Real Gaijin — Japan’s Business, Culture & Life Podcast: A podcast about Japan’s economy, work culture, foreign residen

Epizodes

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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-22) with David Wagner, author of 24 books on doing business in Japan and coach to more than 30,000 leaders on media, crisis, and business communications skills 14.08.2026 1h

  Have you ever wondered what it takes to command a room full of top-tier CEOs, advise government officials, and navigate Japan’s media landscape? Today, Real Gaijin was thrilled to welcome David Wagner, a veteran communications expert, media coach, and author who is a well-established fixture in Japan’s international business community. David has trained over 30,000 leaders, written multiple books on business communication, and hosted national television programs. He offers a masterclass in navigating, decoding, and succeeding at the highest levels of media communication.Who is he?Recognized as one of Asia’s premier authorities on media, crisis, and business communications, during his 30+ year career, David has coached over 30,000 trainees, including CEOs, presidents, ambassadors, and government officials, across the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and North America.David has conducted over 4,000 workshops for over 550 global organizations, including Goldman Sachs, Oracle, Johnson & Johnson, Singapore Airlines, and Walmart. He has also lectured on business communications at institutions including Tokyo’s Waseda University.He is a former reporter for The Denver Post and a columnist for the Mainichi Daily News and The Daily Yomiuri. David was also the creator and host of two nationally televised three-month series on NHK focusing on international business skills. He is also the author of numerous books on Japan regarding business communications and cultural navigation, including Forever Foreign.On the agendaIn addition to covering David’s initial path to Japan, we discussed the following as part of a rolling conversation:* The “Gaijin” Evolution: How foreign leadership and corporate integration in Japan have shifted over three decades.* Managing the Media & Crisis PR: Mastering Japanese media dynamics, executive presence, and high-stakes public messaging.* Cross-Cultural Communication: Bridging behavioral gaps to lead teams and persuade effectively in Japanese corporate environments.* Insights from the Top: Key lessons from coaching 30,000+ executives and interviewing successful foreign business leaders.Key takeaways* Cross-cultural success requires “style shifting” in both directions: David’s concept of “style shifting” applies to Japanese professionals working overseas and non-Japanese people working in Japan. Japanese mmanagers operating internationally may need to become more direct and explicit, as well as more individually oriented. Meanwhile, foreigners in Japan may need to adjust in the opposite direction, learning to work with indirect communication, hierarchy, consensus-building, silence, and other Japanese cultural norms. The point is not to abandon your personality or decide that one culture is “right.” Rather, it is to understand the environment well enough to modify your communication style deliberately so that you can operate effectively within it.* Respecting Japanese norms sometimes means knowing which battles not to fight: David illustrates this with a painful episode from his early career at Fuji Xerox. When company president Yotaro Kobayashi (小林陽太郎), a well-known business mogul, visited his department, the Japanese employees were invited to hear him speak. However, the foreign employees, who were hired to teach cross-cultural communication, were excluded. Furious, a young David wrote directly to the president’s office. The resulting investigation, he says, was a “witch hunt.” He was ostracized and ultimately felt compelled to resign. Decades later, David says he would handle the situation differently. Instead of trying to change the company, he would recognize that the environment was not right for him and leave. This experience taught him that succeeding in Japan requires understanding its cultural and organizational norms, as well as recognizing when confrontation is unlikely to produce the desired change.* In Japan, knowing what happens before the meeting can be more important than the meeting itself: David highlights nemawashi (根回し), or building consensus before a formal meeting, as a particularly important feature of Japanese business culture. This contrasts sharply with cultures in which participants expect debate and decision-making to occur during the meeting itself. He also mentions hierarchy, indirect communication, silence, and nonverbal cues as elements that foreigners must learn to interpret rather than simply applying their home country’s business norms.* Effective media communication is about controlling the message, not saying more: David’s decades of media and crisis training have led him to a deceptively simple principle: executives generally talk too much. Effective communicators identify a few key messages, repeat them consistently, and avoid allowing an interview or press conference to derail them. Delivery matters too—pace, body language, visual presentation, and cultural appropriateness can determine whether the intended message actually reaches its audience.* In a crisis, speed, honesty, and transparency matter more than ritualized contrition: David is skeptical of what he calls the “empty bow”—the highly visible corporate apology that appears disconnected from genuine accountability. He argues that Japan’s consensus-driven decision-making process can become a liability during a crisis because organizations may take too long to formulate a response. Crisis management requires taking control quickly, communicating transparently, and acknowledging mistakes instead of allowing internal deliberation to create a communications vacuum.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Links* Personal Website (includes a list of his books): https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/davidwagner* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wagner-a9900317/* Information about Igor Prusa, author of Scandal in Japan: Transgression, Performance and Ritual#DavidWagner #BusinessCommunicationsJapan #CrossCulturalCommunication #RealGaijin #リアル外人If you enjoyed this, click the ❤️ button and restack.Thanks for reading Real Gaijin! This post is public so feel free to share it.Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-21) with Arie Meir, PhD, x-Google product leader and computer scientist on leaving the corporate world and career reinvention 08.08.2026 1h

  What happens when someone leaves a successful career at one of the world’s most acclaimed tech companies to trade a major, global city for a quieter life in the countryside, leveraging their experience to develop the next stage of their career? In an era of aging populations, labor shortages, and rural decline reshaping Japan, these personal choices provide a unique perspective on some of the most pressing issues of our time. Today, the Real Gaijin AMA podcast welcomes the perfect guest to discuss reinventing your life across careers, communities, and countries.Who is he?Meet Arie Meir, a computer scientist and a UC Berkeley-trained biophysicist with a Ph.D. He is one of the few AI leaders whose career spans both Silicon Valley and the healthcare industry. Prior to spending over a decade developing AI products at Google, Arie held engineering leadership positions at GE Healthcare, where he worked on advanced medical technologies, and at Qualcomm, where he developed large-scale software platforms.Currently, Arie advises healthcare organizations, startups, and executive teams on integrating artificial intelligence into clinical and business operations—all from a new base in the mountains to the north of Tokyo.On the agendaIn addition to covering Arie’s initial path to Japan (which is quite a story on its own), we discussed his bold decision to leave the corporate world and the “mothership” of Google, deciding to relocate from central Tokyo to the Japanese countryside, and the ins and outs of navigating between multiple cultures and countries.Key takeaways* Treat major life changes as experiments, not leaps of faith: Arie’s philosophy is to test before committing. Before leaving Google, he took mini-sabbaticals to see if greater independence would make him happier and more productive. Arie applied essentially the same method to leaving Tokyo: rent a house, experience ordinary life, talk with locals, document what works and what doesn’t (+ search for hidden patterns with AI tools), and only then make a larger commitment. His broader lesson is that seemingly radical change can be approached systematically by turning uncertainty into a series of manageable experiments.* Leaving a successful career means giving up an identity, not just a paycheck: After 11 years at Google, Arie discovered that leaving the “mothership” entailed a profound psychological transition. Being a “Googler” had become part of his identity, social network, and sense of belonging. This led to the unsettling question:“If I’m not a Googler, who am I now?”Arie’s experience suggests that anyone contemplating a major career transition should prepare not only for the financial consequences but also for the loss of structure, status, community, and professional identity that may accompany it.* Technology matters when it solves a real human or business problem: Although Arie describes himself as an “AI nerd” (notice his shirt), his career philosophy is problem-first rather than technology-first. His early experience at GE Healthcare showed him that engineering and software could directly improve people’s lives. This eventually led him to Google Cloud Healthcare, where he became the first product manager on the healthcare team. Today, Arie’s consulting work focuses on translating business problems into appropriate technological solutions rather than adopting AI simply because it is fashionable.* Japan’s demographic problems create an important laboratory for technology: Arie finds the intersection of healthcare, AI, and Japan particularly compelling. An aging population, a declining birthrate, and a shortage of healthcare providers increase the need for technological solutions. Meanwhile, aspects of Japanese society may make certain technologies easier to deploy. His example of robotic servers (as in replacements for human waiters and waitresses) in “family restaurants” in Japan illustrates a larger point: demographic necessity combined with social acceptance could make Japan an important proving ground for automation and other technologies designed to compensate for labor shortages.* Rural Japan can offer an alternative to big-city life, but integration matters: Arie’s move away from Tokyo was not simply a search for cheaper housing or prettier scenery. He emphasizes that rural communities can differ dramatically even at the neighborhood (shūraku・集落) level and that newcomers need to integrate rather than merely relocate. His preference for Nasushiobara, one of the summer retreats of the Japanese Imperial Family, emerged through repeated visits and experimentation rather than a checklist alone—an instructive example of how remote work can expand lifestyle choices while still requiring careful attention to family needs, infrastructure, community, and everyday quality of life.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Links* Personal Website: https://ariemeir.com/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariemeir/#ArieMeir #CareerReinvention #キャリアの再構築 #RealGaijin #リアル外人If you enjoyed this, click the ❤️ button and restack.Thanks for reading Real Gaijin! This post is public so feel free to share it.Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-20) with Terrie Lloyd, Founder, CEO at Akiya 2.0 Inc, J@pan Inc Holdings KK, MetroWorks KK, Japan Travel KK, and Toursoft Pte Ltd 29.07.2026 1h 3min

  Have you ever wondered what it takes to build, scale, and successfully exit multiple businesses in one of the world’s most unique and tightly knit corporate landscapes? In this special interactive episode, Real Gaijin was joined by a legend of the Tokyo startup scene to discuss strategy, cultural adaptation, and the realities of doing business in Japan.Who is he?Terrie Lloyd is a powerhouse serial entrepreneur and dual national of Australia and New Zealand. A fixture of the Japanese business ecosystem, he has lived and worked in the country for over four decades. Terrie arrived in Japan on a working holiday visa in March 1983 at the age of 24—without a university degree. He started his first translation and computer-related venture out of an apartment and evolved into a self-made success. Throughout his remarkable career, Terrie has founded or co-founded 18 companies spanning technology, publishing, recruitment, IT services, and inbound tourism. These include pioneering ventures such as Japan’s first mid-career online job site, Daijob.com, and the crowdsourced travel network Japan Travel KK. He also manages Akiya 2.0 Inc, J@pan Inc Holdings KK, MetroWorks KK, and Toursoft Pte Ltd. Widely known for his successful corporate exits (he boasts eight major earn-outs for investors) and his long-running, insightful business newsletter, Terrie’s Take, Terrie is the ultimate authority on navigating Japanese bureaucracy, securing local funding, and turning a foreign perspective into a distinct business advantage.On the agendaIn addition to discussing how Terrie first ended up in Japan on a working holiday, we talked about entrepreneurship, business strategy, and his life in Japan over the last 44 years. We explored Terrie’s accidental beginnings in Japan, his early ventures in technology and importing, and his significant business exits. Terry also shared practical insights on generating and testing business ideas through iterative feedback, executing successful company exits by managing buyer greed and fear, building a targeted professional network as an expert, and his recent ventures into inbound tourism and traditional Japanese housing renovation (Akiya 2.0).Key takeaways* Leverage Your Unique Background as a Foreign Entrepreneur: Foreign entrepreneurs should use their differences to their advantage rather than trying to compete on the same terms as locals.“The foreign face opens the doors, and the Japanese face keeps the doors open.” - Time-tested adage about doing business in JapanBeing a foreigner in Japan can open initial doors and unlock unique opportunities, such as access to distinct ideas, networks, or technologies before others do. This allows founders to embrace their individuality and take calculated risks instead of blending into a crowded market.* Focus on Creating Real Social Change Over Money: The most successful and fulfilling businesses often stem from driving meaningful social change rather than just chasing profit. Terrie’s best companies addressed significant societal needs, such as pioneering mid-career job switching with Daijob or focusing on inbound tourism and traditional housing. This proves that building a business around solving real problems naturally attracts customers and creates lasting value.* Test and Refine Ideas Through Iterative Feedback: Raw business ideas should be rigorously shaped by talking directly to knowledgeable industry peers rather than relying solely on personal intuition. By pitching concepts via presentations and actively seeking critical feedback from sector experts, entrepreneurs can modify their approach after each conversation and fine-tune their offering to be ready for the market.* Understand the Core Dynamics of Exiting a Business: A successful company exit depends on building genuine value for a buyer and managing greed and fear carefully. Founders must understand what a strategic buyer truly wants, whether it’s forward-booked revenue, customer demographics, or skilled employees, while alleviating due diligence concerns. They must also ensure the business is fully mature and profitable before selling.* Cultivate a Targeted Community as an Expert: Building a strong professional network relies on establishing recognized expertise within a specific niche rather than chasing mass appeal. Rather than trying to target thousands of casual readers, newcomers should position themselves as authorities on a specialized topic. This will help them secure a dedicated group of hundreds of people who genuinely care about the subject. In doing so, they will build a far more powerful community.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Links* Personal Website: https://www.terrielloyd.com/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrielloyd/* Current Companies* Akiya 2.0 Inc: www.akiya2.com* J@pan Inc Holdings KK: www.japaninc.com* MetroWorks KK: www.metroworks.co.jp* Japan Travel KK: www.japantravel.com* Toursoft Pte Ltd: www.toursoft.systems* Volunteer Activity* EO Tokyo Metropolitan (EOTM): https://www.eotokyometropolitan.org/* Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Japan: https://www.singchamjapan.org/* Tokyo Chapter of The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE): https://japan.tie.org/#TerrieLloyd #StartupsJapan #Entrepreneurship #RealGaijin #リアル外人If you enjoyed this, click the ❤️ button and restack.Thanks for reading Real Gaijin! This post is public so feel free to share it.Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-19) with Tiby Kuruvila, technologist/entrepreneur and CTO of POS+ (Postas) 24.07.2026 53min

