
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 m...
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Episode 88
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39:42
Alex Debs: Luxury Travel Designer
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 episod...
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Episode 87
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40:23
Anthony Griffin: Global Communications Entrepreneur
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 spe...
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Episode 86
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44:32
Dr. Greg Story: Japan Business Expert, Author, Sales, Presentations and Communications Master Trainer
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 M...
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Episode 85
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47:23
Matthias Sutter: Luxury Hotel GM & Hospitality Leader
Meet a true Hospitality Professional. 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 nationalities have different hospitality...
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Episode 84
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43:05
Mac Salman: Customized tours, Japanese whiskey, and why Tokyo is the "Greatest Metropolis on Earth"
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 customized tour busines...
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Episode 83
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43:10
Deanna Elstrom: Japan Consumer Insights Specialist
Deanna Elstrom is a veteran brand marketer, brand strategist, and consumer insights specialist. She started her own consulting business, Somi Insights, three years ago where she combines her love of branding with a fascination of how culture in...
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Episode 82
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39:16
Parissa Haghirian: Japanese Management Expert
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-Cultural topics, an...
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Episode 81
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42:58
Jeff Crawford: Digital Marketing Expert, has SEO advise for you
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 explains how to remedy...
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Episode 80
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45:07
Timothy Langley: Renowned Japan Business and Political Advisor & Advocate
Introducing the remarkable and iconic veteran of Tokyo, Timothy Langley. With an impressive track record of over 40 years in Japan, Timothy is the visionary founder of Japan's premier government and public consultancy firm, Langley Esquire. Wha...
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Episode 79
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45:13
Taro Asano: Traditional Japanese Sword Maker
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 in English where peo...
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Episode 78
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38:47
Guy Perryman: Award-Winning Broadcaster & Radio Personality
Award-winning broadcaster and radio host Guy Perryman. Guy's soothing and melodic voice has been heard throughout Japan for the past 30 years starting with the launch of Virgin Megastores in 1990 and then Tokyo's InterFM since 1997. ...
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Episode 77
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49:04
Loic Bizel: Japan Fashion Trends Expert / Founder of "Leo & Lea"
This episode we discuss fashion in Japan and premium dog food. Not two topics often mentioned in the same sentence, but very related to today's guest Mr. Loic Bizel. Loic started his own fashion consulting business in Tokyo nearly 30 years ago ...
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Episode 76
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45:55
Brendhan Kelly: Hospitality Communication Manager
This episode I speak with Brendhan Kelly, the Hospitality Communication Manager for the Tysons Group of restaurants. Tysons is most well known for Ivy Place, Cicada, Smokehouse, and the iconic TY Harbor Brewery in Tennozu Isle. If you have dinn...
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Episode 75
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37:03
Katsura Sunshine: Master Rakugo Storyteller
This episode I sit down with Katsura Sunshine, the only Western Rakugo Master Storyteller in the world and only the 2nd in the history of traditional Japanese Rakugo. He shares his fascinating journey from Canadian playwright and musical produc...
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Episode 74
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56:06
Kaki Okumura: "Wa, the Art of Balance" Author
I’ve been doing the Now and Zen podcast for exactly 3 years. That’s 80 episodes with many great guests, wonderful stories, fascinating insights, and I’m often asked, who was my favorite guest. That’s a lot like asking a parent, who their ...
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Episode 73
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44:26
Joseph Delmastro: Author "Cultured Gaijin"
This episode I speak with Joseph Delmastro, the author of Cultured Gaijin. It’s a unique book set in 1970s Japan about what happens when Joseph, an airman stationed in Tokyo, breaks free from expectations and fully embraces Japan’s tradi...
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Episode 72
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34:43
