Episode 11

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Published on:

1st Aug 2022

Playing the long game at all stages of business in Japan with Ian Kennedy

We are thrilled to bring former New Zealand Ambassador to Japan, Ian Kennedy to you today who is sharing ALL the golden jandals he has learnt during his more than 40 year history with Japan. We are very much looking forward to seeing so many Jandals on the ground in Beppu, Kyushu in November 2022 for the first face to face conference of the Japan New Zealand Business Council (JNZBC) to be held in three years. Find out how you can join us and you might even get to meet Catherine and Jayne, too! ;)

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In this episode you’ll hear:

  • How Ian first arrived in Japan in the late 70’s when there was no direct flight from New Zealand
  • The origins of the JNZBC and how it helps Kiwi businesses 
  • The brilliant Kiwi businesses that are making waves with the help of the JNZBC
  • Some of the pitfalls that Ian sees Kiwis falling into as they enter the Japanese market
  • Why you should join us in Beppu in November 2022!

About Ian

Ian Kennedy was New Zealand Ambassador to Japan from 2007 to 2012. Upon returning to New Zealand he became Chair of the JNZBC. He is also a member of the University of Auckland7’s NZ Asia Institute Advisory Group and Honorary Chairman of "Support our Kids", established in 2011 to support children following the Tohoku earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster. Ian is also involved in the biannual NZ Open Golf Tournament in Queenstown bringing Japan pro-golfers to New Zealand to play a round with NZ pro and amateur golfers and do a bit of business as well. He’s a pretty good golfer himself too!

Connect with Ian

Website: www.jnzbc.com 

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwdbd0QSHSLlOSPcpceHOcA 

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About the Podcast

Jandals in Japan
Bringing The Land of the Long White Cloud to The Land of the Rising Sun
The best show about New Zealanders doing business in Japan, bringing The Land of the Long White Cloud to The Land of the Rising Sun
How do you build a brand in Japan and nurture a loyal customer base?
What do you need to have in your tool belt if you are thinking of coming to Japan to launch a business here?
Japan is often considered to be in the "too hard" basket but we are here to open up the black box of doing business in Japan.
We will share stories from successful Kiwis selling their products and services here in Japan.
They'll tell you their tips for success and pitfalls to avoid.
They'll share their challenges and what they did to overcome them.
They will tell you things you can't find in textbooks or on the internet.
We will also be sharing the latest intel and insights on Japan from our on-the-ground presence
And you'll hear some super business culture and other tips from us sprinkled throughout.
Grab a glass of sake and let's get into it.
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About your hosts

Jayne Nakata

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Jayne Nakata is a Southland girl who arrived in Japan in 2002, planning to stay just two years. 20 years later she is still living in Fukushima Prefecture with her Japanese husband and two children. When the triple disaster hit in 2011, Jayne made the commitment to stay in Fukushima and contribute to rebuilding the area. She is the host of the award winning podcast Transformations with Jayne, which is a favourite with international women living in Japan. She is also the double award winning podcast producer and manager for PodLaunch with Jayne.

Catherine O’Connell

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Originally from Christchurch, Catherine O'Connell has lived in Japan since 2002. Catherine has over 20 years working at brand-name Japanese corporations as legal counsel. In 2018, Catherine launched her own boutique law firm in Tokyo, which has become become a multi-award-winning business. She is Vice Chair of the Australian & New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan, Audit & Supervisory Board Member at TOYOTA Motor Corporation & FUJITSU Limited. As well as the Jandals in Japan Podcast, she hosts the award-winning Lawyer on Air Podcast.