  The digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is critical to Japan’s ability to reshape its economy. However, a key question is whether Japanese SMEs are ready.As labor shortages intensify and artificial intelligence transitions from hype to practical implementation, how are companies modernizing the systems that power everyday commerce? To help answer these questions, we’re joined by a resident expert.Who is he?Real Gaijin was joined by Tiby Kuruvila, the Chief Technology Officer of POS+ (Postas). POS+ is one of Japan’s leading cloud-based point-of-sale platforms, serving the restaurant, retail, beauty, and healthcare sectors. With more than 25 years of experience in enterprise software, AI, cloud architecture, and entrepreneurship in Japan and India, Tiby has started companies, mentored startups, and helped thousands of businesses embrace digital transformation.On the agendaWe discussed AI adoption, Japan’s unique technology landscape, and how to build successful products and teams across two distinct business cultures.Key TakeawaysToday’s discussion flew by. It is difficult to select only a few key takeaways, but these were mine:* AI is transforming point-of-sale systems from mere record keepers into intelligent business advisors: Traditional point-of-sale (POS) systems tell owners what happened yesterday. The next generation will predict what will likely happen tomorrow. Instead of merely tracking sales, AI-powered systems will forecast demand, optimize staffing, recommend inventory purchases, identify profitable customer behavior, and communicate recommendations in natural language. The long-term vision is for the POS system to become the “secondary brain” — and eventually the operating system — for an entire business, rather than merely processing transactions.* Japan’s greatest obstacle to digital transformation is not technology—it is trust: Throughout the interview, Tiby emphasizes that Japanese businesses rarely adopt new technology solely because it offers a better return on investment. Instead, adoption depends on building long-term trust. Sales cycles may last a year or more, but once a relationship is established, customers often remain loyal for many years. For foreign technology companies entering Japan, demonstrating reliability, cultural understanding, and long-term commitment is often more important than showcasing technical superiority.* Labor shortages are making digital transformation a business necessity rather than a luxury: Japan’s aging population and shrinking workforce are forcing businesses, particularly restaurants and SMEs, to automate routine operations. Technologies such as QR code ordering, AI-assisted forecasting, CRM systems, and workflow automation allow companies to serve more customers with fewer employees while improving customer service. Many technologies evolve from being “nice to have” to becoming essential when labor shortages threaten business survival.* The future belongs to organizations that combine human judgment with AI execution: Rather than replacing people outright, AI will perform more repetitive, administrative, and analytical tasks, allowing humans to focus on strategy, creativity, and decision-making. Tiby argues that developers, managers, and business leaders will spend less time producing work themselves and more time designing systems, defining objectives, and directing AI agents. This shift enables dramatically smaller teams to accomplish work that previously required many more employees.* Success in Japan requires localization, patience, and solving uniquely Japanese problems: Tiby advises entrepreneurs that simply translating an overseas product into Japanese is not enough. They must design products specifically for the Japanese market, address challenges such as an aging society and labor shortages, build local relationships, respect Japanese business processes, and maintain exceptional customer support. Those willing to invest the necessary time to earn trust are rewarded with exceptionally loyal customers and long-lasting relationships.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Links* POS+: https://www.postas.co.jp/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tibyk/#JapanBusiness #DigitalTransformation #EnterpriseAI #RealGaijin #リアル外人If you enjoyed this, click the ❤️ button and restack.Thanks for reading Real Gaijin! This post is public so feel free to share it.Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-18) with Simon Partner, Professor of History, Duke University 11.07.2026 1h 8min

  Foreigners have been visiting and trading with Japan for centuries, but from the 1630s the Tokugawa shogunate imposed strict limits on foreign contact. For more than two centuries, European trade was largely confined to the Dutch trading post on Dejima in Nagasaki, while Chinese merchants and a handful of other neighboring states maintained tightly regulated relations.Following the arrival of U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry’s “Black Ships” (Kurofune, 黒船) in 1853 and the treaties that followed, Japan reopened its ports beginning in 1859. As the country entered the turbulent 1860s, Yokohama rapidly emerged as the primary gateway for trade and interaction with the West, becoming the focal point of Japan’s transformation into a modern nation.Today, Real Gaijin sat down with Simon Partner, a professor of history at Duke University, to discuss life in 1860s Yokohama. As a new treaty port, Japan’s encounter with the outside world became part of daily life there. Drawing on The Merchant’s Tale, Professor Partner introduced us to the lives of visiting foreigners and some of the Japanese people who encountered them for the first time. Professor Partner has written extensively about one particular farmer-turned-merchant named Shinohara Chūemon, who arrived in Yokohama in 1859. Over the next fourteen years, Shinohara witnessed extraordinary upheaval, including foreign trade, gunboat diplomacy, civil war, the collapse of the Tokugawa order, and the birth of Meiji Japan. Through Chūemon’s eyes, we explored high politics, global markets, and the lived realities of food, clothing, medicine, hygiene, opportunity, anxiety, and cultural exchange for Japanese people and foreigners in one of the most consequential cities in modern Japan.More about Professor PartnerSimon Partner is professor of history, with particularly deep knowledge in the fields of Asian Studies and East Asian History, at Duke University.Besides The Merchant’s Tale, Professor Partner is the author of several books including Assembled in Japan: Electrical Goods and the Making of the Japanese Consumer (1999); Toshié: A Story of Village Life in Twentieth-Century Japan (2004); The Mayor of Aihara: A Japanese Villager and His Community, 1865–1925 (2009); and most recently Koume’s World (2023), which was the winner of the 2026 Modern Japan History Association Book Prize.On the agendaWe discussed Professor Partner’s personal connection to Japan — which includes a 40+ year marriage partner whom he originally met in Alabama (of all places) — before exploring the following:* Why Yokohama mattered: How a small fishing village became Japan’s gateway to the West and the epicenter of the country’s modernization.* Everyday life in a changing city: What life was like for both Japanese residents and foreign visitors, from commerce and housing to food, clothing, medicine, and hygiene.* Shinohara Chūemon’s story: How one farmer-turned-merchant witnessed foreign trade, political upheaval, and the transition from Tokugawa to Meiji Japan.* Lessons for today: What Yokohama’s first wave of globalization can teach us about cross-cultural exchange, immigration, and international business in the 21st century.Key TakeawaysToday’s discussion flew by. We covered a variety of subjects and took questions from active participants who used the chat functionality (many thanks). It is difficult to select only three key takeaways, but these were mine:* Yokohama’s opening transformed Japan before the Meiji Restoration: The conversation emphasizes that Japan’s economic and social transformation did not begin with the Meiji government alone. Rather, the opening of Yokohama in 1859 unleashed an unprecedented wave of largely unrestricted international trade, which rapidly reshaped markets, created new industries, accelerated inflation, and produced winners and losers across Japanese society. Professor Partner argues that this period of commercial disruption laid much of the foundation for Japan’s later modernization. This challenges the conventional narrative that places the Meiji Restoration at the center of the country’s transformation.* Ordinary people provide the most revealing perspective on history: Rather than focusing exclusively on political leaders or famous historical figures, Professor Partner explains that his research examines how major historical events were experienced by everyday people. Through the story of farmer-turned-merchant Shinohara Chūemon, we learn how individuals navigated uncertainty, embraced entrepreneurial risk, adapted to global economic forces, and experienced spectacular success and devastating failure. This micro-historical approach illustrates that history is best understood through the experiences of those affected by large-scale political and economic change.* Japan’s early globalization was deeply connected to world events: The interview highlights how local merchants in developing 1860s Yokohama were influenced by events occurring thousands of kilometers (miles) away. For example, the American Civil War unexpectedly created a lucrative export boom for Japanese cotton. Later, the Franco-Prussian War contributed to the collapse of European silk demand, ruining highly leveraged traders such as Shinohara Chūemon. These examples demonstrate that, by the 1860s, Japan was tightly integrated into the global economy, where international conflicts and market disruptions could dramatically alter the fortunes of businesses and communities.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Links* Professor Partner’s new Substack (open to collaborating with guest historians): * Duke University: https://scholars.duke.edu/person/spartner* Book cited during podcast -- The Merchant’s Tale: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/the-merchants-tale/9780231182928/* Most recent book – Koume’s World: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/koumes-world/9780231211857/* Colleague’s book about the international tea trade during the 19th century - Green Tea with Milk and Sugar: When Japan Filled America’s Tea Cups by Robert Hellyer: https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Green-Milk-Sugar-Filled-America/dp/0231199104#SimonPartner #DukeUniversity #JapanHistory #Yokohama #MeijiRestoration #TokugawaJapan #JapaneseHistory #ModernJapan #EastAsianHistory #CommodorePerry #BlackShips #CulturalExchange #サイモンパートナー #デューク大学 #横浜 #明治維新 #幕末 #日本史 #開国 #黒船 #徳川幕府 #外国人 #日米交流 #横浜開港 #RealGaijin #リアル外人If you enjoyed this, click the ❤️ button and restack.Thanks for reading Real Gaijin! This post is public so feel free to share it.Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-17) with Carlos Lastres, Tokyo-Based Apple Design Awards-Winning Designer and Engineer 02.07.2026 51min

  We are often told that the path to success in Japan is straightforward: study hard, join a company, work long hours, and repeat. This system is built on precision and discipline, but it often comes at a heartbreaking cost: the fading of our creative spark. Our guest today spent years observing this struggle and realized that creativity isn’t a divine gift reserved for artists. Rather, it’s a survival skill we’ve forgotten.Today on the Real Gaijin AMA podcast, we introduce a guest who refuses to color within the lines. He is a man who transformed his own grief and isolation into a blueprint for innovation. He proves that even a “gaijin“ with tattoos can thrive by putting broken pieces back together in unexpected ways.Who is he?Carlos Lastres is not your typical designer. A senior product designer, software engineer, and MBA holder, he operates at the volatile, lucrative intersection of aesthetics, code, and business strategy. A winner of the Apple Design Award for Inclusivity (2025, Speechify), Carlos has built digital experiences that have reached millions across SaaS, Web3, and health tech.His journey is one of profound transformation. Growing up in Costa Rica, he was pushed toward “safe” paths. However, life took a turn when he lost his mother to cancer in his early 20s. This tragedy shocked Carlos to his core and forced him to ask hard questions about legacy and purpose. This quest led him to China and eventually to Japan, where he became a three-time TEDx speaker, a polyglot, and a vocal proponent of fostering creativity in the workplace. Carlos doesn’t just design products; he solves problems by blending his unique cultural perspective with his passion for business-driven, user-centric design.On the agendaWe cut through the jargon to explore what it means to be creative in a rigid world.* The “Gaijin“ Edge: How Carlos’ background as an outsider in Japan and China became his greatest asset for innovation.* Creativity as a Survival Skill: Tactical steps to retrain the brain, break out of professional labels, and move beyond the “logical vs. creative” binary;* Designing for Revenue: Why the best design isn’t just about beauty—it’s about data-informed decisions that move the needle.* The AI Era: How tools are changing the landscape for product designers, and why the human “taste” factor remains irreplaceable.* Lessons from the Journey: Insights from winning an Apple Design Award.Key Takeaways* Embrace cultural differences as a catalyst for professional growth: Carlos describes his journey through Latin America, Silicon Valley, China, and Japan as a master class in professional development. He learned to balance the innate creativity of his roots with the essential “speed-to-market” mindset practiced in China and the meticulous, quality-driven documentation standards found in Japan. Ultimately, he used this blend to develop award-winning software.* View “gaijin” (foreigner) status as a strategic superpower: Rather than letting his status as a foreigner in Japan be a barrier, Carlos uses it to challenge rigid corporate norms. Acting as a contrast to the traditional Japanese “salaryman” archetype provides his colleagues with a different perspective and helps them feel more comfortable taking calculated risks and thinking creatively within a structure that often discourages standing out.* Understand that true “balance” is a myth: Carlos asserts that achieving a perfect work-life balance is not the goal for high-performing professionals. He advises prioritizing based on a project’s specific needs, whether that means moving at lightning speed to capture market share or slowing down to ensure absolute quality and compliance when working with government entities.* Leverage AI as a partner, not a replacement: Addressing the fear that AI will replace developers, Carlos argues that people using AI will replace those who do not. He emphasizes that the future of software interaction is natural language and has found that using tools like ChatGPT helps him become a better, more precise thinker by forcing him to refine his ability to describe complex ideas clearly.* Invest in yourself to remain relevant in an evolving landscape: Carlos emphasizes that, regardless of tools or technological shifts, the most critical investment is in oneself. He maintains confidence in his ability to stay ahead of the curve by “learning how to learn” and continuously adding new skills, whether through certifications, personal projects, or exploring fields outside of software development. Carlos notes that he currently feels three times faster and more productive than before the widespread adoption of AI.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Links* Website: https://www.lastrescarlos.com/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carloslastres/* Speechify — Text to speech. Voice typing. Fast answers: https://speechify.com/* Glimpse – AI vision for your Ray-Bans: https://glimpseai.jp/* YouTube TEDx Talk:#CarlosLastres #ProductDesign #Innovation #Creativity #JapanTech #UXDesign #CareerAdvice #TechLeadership #DesignThinking #カルロスラストレス #プロダクトデザイン #イノベーション #クリエイティビティ #日本企業 #キャリア #デザイン思考 #テック #エンジニア #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-16) with Kevin Dias, Founder of Ambiki and The Problem-First Method 05.06.2026 54min

