Episode 5

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Published on:

16th May 2022

Unwrapping Japan with Cookie Time’s Jason Allen

Cookie Time is a loved brand in New Zealand for nearly 40 years and we are thrilled that guest, Jason Allen, is on the show with us to share his insights into bringing an iconic Kiwi brand to Japan. As Kiwis far from home, being able to reconnect with New Zealand by finding a Cookie Time in a huge chain store in Japan really has been a gift through these last few years of not being able to get back to New Zealand. Jason is very transparent about exactly how it all happened, so go listen! 

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In this episode you’ll hear:

  • How Jason went from being on the JET program to translating for a rugby team to being a part of Cookie Time’s entry to Japan
  • Jason’s 4 Ps for success in Japan, or is it just 3 Ps??
  • How the distributor network in Japan functions and how you can get your products onto shelves
  • Do you really need a fax machine in 2022 for doing business in Japan?
  • The chances for Kiwi businesses to make the most of Japan's love of the seasons and events throughout the year

About Jason

Jason is Representative Director at Cookie Time Japan. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookietime.jp/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookietime.jp/  

Website: https://www.cookietime.co.jp/ 

The quintessential Kiwi story of how Cookie Time started in the founder's flat in Christchurch: https://cookietime.co.nz/about/

Links

Discount code for 20% off when shopping online in Japan: JANDALTIME (no time limit)

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.