Now and Zen Japan

Now and Zen Japan

Conversations with Japan experts with a focus on business, culture, and arts. Entertaining and educational stories of success & failure and lessons learned. 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!

Recent Episodes

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(Best of) Masafumi Otsuka: Intercultural Business Facilitator and Cultural Navigator
Oct. 28, 2024

(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 …
Yuko Tamura: Bi-cultural storyteller offering
Sept. 28, 2024

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…
(Best of) Ed Thompson: Marketing Consultant and Educator
Aug. 26, 2024

(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 c…
(Best of) Kaki Okumura: Japanese Principles to Live a Longer & Happier Life
July 28, 2024

(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 Kak…
(Best of) Robert Whiting Part 2:
June 25, 2024

(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 play…
(Best Of) Robert Whiting:
May 30, 2024

(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 lates…
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