  Imagine if pediatric therapists could spend less time on paperwork and more time helping children communicate, move, and thrive. Innovative software platforms are transforming how clinics operate across the healthcare industry, and pediatric therapy is no exception. In this episode, we explored how technology, artificial intelligence, and thoughtful software design are helping speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists reduce administrative burdens, improve patient care, and establish more sustainable practices.This episode of Real Gaijin’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) podcast series featured an expert in this emerging field, Japan-based Kevin Dias, Founder of Ambiki and The Problem-First Method.Who is he?Kevin Dias is the founder of Ambiki, a healthcare technology company that develops electronic medical record (EMR) and practice management software for pediatric speech, occupational, and physical therapy clinics. Originally from the United States, Kevin has lived in Japan since 2008. His career has taken him from investment banking and English teaching to translation technology and healthcare software. Prior to launching Ambiki, Kevin served as the CTO of Sidekick Therapy Partners. There, he helped develop a custom practice management platform that supported the company’s rapid growth from roughly 70 to over 180 clinicians in just three years.In 2026, Kevin published The Problem-First Method, a book that challenges organizations to focus on solving real problems instead of creating solutions in search of a problem.He currently lives in Oyama, Japan, with his wife and three sons.On the agendaIn this conversation, Kevin shared his journey from the United States to Japan and his unconventional career path from English teaching and technology to healthcare software. We discussed the challenges pediatric speech-language pathology (SLP), occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy (PT) practices face, such as clinician burnout, staffing shortages, and the administrative burden that often prevents therapists from providing patient care. Kevin explained why existing electronic medical record (EMR) systems often fail to meet the needs of pediatric providers, how Ambiki was designed to address these shortcomings, and how AI can help clinicians without replacing them. We also discussed the lasting impact of teletherapy, lessons learned from scaling a healthcare technology company, the principles behind his book The Problem-First Method, and his vision for the pediatric therapy clinic of the future.Key takeaways* Increasing your “Luck Surface Area”: Kevin emphasized the importance of proactively learning new skills and taking risks to create more opportunities. He describes this process as increasing one’s “luck surface area.” He demonstrated this concept by teaching himself programming and attempting to solve operational problems during his time as an English teacher. This willingness to go beyond his initial job duties eventually facilitated his successful pivot into the tech industry.* Leveraging remote work structures: Running a U.S.-based company from a rural area in Japan required Kevin to master asynchronous communication and strategic time management. He is successfully balancing his professional responsibilities with his life abroad by waking up early to overlap with U.S. business hours for meetings and dedicating his remaining time to deep, focused work.* The “Problem-First Method”: At the core of his business, Ambiki, is the “Problem First Method,” a philosophy that focuses on deeply understanding the specific pain points of a niche customer base. After identifying that speech-language pathologists were underserved by existing software, Kevin built a tailored operating system that addressed their complex administrative and clinical workflows rather than attempting to provide a generalized product.* The value of local community: Reflecting upon his experience living in Japan, Kevin highlighted how deep integration into a local Japanese neighborhood can provide a vital, supportive safety net. After a frightening health incident involving his middle son, his rural neighbors’ immediate, caring response transformed his perspective on local communal obligations. Being an active, contributing member of the community is a significant and rewarding part of living in Japan, he says.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Links* Substack: https://substack.com/@kevindias2* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-dias-ambiki/* Ambiki Website: https://ambiki.com/* The Problem-First Method Book Website / Bookstore: https://problem-first-method.com/#TheProblemFirstMethod #FounderStory #ExpatEntrepreneur #LifeInJapan #HealthcareTech #FromTeachingToTech #KevinDias #Ambiki #AIinHealthcare #PediatricTherapy #SpeechTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #PhysicalTherapy #DigitalHealth #創業ストーリー #外国人起業家 #ヘルスケアテック #教育からテックへ #ケビンディーアス #医療分野におけるAI #小児療法 #言語療法 #作業療法 #理学療法 #デジタルヘルス #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-15) with Dominic Carter, CEO, The Carter Group and co-founder of Living Best 30.05.2026 1h 3min

  Japan is experiencing one of the most significant demographic shifts in modern history, including a shrinking population, rapid aging, labor shortages, depopulation of rural areas, and increasing strain on healthcare and social infrastructure. However, this seemingly dire situation is not all doom and gloom. For entrepreneurs, investors, and care providers willing to look beyond the headlines, these challenges are creating new markets.This episode of the Real Gaijin’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series features an expert in this emerging field, Dominic Carter, CEO, The Carter Group.Who is he?Dominic was born and raised in Australia. He studied marketing and Japanese at the University of New South Wales. Dominic began his career at Millward Brown, a branding, media, and communications consultancy, before relocating to Japan at age 24 to establish and lead the company’s local office.A serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building and leading businesses in Japan, Dominic has cultivated strong relationships with clients and partners in various sectors, including market research, market entry, executive search, ad tech, video gaming, and VR. He specializes in prescient marketing analysis and strategy attuned to Japanese culture and the nuances of the Japanese buyer. He is now the CEO of The Carter Group. Through its network of affiliated firms and investments, The Carter Group supports the success of global companies in Japan.In 2022, Dominic co-founded Living Best, a pioneering age-tech platform that identifies high-potential longevity and age-tech concepts from North America and beyond. The platform connects these concepts with commercial opportunities and capital in Japan. His work bridges technology and philosophy, drawing on Japanese concepts such as ikigai (living with purpose・生きがい) and pin pin korori (living well and dying quickly・ピンピンコロリ) to guide innovations that enhance quality of life as we age.Dominic has delivered keynotes at major global forums, including the AGE-WELL Conference in Canada and the Centre on Aging and Health’s Distinguished Lecture at the University of Regina. He regularly contributes to the broader business community through guest lectures and consultative roles, offering his insights on market entry, entrepreneurship, and consumer and societal megatrends in Japan.On the agendaWe explored the opportunities created by Japan’s demographic trends in sectors such as aging technology, health technology, elder care innovation, robotics, automation, preventive healthcare, wealth management, and AI-driven productivity solutions. Dominic explained that we should view Japan not as a case study in decline, but rather as one of the world’s most important real-time laboratories for aging societies and the businesses built to serve them.Key Takeaways* Japan’s aging population is more of a predictable business opportunity than a crisis. Japan’s demographic challenges have been apparent for decades and are often exaggerated as an impending catastrophe. Although caring for the current elderly population is resource-intensive, Japan has largely managed the transition successfully. A bigger challenge lies ahead: the large group of people currently in their 50s will eventually require support from a much smaller younger generation. This will create strong demand for technologies and services that help people maintain their independence for longer periods of time.* Age-tech encompasses far more than nursing homes and caregiving robots. Dominic defines it as any product or service that helps people compensate for, prevent, or manage the effects of aging beginning as early as age 50. This spectrum ranges from wellness and preventive technologies, such as fitness tracking, gait analysis, brain training, and personalized health monitoring, to care-focused solutions, including fall detection systems, mobility aids, exoskeletons, and caregiving robots. This broad definition expands the total addressable market far beyond traditional elder care.* The biggest commercial winners will solve problems without creating more work. Many promising technologies fail because they disrupt existing workflows or create additional burdens for caregivers and care facilities. Solutions that operate quietly in the background, reduce costs, lower hospital readmission rates, improve safety, or seamlessly integrate into daily routines are far more likely to be adopted than technologies that require extensive retraining or behavioral changes.* Personalized wellness may become one of the most important age-tech sectors. Although robotics and autonomous transportation currently attract the most attention, Dominic believes that the larger, long-term opportunity may be in personalized health optimization. Advances in diagnostics, biomarkers, AI-driven health monitoring, individualized treatments, and preventive interventions could help people extend their healthy life span, delaying or even avoiding the need for formal care. Japan, a country where people already embrace regular health screenings, may prove to be a particularly fertile market for such solutions.* The future belongs to proactive individuals who take responsibility for their own aging journey. Personal responsibility was a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Dominic emphasized that many people in their 50s and 60s recognize that they cannot rely on the family-based support systems enjoyed by previous generations. Those who actively plan ahead, embrace technology, maintain digital literacy, monitor their health, and experiment with new solutions will likely be better positioned to remain independent and enjoy a higher quality of life as they age.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Links* Substack: https://substack.com/@dominiccarter* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiccarterjapan/* The Carter Group Website: https://the-carter-group.com/en/* Living Best Website: https://living-best.tech/* The World’s Real-time Laboratory for Age-Tech White Paper: https://living-best.tech/age-tech-white-paper/#DominicCarter #TheCarterGroup #LivingBest #AgingSociety #Demographics #AgeTech #HealthTech #Longevity #SilverEconomy #JapanBusiness #JapanEconomy #HealthcareInnovation #ElderCare #DigitalHealth #MedTech #ドミニクカーター​ #カーターグループ #リビングベスト #ヘルステック #長寿 #シルバーエコノミー #ヘルスケアイノベーション #高齢者ケア #デジタルヘルス #メドテック #長寿経済 #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-14) with Daichi Kunii, CEO of ReDelta 24.05.2026 1h

  Currently, there are hundreds of thousands of SMEs in Japan with no designated successor. Despite having solid financials and a long list of satisfied customers, many of these firms are at risk of ceasing operations because there is nobody to take over once the current owner retires, becomes incapacitated, or passes away. Thus, there are ample opportunities to acquire such firms or take an equity stake in them. But how do you uncover such opportunities, determine the seller’s motivation, assess business performance, and navigate Japan’s cultural and legal landscapes to close a deal?This episode of Real Gaijin’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series features a Japanese individual with an extensive background working with foreigners.Who is he?Daichi Kunii (國井大地) was born and raised in Japan and is now the CEO of ReDelta, a Tokyo-based boutique M&A advisory firm. Previously, Daichi worked at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, where he gained extensive experience in cross-border M&A and developed deep expertise in global financial practices and complex transaction structures. In 2019, he founded ReDelta, an enterprise dedicated to connecting Japanese SMEs with their counterparts in the ASEAN region.On the agendaWe covered the following topics and also took several questions:* What kind of opportunities are available (industries, scope, geography, etc.)?* What is the process for assessing a potential seller and approaching them with an offer?* What kinds of deal structures are possible and common (e.g., full- or partial-equity acquisition, seller rollover, support for the post-merger integration transition/hand-off, advisory contract)?* What are past success cases?* What are the pitfalls regarding the potential clash of business cultures and expectations on both sides?Key Takeaways* Japan’s SME market, driven by succession, is dominated by privately held small businesses that are often underappreciated. These businesses are in sectors such as food and beverage (F&B including small-scale restaurants and pubs, which are called izakaya in Japanese), small-scale manufacturing, and hospitality, especially traditional inn (ryokan) and hot spring (onsen) properties. Many manufacturing firms facing succession issues generate less than US $7 million in annual revenue and have only 10–12 employees. Meanwhile, ryokan deals may involve approximately $2 million in annual revenue and profit margins below 10–15%. The “Japan M&A Finder” database from ReDelta includes hundreds of current opportunities that are much smaller in scale (can check 3 opportunities/month for free or pay US $150/month for unlimited access). Valuations commonly use EBITDA multiples of 3x–6x, and deals often close within three to four months because the financial structures are relatively simple. With prices like these, it should be possible to recoup the initial investment within three to four years. An important nuance is that many buildings, machinery, and facilities were fully depreciated decades ago and may have a balance sheet value of only 1 yen, even though they are still operationally valuable. Daichi also noted that, while distressed sellers may occasionally accept discounted offers, foreign buyers should generally avoid “lowball” tactics. Offers materially below 90% of the asking price can damage trust and reduce the likelihood of a successful transaction. Additionally, ReDelta usually charges fees equivalent to 3% of the valuation or $7,000, whichever is greater. Separate fees for post-acquisition consultation are charged monthly and vary depending on the size of the business.* Trust and employee continuity often outweigh price in Japanese succession deals. Daichi emphasized that sellers care deeply about their employees’ and the local community’s future after retirement. Foreign buyers who demonstrate respect for staff, long-term commitment, and genuine appreciation for the business culture are far more likely to succeed. In many cases, buyers must formally commit to maintaining associate employment for two to three years post-acquisition. Sellers are often reassured when buyers present the acquisition as a means of preserving the company, protecting jobs, and continuing the founder’s legacy rather than as a hostile takeover.* Two distinct categories of foreign buyers are emerging in Japan’s succession-driven M&A market. According to Daichi, many Singapore-based buyers act primarily as financial investors, focusing on acquiring businesses with significant assets, such as ryokans and hotels, for their land and real estate value. In contrast, many North American and European buyers are “hands-on” operators seeking a lifestyle change, retirement opportunity, or long-term relocation to rural Japan. These buyers often become personally involved in managing the business after the acquisition and are motivated as much by lifestyle and community integration as by financial returns. While many transactions are completed in cash, financing is also possible through Japanese regional banks, megabanks, or lenders in the buyer’s home country, particularly in Singapore.* Buying an existing Japanese business is often faster and less risky than starting one from scratch, especially for foreigners. Daichi argued that acquisitions allow buyers to “buy time” by inheriting existing employees, customer relationships, operating licenses, distribution channels, and stable revenue streams. This is particularly valuable for foreigners who are unfamiliar with Japanese business culture or lack local networks. Rather than spending years building trust and infrastructure, buyers can immediately step into an operating business and gradually modernize it.* The biggest risks are often cultural and operational, not financial. Daichi noted that many small Japanese firms have relatively simple accounting structures, meaning legal compliance, labor practices, permits, and cultural integration matter more than sophisticated financial engineering. Foreign buyers may face resistance in rural areas where employees and communities are unfamiliar with foreign ownership. Establishing credibility, clearly communicating intentions, and respecting local culture are essential for long-term success. The “storytelling” around why the buyer wants the business can materially affect employee morale and seller confidence.* Preparation and seriousness strongly influence whether Japanese sellers agree to a deal. Daichi stressed that first impressions are critical. Those who thoroughly research the company, understand the founder’s background, ask informed questions, and show genuine respect tend to gain seller confidence quickly. Conversely, buyers who appear opportunistic or poorly prepared often fail, even if they become more serious later on. In Japan’s SME succession market, personal credibility and relationship-building are central to successful M&A execution.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts (and resources)* ReDelta Website: https://redelta.co.jp/en* Japan M & A Finder: https://app.redelta-ma.com/en* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daichi-kunii/* Substack: Japan Bridge Insights#DaichiKunii #ReDelta #JapanSMEs #JapaneseBusiness #MandA #JapanBusiness #CrossBorderMAndA #JapanInvesting #SMEAcquisition #BusinessAcquisition #Entrepreneurship #JapanOpportunity #AcquireInJapan #SuccessionPlanning #PrivateEquity #ASEANBusiness #ForeignEntrepreneurs #JapanEconomy #DealMaking #國井大地 #株式会社リデルタ #リデルタ #日本企業 #中小企業 #事業承継 #後継者不足　#クロスボーダーMandA #企業買収 #日本投資 #中小企業MandA #事業買収 #起業家 #日本経済 #日本ビジネス #事業承継問題 #プライベートエクイティ #ASEANビジネス #外国人起業家 #日本で起業 #企業再生 #ディールメイキング #地方創生 #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-13, Session 3 of 3・The Fall) with Steven Gan, the founder of Japan's first debt collection agency run by a foreigner 08.05.2026 1h 55min

