In this interview Michael gives us a brief introduction to CScout, a trend analysis company with offices in Japan, the USA, Germany and China, and trend scouts in many more locations worldwide.

He goes on to describe CScout’s Trend Tours, in which representatives from companies seeking to do business in Japan are provided with an insight into relevant industries, and connected with key counterparts.

Talk then turns to the image of ‘weird and wacky’ Japan, where bizarre products such as Puchi Puchi – endless bubble wrap – can become big hits (see the article on the Japan Trends blog).

Michael is also Marketing Director for Octotrade, an export company for whom CScout provides market analysis. Michael tells us about one of their more unusual line of products – endoscopes that allow you to see inside your ears when cleaning them out.

Moving on, Michael talks about the challenges and advantages of doing business as a non-Japanese person in Japan.

In the final section of the interview we look at current projects at CScout. In January 2010 a report is being released on eco-trends in Japan. Michael sums up the situation: rather than dealing with environmental problems by encouraging restraints on consumption, consumption is actually promoted and used to bring about a more sustainable society.

The music used throughout most of this podcast is ‘Umeboshi Mix’ by Tokyo’s very talented Alex Brooke.

How to Listen

With over 1000 Japanese lessons and a very active support community, JapanesePod101.com now caters for language learners of all levels. In addition to professionally produced audio and video podcasts, JapanesePod101 provides extensive lesson notes, and a range of additional services to support self-study.

Peter’s story is an inspirational one – starting out with just himself and and friend working round the clock to get the podcasts out. They’ve since grown to take on a large number of staff all around the world, and have been able to invest in projects such as recording audio for every entry in Jim Breen’s legendary Edict dictionary.

This podcast is broken down into two parts. In part one, we focus on the JapanesePod101 learning method, with Peter detailing what’s in the package.

In part two we talk business – what motivated Peter to start the company? What challenges did he face – and how did he use Mixi to overcome a particular issue?

Peter also generously offers listeners of this podcast a 25% discount off all JapanesePod101.com products – just enter the coupon code ‘tame‘ at the checkout.

How to Listen

Please note that the podcast feed only contains Part 2, in which we discuss doing business in Japan.

To listen to part one please click here

Download Part 1: The JapanesePod101 method

Download Part 2: Doing business in Japan

Returning a few years later he decided to bring the music of Japan to the world, by setting up an online MP3 music store, which now features DRM-free tracks from over 2000 Japanese artists.

In this interview Nathan provides us with some insights into the music industry in Japan, talking about the closed networks and difficulties he faced in convincing labels to sign up to what was at that point an unknown marketing model.

Now well established, Hear Japan is adding 100 new albums a week, catering for all manner of tastes.

As well as talking about the music industry specifically, Nathan provides some advice for others looking to set up business in Japan.

Music played in the interview included Water On feat. Akino Arai, Ant’s Planet, Okane o haratte! and Kobune Okiba no Ie, 4 Gatsu ni Nareba, Saboten, Sakura River.

How to Listen

Company overview: “MyGengo has offices in Tokyo and offers web-powered human translation services between English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian.

Users submit texts to be translated via a simple web form on the myGengo website. The service then lets qualified human translators (who can apply through the site) to ‘grab’ the translation job and translate it. Customers can choose between three price levels and receive the translations via email for review.
[ref: crunchbase]”

The 25-minute interview can be broken down into three sections.

Section 1: What is myGengo?
Rob begins with an overview of the company and the gap in the market that they are serving. Matt goes on to explain the benefits for translators working with them. They also address the criticism that their affordable service is leaving professional translators without an income – hear why that isn’t the case.

We also learn about some of the more unusual jobs that they receive…

Section 2: What new services are myGengo rolling out?
What we’ve seen so far from myGengo is the just the beginning. In this interview, we hear of their plans for a number of new services set to make a significant impact upon online translation.

Using a tried and tested workflow combined with the latest technologies, myGengo will enable the fast, efficient and affordable translation of RSS feeds. They’ll also be offering a service whereby news sites / blogs and more can be translated by humans, quickly and accurately at minimal to no-cost to content producers. They’ll also be releasing tools for developers, including their API, leaving the door open for further exciting developments.

Section 3: Doing business in Japan
Rob and Matt share their experience and advice regarding setting up business in Japan.

One key factor mentioned is the support of the Tokyo tech scene / gaikokujin entrepreneur network – and believing in what you’re doing.

How to Listen

Weblish Media Ltd., established in 2007, is an educational entertainment network, distributed via iTunes to over 100,000 regular subscribers.

Weblish videos are frequently featured by the iTunes Japan Store, and rank ahead of mainstream media companies such as Discovery Channel and CNN. His video series Vocabulary Generator was ranked the No. 1 video in Japan for 10 weeks, and the network has up to a million downloads per month.

In this interview, John tells us of his motivation for starting the company, and why he chose to use iTunes as a distribution platform.

