Episode 6

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Published on:

23rd May 2022

Enhancing the potential of NZ meat products in Japan with Makoto Kinjo

Some of our most passionate Jandals are also originally from Japan. Makoto Kinjo has a wealth of experience in bringing New Zealand products to Japan. From ice cream to tomato paste, and even dog food, Makoto is now creating a premium brand of new kinds of New Zealand meat products in the Japanese market. Leveraging Japan’s world class delivery network, almost anything can arrive in the hands of consumers in no time, and still FROZEN! 

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In this episode you’ll hear:

  • Makoto’s serendipitous home stay in Christchurch in the 1980s that showed him the potential of New Zealand products and foods
  • The surprising connection between Okinawa and New Zealand from the 1960s
  • How Makoto took on the challenge of educating the Japanese market about New Zealand meat products by setting up a restaurant - Far out!
  • Makoto’s top tips for succeeding in Japan and what he’s up to next with new varieties of meat products from New Zealand.

About Makoto

Makoto Kinjo has been working for 37 years in the New Zealand food industry, in the field of sales and marketing of New Zealand food products to Japan and Asian countries. He has been engaged in the expansion of New Zealand beef and lamb in Japan for 20 years as President of ANZCO Foods Japan. Launched WAKANUI Grill Dining restaurant in 2011 as a way of promoting ANZCO Foods’ beef and lamb products.


Connect with Makoto

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makoto-kinjo-85797222/ 

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

Matakana: https://www.instagram.com/matakana.nzlamb/ 

Azabu Ewe: https://www.instagram.com/azabu_ewe/ 


Links

Makoto Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo3 AbCya 4 

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.