  Foreign businesspeople often push the boundaries of conventional business practices in Japan. They have the vision, technical expertise, and drive necessary to think outside the box and achieve their goals. Japan, a conformist and chronically conservative society, often needs this kind of disruptive leader. Periods of foreign influence help propel Japanese society forward.Today’s guest has a lot in common with Carlos Ghosn, the former head of Nissan. Both are foreign businesspeople who gained prominence as outsiders in Japan’s challenging business environment, only to face serious legal consequences. However, their responses to these consequences differ significantly. Our guest admitted his wrongdoing, submitted to the Japanese legal process, and served his prison sentence despite his strong conviction that he had done nothing wrong. In fact, he had sought legal advice prior to launching his business to support his position. In contrast, Ghosn denied the charges and fled the country to avoid prosecution. These cases highlight the broader narrative that, while they both reflect the risks faced by outsiders navigating Japan’s institutional and cultural boundaries, especially in legal “gray areas,” they also illustrate different approaches to accountability, justice, and personal responsibility.Real Gaijin is privileged to introduce exceptional foreigners who, in one way or another, have made Japan their home or are closely involved with the country. Each story offers insights into how to best interact with the Japanese, and today’s guest is no exception.Who is he?Meet Steven (”Steve”) Gan, an American business professional, author, and credit risk expert. He founded the first debt collection agency run by a foreigner during Japan’s turbulent post-bubble era and has spent decades living and working in Japan. Steve chronicled this experience in his 2016 memoir, Making It & Breaking It in Japan: My True Story of Songs, Sins, and Solitary. The book became an Amazon bestseller in the Foreign Cultures category and is valued by educators and executives seeking a cross-cultural understanding of Japan’s business environment and legal systems.After returning to his hometown of Chicago, Steve founded Stellar Risk Management Services, Inc. in the U.S. His work emphasizes intercultural management and financial ethics, bridging U.S.–Japan business practices.Three stories in oneAs it is simply not possible to do justice to Steve’s long tenure in Japan in a single hour-long podcast, we have split this true story into three pre-recorded sections.* Initial experience in Japan and working for a traditional Japanese company* Starting the country’s first debt collection agency run by a foreigner, which achieved extraordinary success* Colliding with the harsh justice system and eventually facing legal consequences that led to his imprisonment in TokyoEpisode 3 of 3: “I fought the law, and the law won”We discussed how Steve’s business ran afoul of the authorities, leading to his imprisonment. Steve explained how he navigated this crisis both in and out of court appearances and being locked up in the Tokyo Detention Center in a country with a 99% conviction rate, thanks mainly to the tremendous support of his immediate family, business colleagues, and loyal customers.Key take-aways* In Japan, disruption often triggers institutional resistance rather than market competition: Steve’s business succeeded by introducing an aggressive, outcome-based debt collection model that filled a clear market gap. However, success itself became the liability. As the firm grew from a niche operation into a thriving, national business, it began to threaten established professional monopolies, especially those in the legal sector. Rather than competing based on service quality or pricing, the “Committee that Guards Against Illegal Activities Performed by Non-Attorneys” (now “Committee on Regulation of Non-Lawyer Activities”・非弁護士取締委員会) of the Tokyo Bar Association leveraged a regulatory interpretation of Article 72 of the Attorney’s Law to challenge the legitimacy of the entire model. This illustrates a structural dynamic in Japan: innovation that encroaches on protected domains often invites administrative or legal suppression rather than open competition. * Legal ambiguity can persist until it is forcefully resolved, and the process can outweigh the substance: Despite multiple legal opinions supporting Steve’s business model, as well as the active use of his service by law firms, some of Japan’s “mega-banks,” and government entities, the company operated in a “gray zone” that remained vulnerable. The subsequent investigation revealed a system heavily oriented toward procedural outcomes, particularly obtaining a signed confession, rather than adjudicating underlying legality. The inability to have legal counsel present during questioning, pressure to sign statements, and high conviction rate all point to a system driven by process where compliance matters as much as legal merit.It is important to note that back in 2004, Japan still lacked a formal plea-bargaining system. This reflected a criminal justice framework that relied more heavily on prosecutorial discretion, confessions, and negotiated remorse than on American-style legal dealmaking. This changed in 2018 when Japan introduced a limited form of plea-bargaining known as the “cooperative agreement system.” However, Japan’s system remains far narrower in scope than the American version: it is primarily designed for white-collar and organized crime investigations and focuses on suspects providing evidence against other individuals or organizations rather than simply pleading guilty to their own crimes in exchange for reduced punishment.Ultimately, Steve’s refusal to concede guilt prolonged the process, exposing how legal ambiguity is often resolved through pressure rather than clarity. * Foreign-led innovation in Japan carries asymmetric risk, especially when it scales up: Steve explicitly frames his experience as a cautionary tale: Being a foreign disruptor amplifies visibility and vulnerability. Early-stage novelty may be tolerated—or even celebrated—but once the model gains traction and begins to reshape an industry, the level of scrutiny intensifies. Media exposure, such as book publication and an NHK documentary, accelerated growth and backlash, effectively forcing regulators to act. The comparison to other high-profile foreign executives underscores a broader pattern: Outsiders can catalyze change in Japan, but they lack institutional protections and informal networks that buffer domestic actors. Therefore, scaling innovation is not just a business challenge, but also a political and cultural one. Link to Session 1 of 3Link to Session 2 of 3Silver liningDespite experiencing such a tumultuous journey, which included the meteoric growth of a startup only to be dealt a proverbial “Go to Jail. Go directly to Jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200” card from the Japanese equivalent of the game of Monopoly, there is a silver lining. Steve still loves Japan and was able to “rise from the ashes like a phoenix.” After returning to the United States in 2005, he founded Stellar Risk Management Services in Illinois. Today, the company advises Fortune 500 clients on credit, collections, and financial risk strategies. The company specializes in helping firms expand safely while minimizing exposure to bad debt.Today, Steve publishes a monthly newsletter written in Japanese called The Stellar Journal, which is distributed to roughly 14,000 readers.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Books (by Steve)* 青い目の債権取り立て屋・奮闘記 (“Chronicle of the Struggles of a Blue-Eyed Debt Collector”): Published in Japanese.* Making It & Breaking It in Japan: My True Story of Songs, Sins, and Solitary: Published in English.Key contactsWebsite: https://www.stellarrisk.com/Newsletter: https://www.stellarrisk.com/blogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stgan/IAESTE Internship: https://iaeste.org/internshipsJapan America Society of Chicago: https://jaschicago.org/Thunderbird School of Global Management: https://thunderbird.asu.edu/#JapanBusiness #ForeignEntrepreneurs #StevenGan #CrossCulturalBusiness #JapanLegalSystem #BusinessEthics #CarlosGhosn #DebtCollection #TokyoBarAssociation #TokyoDetentionCenter #ExpatLifeJapan #日本ビジネス）#外国人起業家 #スティーブンギャン #異文化ビジネス #司法制度 #ビジネス倫理 #カルロスゴーン #東京弁護士会 #債権回収 #米国公認会計士 #外資系企業 #アドバンスアンドアソシエイツ株式会社 #延滞売掛金の回収 #与信管理相談士 #キャッシュフロー問題 #日本での外国人生活 #東京拘置所 #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
• 
  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-12, Session 2 of 3・The Rise) with Steven Gan, the founder of Japan's first debt collection agency run by a foreigner 08.05.2026 1h 7min

  Foreign businesspeople often push the boundaries of conventional business practices in Japan. They have the vision, technical expertise, and drive necessary to think outside the box and achieve their goals. Japan, a conformist and chronically conservative society, often needs this kind of disruptive leader. Periods of foreign influence help propel Japanese society forward.However, such innovations can sometimes cause such a stir that those in power become determined to quash gaiatsu (外圧), or external influence, that threatens the status quo.Today’s guest has a lot in common with Carlos Ghosn, the former head of Nissan. Both are foreign businesspeople who gained prominence as outsiders in Japan’s challenging business environment, only to face serious legal consequences. However, their responses to these consequences differ significantly. Our guest admitted his wrongdoing, submitted to the Japanese legal process, and served his prison sentence despite his strong conviction that he had done nothing wrong. In fact, he had sought legal advice prior to launching his business to support his position. In contrast, Ghosn denied the charges and fled the country to avoid prosecution. These cases highlight the broader narrative that, while they both reflect the risks faced by outsiders navigating Japan’s institutional and cultural boundaries, especially in legal “gray areas,” they also illustrate different approaches to accountability, justice, and personal responsibility.Real Gaijin is privileged to introduce exceptional foreigners who, in one way or another, have made Japan their home or are closely involved with the country. Each story offers insights into how to best interact with the Japanese, and today’s guest is no exception.Who is he?Meet Steven (”Steve”) Gan, an American business professional, author, and credit risk expert. He founded the first debt collection agency run by a foreigner during Japan’s turbulent post-bubble era and has spent decades living and working in Japan. Steve chronicled this experience in his 2016 memoir, Making It & Breaking It in Japan: My True Story of Songs, Sins, and Solitary. The book became an Amazon bestseller in the Foreign Cultures category and is valued by educators and executives seeking a cross-cultural understanding of Japan’s business environment and legal systems.After returning to his hometown of Chicago, Steve founded Stellar Risk Management Services, Inc. in the U.S. His work emphasizes intercultural management and financial ethics, bridging U.S.–Japan business practices.Three stories in oneAs it is simply not possible to do justice to Steve’s long tenure in Japan in a single hour-long podcast, we have split this true story into three pre-recorded sections.* Initial experience in Japan and working for a traditional Japanese company* Starting the country’s first debt collection agency run by a foreigner, which achieved extraordinary success* Colliding with the harsh justice system and eventually facing legal consequences that led to his imprisonment in TokyoEpisode 2 of 3: Start-up Success in TokyoWe discussed how Steve founded and successfully developed the first debt collection agency run by a foreigner in Japan in 1992. He introduced international credit risk practices to a tightly regulated market. Through publications, seminars, and television appearances, Steve became a prominent advocate for professional credit management and corporate accountability. His firm served hundreds of clients, promoting transparency and modern business standards in Japanese finance.Key take-aways* In Japan, relationship-first networking can be a primary engine of business creation: Steve deliberately used informal settings, especially izakayas (Japanese pubs) and karaoke, as a structured strategy to build trust, exchange business cards, and generate leads. These relationships later translated directly into clients, partnerships, and market insight. This demonstrates that social integration is often a prerequisite to gaining a foothold in the market.* Successful market entry often depends on identifying structural inefficiencies and navigating legal constraints creatively: Steve identified a clear gap: small-to-mid-sized debt collection was underserved due to stigma (association with the Yakuza or Japanese mafia) and misaligned incentives for law firms. By leveraging a legal workaround (partnership structures) and targeting neglected claims, he created a viable niche. The broader takeaway is that opportunities in Japan often exist in regulatory gray zones or culturally avoided sectors.* Reframing a stigmatized industry through ethics and value creation can enable growth: Rather than using coercion, Steve’s firm adopted a “soft collection” model, prioritizing dialogue, repayment plans, and employment support for debtors. This differentiated the company from the Yakuza and traditional collectors, reshaping its public image and enabling media exposure, institutional trust, and large enterprise clients. In effect, ethical repositioning became a competitive advantage.Spoiler alertSteve’s account of his first encounter with a skip tracing service (as advertised), which later turned out to be a local enforcer of the Japanese mafia, or Yakuza, will undoubtedly grab your attention. Skip to around 32:38.Link to Session 1 of 3Link to Session 3 of 3Silver liningDespite experiencing such a tumultuous journey, which included the meteoric growth of a startup only to be dealt a proverbial “Go to Jail. Go directly to Jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200” card from the Japanese equivalent of the game of Monopoly, there is a silver lining. Steve still loves Japan and was able to “rise from the ashes like a phoenix.” After returning to the United States in 2005, he founded Stellar Risk Management Services in Illinois. Today, the company advises Fortune 500 clients on credit, collections, and financial risk strategies. The company specializes in helping firms expand safely while minimizing exposure to bad debt.Today, Steve publishes a monthly newsletter written in Japanese called The Stellar Journal, which is distributed to roughly 14,000 readers.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Books (by Steve)* 青い目の債権取り立て屋・奮闘記 (“Chronicle of the Struggles of a Blue-Eyed Debt Collector”): Published in Japanese.* Making It & Breaking It in Japan: My True Story of Songs, Sins, and Solitary: Published in English.Key contactsWebsite: https://www.stellarrisk.com/Newsletter: https://www.stellarrisk.com/blogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stgan/IAESTE Internship: https://iaeste.org/internshipsJapan America Society of Chicago: https://jaschicago.org/Thunderbird School of Global Management: https://thunderbird.asu.edu/#JapanBusiness #ForeignEntrepreneurs #StevenGan #CrossCulturalBusiness #JapanLegalSystem #BusinessEthics #CarlosGhosn #DebtCollection #TokyoBarAssociation #TokyoDetentionCenter #ExpatLifeJapan #日本ビジネス）#外国人起業家 #スティーブンギャン #異文化ビジネス #司法制度 #ビジネス倫理 #カルロスゴーン #東京弁護士会 #債権回収 #米国公認会計士 #外資系企業 #アドバンスアンドアソシエイツ株式会社 #延滞売掛金の回収 #与信管理相談士 #キャッシュフロー問題 #日本での外国人生活 #東京拘置所 #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
• 
  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-11, Session 1 of 3・The Beginning) with Steven Gan, the founder of Japan's first debt collection agency run by a foreigner 08.05.2026 1h 4min