We also discuss the merits of education using online tools and downloadable podcasts – is this the end of the eikaiwa – English language school – as we know it?

Humour plays an important part in John’s videos – hear how llama’s and horses help his viewers with their studies.

John also provides some great advice for those wanting to start up in business in Japan. Questions covered include

• What are the cultural differences that you should be aware of.
• What is Jetro, and what kind of help can you expect to get from them?
• Who should you go to for your corporate bank account?
• What happened when John tried to place an ad in Hot Pepper?
• What’s the most important thing that he recommends people do in order to succeed?

John’s site can be found at Weblish.net, or search for Weblish in the Apple iTunes store.

How to Listen

In 2007, Mike Sheetal, originally from Australia and now resident in Tokyo, established the creative design agency UltraSuperNew Inc, with business partner Marc Wesseling.

In the two years since its establishment, UltraSuperNew has expanded fast and now offers clients a range of marketing services utilising engagement media, both online and offline.

In addition to UltraSuperNew, Mike is also responsible for Press Army, a social media analytics service.

In this interview Mike tells of some of the innovative campaigns they have carried out for clients such as Red Bull Japan, Audi and Phillips. He also talks about the impact of social media upon traditional marketing budgets, and has some valuable advice for others looking to set up business here.

Learn more about Mike on his personal site here.
Follow him on Twitter here.

How to Listen

Kat is a professional singer song writer who has just released her first full album – Echoes over the Ocean – here in Japan. She has also provided music for numerous commercials in Japan, and can be heard on the Starbucks Compilation (Japan 2009)

The story of her journey is an inspiring one. In this interview we hear who her early inspirations were, how she went about refining and promoting her music, and how she finally secured a record deal with Sony.

Kat also has advice for other aspiring singers in Japan.

We are then played out with two songs performed live – Bokura ni wa (the title track from her new album), and Ride with Me.

This interview was first broadcast on Japan Podshow Series 1 Episode 10

Kat links:

Kat’s official music site: www.katmusic.jp
Kat’s MySpace page
Kat’s YouTube channel
Kat’s new album on CD Japan
Video: Singing with grandma
Kat on Twitter

How to Listen

But that’s not all – Jamie also writes a column for the Asahi Weekly, and can now be seen presenting Pop’n’ Press on Asahi TV.

In this interview, Jamie talks about how she got where she is today, and offers advice for others wanting to become professional manga artists.

(This interview first featured on episode 9 of Japan Podshow)

Links:

• Jamie’s Blog
• Jamie’s deviantArt
• You Tube interview by Albert Siegel
• Otaku2.com interview

In Part 1 of my conversation with Tokyo-based media producer, actor and model Jeffrey Rowe of Jet Set Inc Jeffrey talks about his work in acting and modeling in Japan.

Download part 1 here (or listen using the player at the bottom of this post)

Hear about

• What is Jet Set Inc?
• How Jeffrey first got into acting
• The different roles Jeffrey has taken on in Japan
• Working in TV in Japan
• Why professional bilingual actors are needed
• Modeling in Japan: Why is Jeffrey known as ‘Mr. Stingray Man’? and why might you end up with a famous chin?
• Advice for actors looking for work in Japan

Part 2: Learning Japanese

In Part 2 of our conversation, we’re talking languages – specifically learning Japanese.

Download part 2 here

• Jeffrey introduces his idea for a language discussion program – what do you think?
• The tables are turned and Jeffrey asks me what I found useful when I was studying the Japanese language.
• I talk about how my assumption that I would simply ‘aquire’ Japanese language skills by living in Japan was wrong, and emphasise how important active study is.
• The importance of learning the written language, and how easy it can be – at least for the Hiragana and Katakana!
• Jeffrey shares how talking to strangers can be a good thing – for everyone involved!
• Joseph shares his story of travelling 9000 miles with an ice-breaking penguin.

Our thanks to Jeffrey for making the time to meet up to record this interview.

Check out Jet Set Inc at http://www.jetsets.jp/

Visit Jeffrey’s blog at http://jeff.jetsets.jp/

Follow Jeffrey on Twitter

Heather Russell is founder and president of www.Rinkya.com an online shopping service for non-Japanese speakers who want to buy stuff from Japanese stores and internet auction sites.

In this interview, Heather tells us how she started Rinkya, what issues she faced as a non-Japanese women starting their own business in Japan, and demonstrates the kind of attitude needed to succeed in what is often a man’s world.

I have found Heather to be a real inspiration. She’s very kind and a lot of fun, and when it comes to business she knows what she’s talking about.

She’s also been the subject of a fair bit of media attention, not being your average company president in Japan.

See JPEG/PDF copies of a magazine articles on Heather and Rinkya.com in the Japanese language Mac People magazine:

• Original Japanese English translation
• Original Japanese English translation

Make sure you check out www.Rinkya.com – the easiest way to buy stuff online from Japan.