Episodes

This episode we deep-dive into well-know, but often misunderstood Japanese culture topics with Kiyoshi Matsumoto. Kiyoshi is the author of the book “Japan Unmasked, Understanding Japan and its people”. Kiyoshi is Japanese b...

Drinking wine should be a relaxing event and lifestyle enhancer, at least this is how Swirl co-founder Federico Fanelli views it. Originally from Italy, Federico came to Japan on a mission to introduce the wine lifestyle to J...

This episode you will hear from Dominic Carter, an expert on Japan market entry, market research, and branding. Dominic shares great insight, knowledge, and current research results, for anyone working in Japan or looking to ...

Sean Nichols has been an entertainer on Japanese TV, a Manzai stand-up comedian, the global representative for Japan's biggest YouTuber, went on tour with Aerosmith, but is most famous for his starring role in the Ultraman ...

This updated and re-released episode we get into Hospitality and Retail with professional sales and leadership trainer Masako Yamamura. We discuss Omotenashi possibly leading to world peace, Bartenders are the most fun hosp...

Have you ever considered opening your own bar, cafe, or restaurant in Japan? It seems daunting and bureaucratic doesn't it? On this episode you will hear just how simple it can be. I speak with William Ryan, the founder of …

A topic near and dear to my interests and business: Retail in Japan. Specifically the Outlet Mall industry. This episode we hear from Julien Rey, the Leasing Director for the Outlet! Company. Japan already has numerous outl...

This is a deep-dive into those mystifying Japanese business practices foreigners in Japan often struggle with. Intercultural Facilitator Masafumi Otsuka explains the frustrating Japanese business practice of "Why Japanese man...

Connecting International Curiosity with Japanese Content with 34-year Japan entrepreneur Ruth Jarman. She is the founder of Jarman International and the author of six books in Japanese. We talk about these books, this content...

It's passionate travel stories from rural Japan, fascinating historical story-telling, and insightful cultural observations with Diane Tincher. Diane has been in Japan for 35 years, lived in Kagoshima for 26 years, has 8 chi...

Serial entrepreneur Tyson Batino, founder of three businesses in Japan including the successful English school chain One Coin English, is the guest this episode. His latest business is 'Scaling Your Company' where he advises...

If you are a regular listener to Now and Zen, you'll know many of my fascinating guests are non-Japanese living in Japan. So it's always fun to have a bi-cultural Japanese guest on the show and hear their insights and …

This episode I step outside my comfort zone and talk about investing with Alternative Investment Specialist Frank Packard. Specifically we discuss Passion Investing, things like art, watches, and fine wine. What are the oppo...

A very entertaining conversation all about the Italian pasta business in Japan. This episode you meet Nikhil Gupte the Managing Director for Barilla Japan. Barilla is a 145 year old family owned Italian food company and Nik...

I thought it might be a challenge to interview my old friend David Clement. After-all we both grew up in the same small town and have known each other in Japan for over 20 years. However, his wisdom, Japan insight, …

Fascinating innovations are happening in the food & beverage industry around the world and Ugo Bataillard is introducing them to Japan. Ugo is the Founder and CEO of GourmetPro, a startup which began as a Japan market-entry ...

Cynthia Usui becomes the 1st ever return guest to the podcast. Less than a year ago, Cynthia was surviving as a part-time supermarket cashier after losing her high profile job, and now, she is the Japan Country manager for a …

Now and Zen Japan welcomes Mr. Ed Thompson, a Marketing Consultant and the founder of Concept Design. This episode we share beers and talk about his 20+ years in Japan and professional career in marketing, branding, advertisi...

This episode is an entertaining and simulating conversation with a forward-thinking, self-described "Evangelist" for for Digital Transformation in Japan, Mr. Evan Berkosky. Before you decide to tune-out because "Digital Tra...

This episode I have an entertaining conversation with an old friend of mine. Yukie Kito is an award winning movie producer with over 20 films to her credit. This is really an "insiders" episode where we talk about her life, …

It's time to get your motor running and head out to the highway. This episode I speak with the president of Ducati Japan Mr. Mats Lindstrom. You do not need to be a "bike guy" or a "gear-head" to enjoy …

This episode we are treated to a wonderful conversation with an amazing woman who continues to have a fascinating life. Karen Hill Anton discusses her memoir "The View from Breast Pocket Mountain". Published in late 2020 the...

The phrase "Do what you love and you never have to work another day in your life" fits Mac Salman perfectly. Mac left the finance industry and pursued his passions - Travel, Japan, and tasty spirits. We discuss his customize...

Meshida is an ex-Japanese salaryman turned English language standup comedian. For the past eight years Meshida has been performing his style of comedy in both Japan and the UK. In addition he is a successful YouTuber, mostly ...