  Foreign businesspeople often push the boundaries of conventional business practices in Japan. They have the vision, technical expertise, and drive necessary to think outside the box and achieve their goals. Japan, a conformist and chronically conservative society, often needs this kind of disruptive leader. Periods of foreign influence help propel Japanese society forward.However, such innovations can sometimes cause such a stir that those in power become determined to quash gaiatsu (外圧), or external influence, that threatens the status quo.Today’s guest has a lot in common with Carlos Ghosn, the former head of Nissan. Both are foreign businesspeople who gained prominence as outsiders in Japan’s challenging business environment, only to face serious legal consequences. However, their responses to these consequences differ significantly. Our guest admitted his wrongdoing, submitted to the Japanese legal process, and served his prison sentence despite his strong conviction that he had done nothing wrong. In fact, he had sought legal advice prior to launching his business to support his position. In contrast, Ghosn denied the charges and fled the country to avoid prosecution. These cases highlight the broader narrative that, while they both reflect the risks faced by outsiders navigating Japan’s institutional and cultural boundaries, especially in legal “gray areas,” they also illustrate different approaches to accountability, justice, and personal responsibility.Real Gaijin is privileged to introduce exceptional foreigners who, in one way or another, have made Japan their home or are closely involved with the country. Each story offers insights into how to best interact with the Japanese, and today’s guest is no exception.Who is he?Meet Steven (”Steve”) Gan, an American business professional, author, and credit risk expert. He founded the first debt collection agency run by a foreigner during Japan’s turbulent post-bubble era and has spent decades living and working in Japan. Steve chronicled this experience in his 2016 memoir, Making It & Breaking It in Japan: My True Story of Songs, Sins, and Solitary. The book became an Amazon bestseller in the Foreign Cultures category and is valued by educators and executives seeking a cross-cultural understanding of Japan’s business environment and legal systems.After returning to his hometown of Chicago, Steve founded Stellar Risk Management Services, Inc. in the U.S. His work emphasizes intercultural management and financial ethics, bridging U.S.–Japan business practices.Three stories in oneAs it is simply not possible to do justice to Steve’s long tenure in Japan in a single hour-long podcast, we have split this true story into three pre-recorded sections.* Initial experience in Japan and working for a traditional Japanese company* Starting the country’s first debt collection agency run by a foreigner, which achieved extraordinary success* Colliding with the harsh justice system and eventually facing legal consequences that led to his imprisonment in TokyoEpisode 1 of 3: Early DaysWe discussed Steve’s first experience of Japan during the Bubble Era. We heard how he survived and thrived as a newly qualified engineer from abroad in the completely unfamiliar environment of a traditional Japanese company in the early 1980s. Steve then recounted how he returned home to Chicago to earn an accounting degree and join the family business. Eager to return to Japan, years later Steve found a way to go back to Tokyo and take up a position at Nippon Motorola. This time, however, he was treated differently and had to forge new friendships using an unconventional approach.Key take-aways* Success in Japan is determined by adaptability, not just enthusiasm: Steve’s first internship was successful because he followed critical behavioral heuristics: patience, humility, and a willingness to “go with the flow.” In contrast, his later return was initially unsuccessful because he overcorrected—his excessive enthusiasm and assertiveness disrupted group harmony. The core lesson is that cultural calibration matters more than effort or intent.* Making an effort to learn the language is a high-leverage signal that unlocks social and professional access: Even minimal Japanese proficiency (e.g., greetings, phone handling, and basic interactions) significantly improved Steve’s ability to integrate into Japanese society, while his peers who avoided learning the language struggled. Beyond the mechanics of communication, speaking the language signaled respect and lowered barriers, accelerating the formation of trust both inside the company and in broader social settings.* Informal networks, such as izakaya (Japanese pub) and karaoke culture, are critical to relationship-building and business outcomes: Formal workplace channels failed to provide feedback or integration, but informal environments enabled authentic connection. Through repeated, low-pressure social participation, especially karaoke, Steve built relationships, gained acceptance, and generated business opportunities. This suggests that relational capital in Japan is often built outside of formal structures.Link to Session 2 of 3Link to Session 3 of 3Silver liningDespite experiencing such a tumultuous journey, which included the meteoric growth of a startup only to be dealt a proverbial “Go to Jail. Go directly to Jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200” card from the Japanese equivalent of the game of Monopoly, there is a silver lining. Steve still loves Japan and was able to “rise from the ashes like a phoenix.” After returning to the United States in 2005, he founded Stellar Risk Management Services in Illinois. Today, the company advises Fortune 500 clients on credit, collections, and financial risk strategies. The company specializes in helping firms expand safely while minimizing exposure to bad debt.Today, Steve publishes a monthly newsletter written in Japanese called The Stellar Journal, which is distributed to roughly 14,000 readers.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Books (by Steve)* 青い目の債権取り立て屋・奮闘記 (“Chronicle of the Struggles of a Blue-Eyed Debt Collector”): Published in Japanese.* Making It & Breaking It in Japan: My True Story of Songs, Sins, and Solitary: Published in English.Key contactsWebsite: https://www.stellarrisk.com/Newsletter: https://www.stellarrisk.com/blogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stgan/IAESTE Internship: https://iaeste.org/internshipsJapan America Society of Chicago: https://jaschicago.org/Thunderbird School of Global Management: https://thunderbird.asu.edu/#JapanBusiness #ForeignEntrepreneurs #StevenGan #CrossCulturalBusiness #JapanLegalSystem #BusinessEthics #CarlosGhosn #DebtCollection #TokyoBarAssociation #TokyoDetentionCenter #ExpatLifeJapan #日本ビジネス）#外国人起業家 #スティーブンギャン #異文化ビジネス #司法制度 #ビジネス倫理 #カルロスゴーン #東京弁護士会 #債権回収 #米国公認会計士 #外資系企業 #アドバンスアンドアソシエイツ株式会社 #延滞売掛金の回収 #与信管理相談士 #キャッシュフロー問題 #日本での外国人生活 #東京拘置所 #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-10) with Andrew Neuman, a Japan-Based Professional and Adoptive Parent 12.04.2026 1h 13min

  Japan records relatively few adoptions each year. The majority are adult adoptions tied to family succession, not placements of unrelated children. True child adoptions, especially of children from the welfare system, remain limited. Against this backdrop, foreign adoptive parents are a small but notable edge case, navigating a system that is both structurally restrictive and culturally cautious.Today, Real Gaijin was privileged to speak with a longtime Japan resident originally from California who made the momentous decision to adopt a Japanese child and raise them in a bicultural setting.Who is he?Andrew Neuman, a Japan-based professional and adoptive parent, has firsthand experience navigating the country’s complex and often opaque adoption system. His experience gives him a rare, practitioner-level perspective on the structural, legal, and cultural dynamics that shape adoption in Japan, from the constraints of the special adoption framework, which is called Tokubetsu Yoshiengumi (特別養子縁組) in Japanese, to the practical realities of raising a child across cultural and linguistic boundaries. His story provides insight into the discrepancy between policy design and lived experience, as well as the broader question of how family formation is evolving in a rapidly aging society.On the agendaWe heard about Andrew’s family’s experiences in the context of how Japan’s adoption process operates. We examined instances where the system breaks down in practice, the reasons behind the persistent gap between the number of children in need of “forever homes” and the limited number of successful adoptions, and the ways in which institutional incentives influence these outcomes.Key Takeaways* Japan’s adoption system is significantly underutilized. This leaves a stark gap between the number of children in need of “forever homes” and the number of children who are actually adopted. Though approximately 42,000 children cannot live with their biological parents, most of whom remain in institutional settings, only 300 to 500 adoptions occur annually. This means that only a tiny fraction of eligible children transition into permanent family environments each year. This underscores a structural imbalance driven by legal constraints, cultural preferences for bloodline continuity, and limited adoption throughput.* The adoption process, particularly for foreign applicants, is highly constrained, hierarchical, and psychologically demanding. Prospective parents must navigate strict prioritization rules that place non-Japanese couples, especially those living abroad, at the lowest tier. They must also endure long periods of uncertainty with no guaranteed outcome. The process requires candid self-assessment about what challenges prospective parents can handle. It is less about choosing a child and more about proving suitability within a rigid system. At the same time, a practical takeaway from the discussion is the importance of seeking guidance from adoptive parents who have already gone through the process. Their firsthand experience can help set expectations, reduce uncertainty, and provide critical emotional and procedural support.* Go deeper: Restrictions on the age of adoptive parents, especially the mother, are a standard but variably enforced feature of adoption policy across countries. These restrictions reflect concerns about long-term caregiving capacity and generational fit. In Japan, although there is no uniform legal cutoff, adoption agencies and courts impose strict de facto limits. They typically favor adoptive mothers in their 20s and early 40s for infant adoptions. Flexibility increases for older children, though matching odds are sharply reduced beyond the mid-40s. By contrast, the United States has no formal age caps, relying instead on a holistic “fitness” standard. However, agencies often impose soft ceilings tied to the parent’s ability to raise a child to adulthood. Other countries take a more rules-based approach. South Korea enforces explicit upper age limits; China uses tiered systems that restrict older parents to harder-to-place children; and India applies combined parental age thresholds that vary by the child’s age. Two consistent patterns emerge across all systems: age constraints are stricter for infant adoption and relax for older children, and maternal age is often treated as the primary gating factor, whether formally codified or informally applied.* Becoming an adoptive parent of a Japanese child—especially as a non-Japanese national—requires a structured, multi-stage process with limited flexibility. Applicants must first engage an accredited agency (often in their home country), complete extensive documentation and screening over several months, and then have their case reviewed by a Japanese intermediary, such as International Social Services Japan. Approval is followed by a potentially multi-year waiting period for a match. After that, the process shifts to Japan and includes travel, legal custody procedures, and a mandatory 6 ~ 18 month “period of nurturing.” During this period, prospective parents must reside temporarily in Japan to establish and demonstrate a stable parent-child relationship before finalization. Importantly, applicants cannot “hedge” across multiple countries or agencies. They must commit to a single pathway, which increases the risk and time commitment of the process.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts (and resources)* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneuman/* International Social Service Japan (page for “Prospective Adoptive Parents”): https://www.issj.org/adoption-web-en/paps/* The Nippon Foundation (Happy Yurikago Project): https://en.nippon-foundation.or.jp/what/projects/youth/happy_yurikago* U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan (Adoption): https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/adoption/* Japan Children Support Association: https://npojcsa.com/en/index.html* Children and Families Agency (Global Site): https://www.cfa.go.jp/en* Adopt International: https://www.adoptinter.org/* Short Documentary “Japan’s Throwaway Children | 101 East |日本の捨て児”* Discussion of “What it’s like to adopt a child in Japan” with Andrew#AndrewNeuman #Adoption #ChildWelfare #Parenting #Bicultural #ExpatLife #SocialPolicy #Demographics #SpecialAdoptionFramework #アンドリューニューマン #ニューマンアンドリュー #養子縁組 #児童福祉 #子育て #バイカルチャー #海外生活 #社会政策 #人口動態 #特別養子縁組 #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
• 
  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-09) with Derek Cirillo and Nick McLoota, the Co-founders of Yuki Homes 29.03.2026 1h 4min

  Japan has consistently ranked high on the bucket lists of foreign visitors in recent years. While Japan is a wonderful place to visit year-round, it boasts some of the best snowboarding and skiing in the world, making it a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts.Almost all snowboarders and skiers have heard of the world-famous Niseko ski resort, but there is a lot more to Japan’s skiing scene. Today, Real Gaijin introduces a pair of Americans who know Japan’s backcountry well.Meet Derek Cirillo and Nick McLoota, the co-founders of Yuki Homes.These young entrepreneurs fell in love with JAPOW and some of the best snowboarding and skiing resorts in Hokkaido. Together with a third partner, they decided to invest in their own property in Otaru to use as a home base for long visits (40 or 50 days at a time, for example). When they are not in town, they rent out the property on Airbnb, Rakuten Travel, and other online travel agencies (OTAs).After learning how many other foreigners had similar dreams and having a Reddit post about their own experience go viral, Derek and Nick decided to start their own real-estate consulting agency. Their agency connects overseas skiers and investors with Japanese real-estate brokers and other support services, such as local property managers, remodeling construction contractors, and tax accountants. Now, Yuki Homes helps foreign clients take advantage of Japan’s growing stock of affordable homes near some of the world’s best snowboarding and skiing destinations.Yuki Homes is now a full-service provider and expanding across JapanYou might recall that we first met the team at Yuki Homes last summer, well before the snow had fallen in Hokkaido this winter. ICYMI, see here:That didn’t stop the pair, though, from expanding their network across Japan (when they weren’t surfing in Miyazaki). Yuki Homes now has many more satisfied clients, and their Instagram following has ballooned. They now have a full team handling property tours, renovations and short-term rental management throughout Japan for buyers from the US, UK, Australia and Canada — with a special focus on Otaru, Asahikawa, and Miyoko. Despite the fact that most of their clients do not have long-term visas or local bank accounts, business is booming. Yuki Homes currently has seven remodeling projects underway, for example.Key takeaways (from our conversation on 29 MAR 2026)* From Snowboard Trip to Scalable Real Estate Venture: The business model behind Yuki Homes was born from a clear arbitrage opportunity: inexpensive rural Japanese properties, particularly those near ski resorts, combined with strong international demand for seasonal stays. After all, Japan currently offers the only affordable world-class ski locations. Derek and Nick found that comparable ski homes in North America were too expensive, but Japan offered similar or better snow conditions at a much lower price. They didn’t just decide to purchase property themselves; they also developed a process to help others do the same. Thus, Derek and Nick turned their personal experience into a brokerage-plus-advisory service that guides foreign buyers through the process of acquiring, renovating, and monetizing property. * Operational Complexity—and Resulting Value—of Local Execution: The business is not just about sourcing properties. It depends heavily on a distributed network of local experts across Japan. This includes licensed real-estate agents who handle legal compliance, local contractors who manage renovations, property checkers, and even neighbors to mitigate friction. The founders split responsibilities, with one handling front-end acquisition and client advisory and the other handling post-purchase execution and income optimization. This hybrid model—part concierge and part project manager—is essential in a market where language barriers, regulatory nuances, and local trust networks are decisive factors.* Handling Japan’s Regulatory Complexity on Your Behalf: Regulatory structure—particularly Japan’s minpaku (short-term rental) versus ryokan (hotel) licensing regime—fundamentally shapes investment outcomes. Minpaku properties face strict limitations, often capped at 180 rental days or further restricted locally, while hotel licenses allow for full-year operation, though they require higher compliance costs, such as fire safety measures, inspections, and proximity requirements for emergency contacts. Yuki Homes actively steers clients toward hotel-compliant properties to ensure long-term viability, especially amid tightening enforcement driven by concerns about overtourism. In effect, regulatory arbitrage, not just property price, is central to the investment thesis. TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts* Yuki Homes’ Instagram (Just DM them via IG for the fastest response): https://www.instagram.com/yukihomesjapan/* Yuki Homes’ Website: https://www.yukihomes.com/* Yuki Homes’ Substack (check out “The Bento Box” released every Friday for a showcase of a few select properties):* NipponHomes Dot Com (Zillow-like Tool): https://www.nipponhomes.com/* Kiroro Snow World: https://www.kiroro.co.jp/* PowderHounds: https://www.powderhounds.com/#JapanRealEstate #SkiProperty #Japow #Hokkaido #JapanRealEstate #Akiya #SkiJapan #ExpatLife #JapanInvesting #スキーリゾート #ジャパウ #北海道 #不動産投資 #空き家 #スキー日本 #YukiHomes #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-08) with "Anna," a Licensed Care Worker at an Elderly Care Facility in Osaka 19.03.2026 1h 3min

  Japan’s rapidly aging population is putting unprecedented pressure on its long-term care system. Few issues illustrate this strain more clearly than the debate over the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program. Supporters argue that foreign caregivers are essential to sustaining elder care services as the Japanese workforce shrinks. However, critics worry about the social and political implications of expanding immigration in a historically cautious country.Political rhetoric around immigration shows little sign of cooling. Yet, one perspective is often missing from the debate: the voices of the essential foreign workers themselves.To shed more light on this situation, Real Gaijin spoke with a licensed caregiver at an elderly care facility in Osaka. As an essential worker on the front lines of Japan’s healthcare challenges, our guest outlined her journey from the Philippines to a training program in Yokohama and ultimately to a long-term care home in Osaka. She told us about her work responsibilities and provided a firsthand perspective on the labor shortage in Japan’s care homes. She also shared her personal perspective on addressing some of the bigger issues, such as who will care for the rapidly growing elderly population, and expressed her wish for caregivers from abroad to be more welcomed by Japanese society as a whole.Who is she?Anna, who prefers to use only her first name for this interview, is a registered nurse in the Philippines. She currently works as a licensed care worker, the Japanese equivalent of a certified nursing assistant (CNA), in an elderly care facility in Osaka.Originally, Anna came to Japan as a care worker candidate under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) from 2021 to 2025. She recently passed the national care worker exam, also known as the kaigo fukushi kokka shiken (介護福祉士国家試験).Anna was kind enough to reach out to Real Gaijin after reading “Japan Quietly Rewrites the Rules for Foreign Care Workers: How a new “partial pass” exam system is extending visas and reshaping Japan’s elder care labor strategy.” So, who better to ask about working as a foreign caregiver at a Japanese elder care home?On the agendaWe traced Anna’s journey from the Philippines to Japan and discussed what her experience was like participating in the EPA program. We also talked about her current role as a caregiver in Osaka, her legal status in Japan, particularly in relation to her nursing degree from the Philippines, and her plans to continue living and working in Japan.Key takeawaysWe could have continued for many more hours and certainly covered a lot of ground during the podcast, but some of the big takeaways were the following:* Japan is already structurally dependent on foreign caregivers.Foreign care workers are not just filling marginal gaps; they are now structurally embedded in Japan’s elder care system. In Anna’s facility, the majority of staff are foreign. In the four years she has worked there, she has not seen a single new Japanese care worker join—a fact that strongly signals a collapse in the domestic labor supply for this sector. Her observation that younger Japanese workers are largely unwilling to enter the caregiving field reinforces this idea, leaving “heavy lifting” (both literal and operational) to foreign staff. The implication is structural, not cyclical: absent major policy or labor-market changes, Japan’s care system will remain dependent on continued inflows of foreign labor, regardless of political rhetoric around immigration.* The system extracts high human capital, but does not leverage it effectively.There is inefficiency—and arguably misallocation—of skilled labor within Japan’s caregiving pipeline. Anna is a fully qualified nurse in the Philippines, yet she is employed as a clinical nurse assistant (CNA) in Japan because her credentials are not recognized. In order to advance, she must work full-time while studying Japanese for a difficult national certification exam, effectively re-credentialing from scratch. While the system is structured and supportive, offering training, matching, and visa pathways, it imposes a lengthy, language-intensive conversion process that delays the full utilization of existing medical expertise. This suggests a policy tension: Japan urgently needs skilled healthcare labor, yet it maintains high institutional barriers that slow the integration of professionals who are already trained.* Economic incentives, not cultural preferences, drive migration decisions.Migration decisions are primarily economic and pragmatic, not ideological. Anna explicitly frames her decision to stay in Japan as a function of the relative viability of the labor market: while the Philippines offers cultural comfort, it does not offer comparable employment opportunities or wages. Meanwhile, policy frictions, such as rising visa and residency costs, directly impact workers whose salaries remain relatively low, raising questions about sustainability and fairness. Anna’s perspective reshapes the immigration debate, portraying foreign workers as rational economic actors who weigh trade-offs across global labor markets rather than passive beneficiaries of Japan’s system. For policymakers, this implies that tightening financial or administrative burdens could reduce Japan’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining this workforce. For example, the government recently proposed increasing the application fee for permanent residency from 10,000 yen ($63) to 300,000 yen ($1,900). This increase would place a significant financial burden on Anna. Since she would have to pay the fee herself, Anna has suggested setting the fee at a graduated rate based on the applicant’s income. Additionally, the Japanese government plans to raise the fees for renewing various work visas. For many care workers at the bottom of the pay scale who, unlike Anna, have not yet passed the national care worker exam, these annual additional fees will be a significant financial burden. Thus, there will soon be a new disincentive for relatively low-paid care workers from abroad to remain in Japan.* There’s a discrepancy between how much foreign caregivers contribute and how much they’re socially acknowledged.Anna emphasizes that many foreign caregivers undergo years of language training and certification studies and perform physically demanding work to provide high-quality care, often to Japan’s most vulnerable population, including centenarians and individuals with dementia. Yet, she feels that Japanese society does not fully appreciate this commitment and, in some cases, makes generalized or negative assumptions about foreigners. Her request is not abstract; she asks that Japanese people judge individuals based on their actions rather than stereotypes and recognize that foreign caregivers are quietly and diligently working to support the country’s aging population. Foreign caregivers are already essential to the system, yet social acceptance and acknowledgment have not kept pace with their indispensable role in caring for Japan’s parents and grandparents.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts* Substack: https://substack.com/@annainjpgFull disclosureFor an unknown reason, possibly related to the release of significant new functionality by Substack last week, we experienced technical difficulties during the live video session. This limited the audience’s ability to listen to the discussion and participate via chat. Anna and I continued to record. We apologize for any inconvenience and encourage you to enter your questions in the comments below. One or both of us will address your questions and concerns.Real Gaijin is working with Substack to ensure that we do not continue to experience these sorts of technical difficulties.#ImmigrationJapan #ForeignWorkersJapan #SpecifiedSkilledWorker #SSWVisa #ElderCareJapan #JapanHealthcare #LaborShortage #EssentialWorkers #EconomicPartnershipAgreement #EPA #日本の移民 #日本の外国人労働者 #特定技能労働者 #特定技能ビザ #日本の介護 #日本の医療 #人手不足 #必須労働者 #介護福祉士国家試験 #経済連携協定 #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-07) with Shohei Yoshida, Business Japanese Communication Coach and Founder of BizNihongo 14.03.2026 42min

  According to documents submitted to the Cabinet by the Immigration Services Agency on March 10, 2026, the number of foreign residents in Japan reached a record high of approximately 4.13 million at the end of fiscal year 2025, surpassing the 4 million mark for the first time. The population increased by about 360,000 during fiscal year 2025 alone and by over 1 million in the past three years.Especially given these numbers, demand for Japanese language learning continues to increase as Japan’s economic, technological, and cultural influence remains significant and the country opens more to international business and tourism. Many professionals find that basic conversational ability is no longer sufficient. Companies increasingly expect foreign partners, managers, and specialists to have business-level proficiency, which is necessary for handling negotiations, formal correspondence, and culturally nuanced communication. Mastery of honorific keigo (敬語), industry-specific vocabulary, and implicit communication norms is particularly valuable because Japanese business culture relies heavily on subtle language cues to convey hierarchy, intent, and trust. Consequently, Japanese language study is shifting from a hobby to a strategic skill for individuals seeking to work effectively with Japanese firms or within Japan’s domestic market.Our guest on today’s Real Gaijin AMA podcast knows first-hand just how challenging it can be to learn a foreign language—especially when your goal is to use it professionally.Who is he?While Real Gaijin‘s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series typically features one inspiring “real gaijin,” or foreigner, our guest today was a Japanese individual who has an extensive background working with foreigners. Shohei Yoshida (吉田菖平) was born and raised in Japan but always knew his mission was to bridge Japan and the rest of the world. He has taught Japanese at the university level in both Malaysia and the U.K. He started his own online learning academy called BizNihongo to offer clear, practical support for building confidence in Japanese business settings.On the agendaWe traced Shohei’s journey from his hometown of Kumamoto, where TSMC is located, to the U.K. and Malaysia, and then back to Japan. Thus, he has personal experience with the challenges of improving his English while living abroad — the proverbial shoe on the other foot.Although he is a native Japanese speaker, Shohei explained that he initially lacked confidence in speaking business Japanese while working and job hunting for Japanese companies. He then described how he overcame this obstacle using various resources. Just imagine how much more difficult this would be for a foreigner trying to get hired by a Japanese firm. This experience led Shohei to establish BizNihongo. He outlined how his specialized coaching program for business professionals is completely customizable depending on each student’s needs. The program offers coaching to build confidence and in-depth instruction in workplace honorific Japanese, or keigo. Shohei also reviewed BizNihongo’s supportive community, which is free to join. This community helps business professionals connect and share experiences. He also discussed his online course catalog and one-on-one consultation options.Key takeawaysWe could have continued for many more hours and certainly covered a lot of ground during the podcast, but some of the big takeaways were the following:* Business Japanese is fundamentally different from everyday Japanese.Shohei emphasized that learning Japanese for casual conversation is not the same as learning it for professional environments. Business communication requires mastery of formal structures, hierarchy-sensitive language, and situational nuances—skills that even native Japanese speakers sometimes struggle to apply in professional contexts. Specialized instruction in business Japanese exists to bridge this gap, and many foreign professionals seek training after reaching intermediate proficiency.* Language learning for professionals must be goal-oriented and practical.Rather than traditional classroom teaching, the program described in the podcast focuses on customized, one-on-one coaching tied to real professional objectives, such as preparing for meetings, presentations, and client interactions. Shohei recommends weekly sessions combined with small daily practice (even 10–15 minutes) as a more effective structure for busy professionals than large group classes.* Language and culture in Japan are inseparable—especially in business contexts.A central point of discussion is that learning Japanese involves more than just grammar and vocabulary; it also requires an understanding of the cultural assumptions embedded in the language. Expressions often reflect social awareness, hierarchy, and concern about inconveniencing others—values that influence communication in Japanese workplaces. Therefore, effective business Japanese instruction must teach linguistic forms and the cultural context that determines when and why those forms are used.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts* Substack: https://substack.com/@shoheiyoshida* Website of BizNihongo: Contact Shohei to sign up for a free initial consultation; Find more details here: https://www.biz-nihongo.com/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shohei-yoshida-biz/Full disclosureFor an unknown reason, we experienced technical difficulties during the live video session, which several people from around the world tuned into. Shohei and I re-recorded the interview later in the day, following the same format as the original live session, including the questions we received from listeners. Sorry for any inconvenience.Additional resource for learning JapaneseThis guide is based on my experience studying Japanese for nearly 40 years (and counting), and it has not been approved by Shohei. However, you may find some of the tips helpful.#JapanBusiness #InterculturalManagement #CrossCulturalLeadership #JapaneseCorporateCulture #GlobalLeadership #CorporateGovernance #ServantLeadership #HRStrategy #ExecutiveCommunication #GlobalExpansion #RochelleKopp #JapanInterCulturalConsulting #日本ビジネス #異文化マネジメント #クロスカルチャーリーダーシップ #日本企業文化 #グローバルリーダーシップ #コーポレートガバナンス #サーバントリーダーシップ #人事戦略 #経営者コミュニケーション #グローバル展開 #ロッシェルカップ #カップロッシェル#ジャパンインターカルチュラルコンサルティング #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-06) with Rochelle Kopp, Founder and Managing Principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting 05.03.2026 58min

  In a global economy where deals fail more often due to misread signals than poor strategy, today’s guest on the Real Gaijin AMA podcast has built a career decoding the unwritten rules of Japanese business.Who is she?Few professionals have observed Japanese corporate culture from as many vantage points as Rochelle Kopp. She is an American who has moved back and forth between the U.S. and Japan for more than 30 years. Now in her fourth stint living in Japan, she first arrived in her 20s. Rochelle returned to build a career in the United States and has since come back to Tokyo twice more. Each time, she has returned with a deeper, more analytical perspective on how Japan works and how it is changing. As the founder and managing principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting, Rochelle advises Japanese and global companies on the operational realities of cross-cultural management, including executive communication, human resource issues, post-merger integration, and the strategic challenges of global expansion.Rochelle also serves as an outside director at two publicly listed Japanese companies, bringing an independent, international perspective to traditionally insular governance environments. She is the author of The Rice-Paper Ceiling: Breaking through Japanese Corporate Culture and more than 30 books in Japanese on cross-cultural communication, business English, and leadership.On the agendaWe began the discussion by noting our many shared connections, including our mutual friends from our hometown near Chicago, our shared interest in Japanese culture and language, and our experience of having lived in both the United States and Japan.The conversation then turned to Rochelle’s career and her insights into cross-cultural business dynamics between Japan and other countries. She explained that her early exposure to Japanese culture led her to pursue internships and professional roles in Japan. This experience ultimately shaped her consulting focus on helping organizations navigate cultural differences in management, communication, and human resources.We discussed topics such as Japanese consensus decision-making (nemawashi), indirect communication styles, differences in compensation systems, and the challenges that Japanese companies face when expanding internationally. Rochelle provided practical examples from the manufacturing and global business sectors, such as Japanese engineers working in U.S. factories, difficulties with technology transfer, and cross-cultural misunderstandings. She emphasized the importance of training both sides to communicate effectively.The interview also covers generational changes in Japan’s workforce, the evolving global operations of Japanese firms, leadership styles influenced by sports culture, and how Japanese management approaches compare with the fast-iteration model of Silicon Valley.Key takeawaysWe could have continued for many more hours and certainly covered a lot of ground during the podcast, but some of the big takeaways were the following:* Many business misunderstandings stem from cross-cultural communication differences: A central theme of the discussion is the subtle yet consequential differences between Japanese and Western communication styles. Japanese communication often relies on indirect language, contextual cues, and consensus-building processes, such as nemawashi. In contrast, American business culture tends to value directness and literal interpretation. This mismatch can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, when a Japanese colleague says something “will be difficult,” they may actually mean “do not proceed,” but an American may hear it as a challenge to overcome. Effective intercultural collaboration therefore requires an explicit effort from both sides. Japanese professionals must provide clearer context and direction in international settings, and Western colleagues should ask clarifying questions rather than assuming the literal meaning. * Global expansion exposes structural management challenges in Japanese companies: Japanese firms that expand abroad, especially in manufacturing, often rely heavily on expatriate engineers to run overseas operations and transfer technical expertise. However, without clear goals, structured training processes, and cross-cultural preparation, knowledge transfer often fails. Rochelle describes cases in which local employees were never fully trained, leaving companies dependent on Japanese expatriates, a costly and unsustainable practice. Successful firms address this issue by setting explicit training objectives for expatriates and preparing them to teach effectively in different cultural environments. They also train local employees to learn within Japanese organizational frameworks. These changes can significantly reduce dependence on expatriates and improve operational sustainability.* Japanese corporate culture is evolving, yet it still carries strong traditional influences: The interview highlights several shifts within Japanese organizations in recent decades. Younger workers are increasingly willing to change jobs rather than stay with a single employer for life, which challenges traditional lifetime employment norms. At the same time, many older management behaviors, such as hierarchical leadership styles influenced by school sports culture, continue to shape workplaces. Rochelle also notes an increase in internationalization. Non-Japanese executives are now reaching senior roles and serving on the boards of Japanese companies, which was rare in the past. These trends indicate a gradual transformation as Japanese companies adapt to globalization while retaining distinctive cultural patterns in leadership, decision-making, and employee management.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts* Substack: https://substack.com/@rochellekopp* Website of Japan Intercultural Consulting: https://japanintercultural.com/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellekopp/* Bestselling book (only one among more than 30 titles): The Rice-Paper Ceiling: Breaking through Japanese Corporate Culture#JapanBusiness #InterculturalManagement #CrossCulturalLeadership #JapaneseCorporateCulture #GlobalLeadership #CorporateGovernance #ServantLeadership #HRStrategy #ExecutiveCommunication #GlobalExpansion #RochelleKopp #JapanInterCulturalConsulting #日本ビジネス #異文化マネジメント #クロスカルチャーリーダーシップ #日本企業文化 #グローバルリーダーシップ #コーポレートガバナンス #サーバントリーダーシップ #人事戦略 #経営者コミュニケーション #グローバル展開 #ロッシェルカップ #カップロッシェル#ジャパンインターカルチュラルコンサルティング #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-05) with Michelle Lyons, a British inventor and social designer who supports regenerative tourism in Japan 16.02.2026 49min

  Japan has become one of the most popular destinations for people in their early 20s to 30s. This is due to a combination of affordability, cultural richness, and social media visibility that few other countries can match. A weak yen has lowered the cost of long-haul travel, and efficient transportation, personal safety, and high-quality food make it easy to pack a lot into short trips—an important factor for young travelers with limited vacation time. Meanwhile, anime, fashion, design, gaming, and contemporary art coexist seamlessly with traditional culture, creating highly “shareable” experiences that circulate widely on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The result is a powerful feedback loop: friends see their peers exploring Tokyo neighborhoods, rural onsen (hot spring) towns, or Japan’s seasonal festivals and quickly add these destinations to their travel wish lists. This reinforces Japan’s status as a near-default international destination for a globally mobile younger generation.Today’s guest on the Real Gaijin AMA podcast is acutely tuned into this vibe and intent on protecting and revitalizing rural Japan.Who is she?Meet Michelle (Michelle Lyons), a British inventor and social designer who supports regenerative tourism in Japan. As the founder of Point North, she designs strategic visitor engagement tools that address socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural issues affecting destinations big and small.In 2023, Michelle created Parks & Japan to combine her passions for Japanese culture, national parks, and experience design. After discovering the complex tourism challenges stretching from Okinawa to Hokkaido, Parks & Japan evolved into a purpose-driven project dedicated to protecting and revitalizing rural Japan.On the agendaWe began with some basic questions about Michelle’s background. However, the conversation covered a wide range of topics related to the concept of regenerative tourism and Michelle’s upcoming first visit to Japan in May.Key takeaways* Regenerative tourism: Regenerative tourism is a travel model that goes beyond the sustainability goal of minimizing harm. Instead, it seeks to generate net-positive environmental, social, cultural, and economic outcomes for destinations. Rather than focusing solely on reducing emissions or waste, regenerative tourism takes a systems-based approach in which visitors, operators, and local stakeholders work together to restore ecosystems, strengthen community resilience, preserve cultural identity, and keep economic value in the region. This can include conservation-linked visitor experiences, community-led enterprises, reinvestment mechanisms that build local wealth, and clear limits on carrying capacity to prevent overuse. The central premise is straightforward yet ambitious: tourism should measurably improve a place. Michelle aims to incorporate these principles into her Parks & Japan initiative by designing visitor engagement strategies that protect Japan’s national parks and contribute to the long-term revitalization of rural communities.“Sustainable tourism is no longer enough. We need tourism that actively regenerates the places, cultures, and ecosystems it touches.” - Anna Pollock, founder of Conscious Travel, and a British strategist, thought leader, and speaker best known for pioneering the concept of regenerative tourism, which seeks to move beyond sustainability by restoring and enriching communities and ecosystems* Parks & Japan Project: Michelle is on a mission to raise awareness — especially among international visitors — of Japan’s national parks. One issue is that a single park, the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, attracts more than half of all visitors to Japan’s national parks. She would like to encourage more hiking and nature enthusiasts to visit the other 34 national parks scattered throughout the country. Michelle also wants to encourage visitors to “get off the beaten path” and explore the often-neglected sections within each park. In particular, Michelle has been developing illustrated “Field Quest” booklets in English for each national park. These self-guided activity guides lead visitors through a themed trail or area using structured tasks and prompts. The booklets typically include observation exercises, checkpoints, and interpretive questions that encourage active engagement with the park’s natural or cultural features. The idea is to maintain an analog, screen-free experience to help those participating in the activity stay present and in tune with their surroundings. Essentially, they transform a passive visit into a participatory learning experience while guiding movement along designated routes.* How you can assist Michelle: Michelle has been using LinkedIn to network with various “Friends of National Parks” in Japan, but she is eager to connect with other hiking enthusiasts. After listening to the live podcast, one listener graciously invited Michelle to visit the Jogasaki Kaigan coast, which is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Michelle intends to return to Japan after her first visit this May and ultimately visit all 35 national parks. For now, she plans to base herself in Kanto during this first adventure. Please feel free to reach out to Michelle with suggestions for places to visit — especially to get more of a feeling for the real Japan than a typical tourist experience. Additionally, Michelle plans to launch the first ten field quests on Kickstarter this summer. As one viewer suggested, Michelle is also interested in finding volunteers to test her draft copies of the field quests.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts* Substack: * LinkedIn - Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmichellelyons/* LinkedIn - Parks & Japan: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parks-and-japan/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parksandjapan/* National Parks of Japan: https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/* Point North: https://pointnorthbrandco.com/#JapanTravel #TourismIndustry #RegenerativeTourism #NationalParks #BrandExperience #Parks&Japan #PointNorth #MichelleLyons #日本旅行 #観光産業 #リジェネラティブツーリズム #国立公園 #ブランド体験 #ブランドエクスペリエンス #自然観光 #ミシェルライオンズ #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-04) with Richardson Handjaja, publisher and editor of the Animenomics newsletter 06.02.2026 1h 8min

  Anime is no longer just pop culture. It is a complex global business involving IP licensing, streaming economics, merchandising, live events, and, increasingly, technology-driven change. With more than 300 new anime series launched each year, it’s clear that the industry has gone global. In this conversation, we examine how the anime and manga industry works, where the pressure points are in the value chain, and how global markets, data, and innovation are reshaping this traditionally opaque sector.Today’s guest on the Real Gaijin AMA podcast is truly a subject matter expert who joined us from Minnesota in the United States.Who is he?Meet Richardson Handjaja, the publisher of Animenomics, a reader-supported English-language newsletter published every Wednesday that is focused on the economics and strategy behind anime and manga. This online publication goes far beyond merely announcing new titles based on press releases. Drawing on his background at MyAnimeList and in B2B revenue operations, Richardson brings a data-driven, industry-first lens to a field that is often only covered through fandom or press releases.On the agendaWe began with some basic questions about Richardson’s background. However, the conversation covered a wide range of topics related to the business dynamics of the anime and manga industries.Key takeaways* Fundamental market drivers: The Japanese anime and manga industries are structurally similar to the global music recording industry in that value creation, ownership, and monetization are divided into three distinct categories.* The first layer consists of the creatives: mangaka (manga artists), light-novel authors, anime directors, animators, composers, and voice actors who are often associated with a particular animation studio (e.g., MAPPA, A-1 Pictures, CloverWorks, Production I.G., Toei Animation, and Bones). These individuals are analogous to songwriters, performers, and producers in music. These individuals generate the creative work but usually don’t retain meaningful ownership of the resulting intellectual property. They are compensated upfront (through fees, advances, page rates, or salaries), with limited long-term participation in downstream success.* The second layer consists of production-side rights holders, who are usually production committees, or seisaku iinkai (制作委員会) in Japanese, composed of publishers, broadcasters, and music labels. These committees function much like record labels in the music industry. They finance production, aggregate risk, control the master intellectual property (IP), and decide how the IP is exploited across formats and markets. Just as record labels own master recordings and publishing rights, production committees hold decisive control over adaptation rights, international licensing, merchandising, and spin-offs. Most of the long-term economic value accrues at this layer. Some big names in this segment include Aniplex, Sony Music, and Kadokawa.* Third are the distribution channels, which closely parallel each other across industries. In anime and manga, this includes TV broadcasters, streaming platforms (e.g., Crunchyroll and Netflix), theaters, digital manga apps, and overseas licensors of related merchandise (e.g., character figurines made by Bandai Namco, Good Smile Company, and Toho, the maker of Godzilla figurines). In music, it includes streaming services, radio, physical retail, and live performance promoters. These channels typically do not own the IP, yet they exert significant leverage over discovery, reach, and revenue share. In both industries, shifts in distribution technology, particularly streaming, have increased the power of platforms while compressing margins upstream. This reinforces a system in which creatives remain distant from most IP-driven returns.* Merchandising is “up for grabs”: Although the relationship between creatives and production-side rights holders in anime and manga is relatively stable, merchandising is the most fluid and contested aspect of the industry. Creatives are largely locked into established arrangements, such as page rates, commissions, or work-for-hire contracts, while production committees reliably control intellectual property (IP) ownership and licensing decisions. This division of labor is well understood and reinforced by institutions, and it is unlikely to change quickly. Merchandising, however, sits downstream from content creation and IP control. This makes it more sensitive to shifts in consumer behavior, technology, and global demand. Merchandising is “up for grabs” because it is no longer confined to traditional categories such as figurines, DVDs, and apparel sold through domestic retail channels. Digital goods, in-game items, NFTs (or their successors), direct-to-consumer storefronts, limited global drops, experiential merchandise, and data-driven fan targeting are reshaping how value is captured. New entrants—including platforms, overseas partners, e-commerce specialists, and creators—can sometimes enter this layer without fully disrupting the upstream IP structure. As a result, merchandising has become the primary arena where experimentation happens, margins can expand, and bargaining power can shift, even as the core creative and production framework remains largely fixed.* Shout-out to potential collaborators: Richardson is essentially doing it all on his own: researching and analyzing the industry, developing and curating content for Animenomics, and publishing Animenomics on Substack. While he has a growing network of collaborators who help him cover specific markets, such as Latin America and Southeast Asia, he is eager to find additional market insiders worldwide with whom to partner. If you’re a fan of anime and manga and are interested in market dynamics, or if you work in the industry, first become a subscriber to Animenomics. Feel free to reach out to Richardson to discuss potential collaborations, as well.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts* Animenomics Substack: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhandjaja/* The Association of Japanese Animations (日本動画協会): https://aja.gr.jp/english/japan-anime-data* More about Smart Brevity (style of writing employed by both Animenomics and Real Gaijin): The Art of Smart Brevity - Write Less, Say More | Jim VandeHei | TEDxOshkosh#AnimeIndustry #JapanBusiness #MediaEconomics #IPStrategy #StreamingPlatforms #CreatorEconomy #GlobalMedia #AIinMedia #Animenomics #RichardsonHandjaja #アニメ業界 #日本ビジネス #コンテンツ産業 #知的財産 #配信ビジネス #エンタメ業界 #海外市場 #AI活用 #アニメノミクス #ハンジャヤリチャードソン #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe
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  AMA Podcast (S-02, E-03) with the Founder of "Lisa in Sapporo," Interpreter, Local Navigator and Publisher of Unlocking Japan 30.01.2026 1h 7min

  Japan is currently welcoming record numbers of tourists, with more than 40 million expected again in 2026. The northern island of Hokkaido is famous for its “Japow” snow, winter festival, and delicious seafood, and it is a perennial draw for international and domestic tourists, especially during the winter months.However, Japan is struggling to accommodate the influx of foreign tourists. The hospitality industry is on the front lines of this extraordinary interest in Japan. Unfortunately, there are few local innkeepers and travel experts who are familiar with, capable of, or comfortable dealing with foreign visitors. This has prompted a backlash among the local population, who complain of overtourism due to overcrowding in popular destinations like Kyoto (see here for more information). Thus, it takes a special kind of host to address such concerns while providing world-renowned Japanese hospitality.Today’s guest on the Real Gaijin AMA podcast is a Japanese native with a global perspective who assists foreign visitors in Japan. She is an expert in cross-cultural relations and enjoys showing her international guests her home base of Sapporo. Having experienced life in a foreign place herself, she strives to provide her clients with a personalized service that makes them feel right at home.Who is she?Meet Lisa, the founder of “Lisa in Sapporo,” a travel concierge service in Hokkaido. Lisa is a talented woman who works as an interpreter and local guide for visitors to her home base of Sapporo. She supplements her travel guide activities with her role as the host of a wonderful new Airbnb, called minpaku (民泊) in Japanese. Her apartment is located in a residential area with quick and easy subway access to the heart of Sapporo.In her spare time, Lisa publishes her own Substack, Unlocking Japan, which provides a wealth of information about the country.Lisa has always been passionate about learning about other cultures. At 30 years old, she seized the opportunity to move to Rwanda with her five-year-old son as a single mother. Africa opened up a whole new world for this young, bilingual mom. As a result, she returned to Japan and relocated to Sapporo with a new global perspective. As you can imagine, she is an intriguing host who knows how to best meet her guests’ needs.In Sapporo, she runs a local travel concierge service called “Lisa in Sapporo.” It is an invaluable resource for any visitor who wants an authentic experience and to see Hokkaido’s largest city from a local’s perspective. Her service offering includes guided tours and travel advice.The propertyJust in time for the busy winter season in Sapporo, Lisa partnered with a regional property management company with a large network of short-term rentals on Japan’s northernmost main island, Hokkaido to launch her Airbnb.Thanks to Lisa’s hospitality — omotenashi (おもてなし) in Japanese — and the high-grade amenities of this cozy apartment in a quiet residential area of the city, guests will feel right at home in Sapporo. Make a reservation simply by sending Lisa a DM via Substack or via WhatsApp. This will allow you to communicate directly with the host, providing more flexibility. For example, you could ask for permission to check out later than the normal time of 10 a.m.Follow this link to see the property for yourself: https://lisa-in-sapporo.my.canva.site/lisa-in-sapporoIt is a 52-square-meter (560-square-foot) “2LDK” apartment with one bathroom. It is located on the ground floor of an eight-unit, multi-story wooden apartment building that is approximately 40 years old. Lisa’s apartment can accommodate up to seven guests (4 beds and 3 futons). Technically, the regulations stipulate that each guest must have at least 3.3 square meters (35.5 square feet), but Lisa wants her guests to be comfortable. She mostly rents to families with two or three generations visiting together, and there is just enough space for everyone by Japanese standards. Usually, the apartment is occupied by 4 or 5 people. While costs vary depending on the season, the typical fee is 20,000 yen (approximately $129 USD per night), with a minimum stay of two nights.The property is in a great location, only a four-minute walk from the closest subway station. It’s five stops north of Sapporo Station and other parts of downtown Sapporo, such as the main shopping area, Odori, and the famous Susukino nightlife district. Moreover, the closest convenience store is only one minute away on foot, and there are many good restaurants near the property, including some that serve Sapporo’s famous ramen, soup curry, and Genghis Khan barbecue. It is also only a three-minute drive to an expressway entrance for easy access to neighboring Otaru and some of Hokkaido’s most famous ski resorts.The website also has information about Lisa’s guided walking tours, which include a visit to the famous Sapporo Beer Brewery and Beer Garden.On the agendaFirst, to set the stage, we explored Lisa’s personal and professional journey abroad. This includes her time in Rwanda, where she visited the actual “Hotel Rwanda,” also known as the Hôtel des Mille Collines. We discussed her decision to return to Japan and her motivation for starting the “Lisa in Sapporo” travel concierge service in Hokkaido.Next, we took a deep dive into her decision to expand by partnering with an Airbnb property management company. We had a very candid discussion of the following:* Startup phase (finding and preparing the property)* Decision to work with a property management company (trade-offs, fee structure, communications protocol, etc.).* Daily operations (including guest relations and the unexpectedly challenging process of finding cleaning and linen providers)* Financial reality (revenue, costs, and scaling)* Being a good neighbor (navigating challenges with neighbors and local sentiment about short-term rentals, especially given some high-profile instances of trouble with such properties, mainly in Tokyo and Osaka)If you’re considering doing something similar, today’s discussion may have provided the inspiration you need to take the next step. If you’re already an Airbnb host in Japan, today was a great opportunity to share ideas, as some of our listeners mentioned during the live session.Key takeawaysLisa volunteered all sorts of practical lessons she had learned the hard way, and we could have continued the discussion for hours. Some highlights include the following:* Sourcing a property: In popular areas such as Sapporo, there are many restrictions on whether a property can be rented out short-term and, if so, how many days per year it can be rented out (e.g., 180 days for “simple lodging” versus year-round like a hotel). Most homeowners associations in condominiums prohibit landlords from renting out units as minpaku (民泊), or Airbnb. Competition for rental properties is fierce, and available rentals, particularly those zoned for year-round use, are snapped up within the first few hours of being listed. While not all landlords are interested in tenants who rent out their units on Airbnb, most tend to charge a significant premium for such properties. For example, the other tenants in the multi-unit apartment building where Lisa’s Airbnb is located pay about 50,000 to 60,000 yen (approximately $325 to $390) per month for rent, whereas Lisa pays 80,000 yen ($520).* Option to manage the property on your own: If you are an aspiring Airbnb host looking to maximize your profit margin, it would be best to rent out a portion of your own home. This could include one or more apartments in a multi-unit complex where you live. This way, you can legally avoid using a property management service.* If you have a large budget: Ideally, if you have the luxury of building your own facility from the ground up, which would naturally require a relatively high initial investment, then it would be best to include more than one bathroom in each apartment.* Financials: Lisa in Sapporo is just barely on track to break even and recoup her initial investment within three years, although she received more than thirty bookings almost immediately after listing the property last autumn. Currently, during the high season in Hokkaido (December to February), she averages monthly sales of about 500,000 yen (approximately $3,250). Although the monthly rent is relatively low, after paying a 20% commission to her property management company and an additional 15% to online booking services, as well as covering routine expenses for cleaning, linens, garbage collection, utilities, and snow removal from the property’s parking space, not much operating profit remains at the end of the month.* Catch 22: In popular areas like Sapporo, where there is a lot of competition from other Airbnb properties, there tend to be relatively few service providers. Additionally, ancillary support businesses tend to contract almost exclusively with well-established property management companies. Thus, if you try to save money by avoiding a property management company, it may be difficult to find support services that can meet your scheduling requirements, such as the five-hour period between check-out and check-in in between guests. In a pinch, you may have to clean the property and wash the linens yourself.* Premium for garbage collection: When using a property management service, garbage disposal is classified as “business waste,” a premium service beyond routine garbage collection. Guests are instructed to leave all waste inside the apartment, and the cleaning company is responsible for throwing out the garbage. However, special collection bags are required, and they cost more than regular waste disposal bags. Small expenses like this tend to add up and put further pressure on profit margins.* Extra expenses in the dead of winter: Lisa learned the hard way that she must keep the heat on 24/7 during the winter months to prevent the water pipes from freezing. Additionally, after a huge snowstorm—of which there have been several this year—if your property doesn’t have a “snow melting pit,” called a yusetsuko (融雪槽) in Japanese, you must pay extra for snow removal from the apartment’s parking space(s). If you plan to run an Airbnb from your home in Hokkaido, keep the logistics of snow removal in mind, too. For example, you will probably need extra space to dump excess snow.* Must budget for unforeseen, one-time upgrades especially at the beginning: While this was essentially a growing pain that was easily resolved, Lisa had a group of guests who used so many electrical heaters and appliances simultaneously that they tripped the circuit breaker. Consequently, she had to pay to upgrade the electrical system to handle the added capacity.* Watch out when you set the minimum length of stay: Initially, the online travel agencies (OTAs) allowed only a one-night minimum stay. However, this resulted in cleaning expenses of almost 10,000 yen ($65) per group, making it prohibitively expensive. Lisa subsequently changed her policy to require a minimum stay of at least two nights. Live and learn!* Limited direct communication with guests (hidden indirect costs): While Airbnb and other OTAs are great for attracting new business — especially when a property management service is also involved — it can sometimes be difficult for hosts to communicate directly with their guests. Hosts like Lisa who work with a property management company may also face restrictions when responding to guest ratings and comments.* Trying to maintain good relations with neighbors and avoiding “minpaku trouble”: Tenants in multi-unit apartment complexes tend to react skeptically when Airbnb rentals are permitted. The main concerns are rent increases, noise, garbage disposal, and security. Lisa has mitigated the potential problem of loud noises by renting the ground floor unit. Hosts who plan to operate their property on a year-round basis are required to install a camera security system next to the apartment door. The occupant of the apartment next to Lisa’s reacted negatively when the camera was installed, believing that they would also be under surveillance. It took a lot of patience and humility to placate this neighbor.* Trial by fire: Although Lisa and her property management company use bilingual manuals to encourage guests to respect their neighbors, most guests don’t consult the manuals. Lisa learned the hard way, after her very first ever guest parked in the wrong space, that clear signage is generally the best approach. It’s also not uncommon for guests who don’t read the manual to take matters into their own hands. Lisa shared an instance when a guest threw their garbage in the wrong communal bin, despite the stated rule to leave all waste in the apartment at check-out. Needless to say, Lisa’s landlord has her number on speed dial!TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts* Lisa in Sapporo Main Site (with information about the property): https://lisa-in-sapporo.my.canva.site/lisa-in-sapporo* Contact Lisa in Sapporo by DM via Substack or via WhatsApp* Sapporo Beer History Tour & Local Life Walk (book via Airbnb): https://www.airbnb.com.mt/experiences/6769398* Unlocking Japan Substack: #LisaInSapporo #JapanTravel #Hokkaido #Sapporo #JapaneseHospitality #Omotenashi #AirbnbJapan #Minpaku #TourismBusiness #SmallBusinessJapan #Airbnb日本 #民泊 #日本旅行 #北海道旅行 #札幌旅行ガイド #札幌グルメ #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe