Welcome to another episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, we welcome Jeff Crawford, the CEO of Zo Digital Japan. They are a Digital Marketing agency based in Tokyo that provides SEO, Content Marketing, PPC advertising, Digital PR, and more to Overseas companies entering Japan, as well as foreign-minded Japanese companies. In this episode, Jeff discusses the fundamental concept of SEO and its universal applicability for companies seeking enhanced online visibility. Jeff shares intriguing cases of successful SEO strategies in Japan and explores the critical role of EEAT in Google’s algorithm and the impact of AI technologies on SEO. Jeff also talks about the distinctions between SEO and SEM and the qualities that define an outstanding agency. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin Zodigital tokyodigitalmarketers Show Notes: (00:00) Introductions (05:52) What is SEO (07:05) Why and when should a company consider using SEO (08:05) What types of companies can benefit from using SEO (21:06) What search engines are popular in Japan and how are they similar & how are they different (22:05) The differences in search behavior between Japanese and those in Western or other Asian countries (28:47) What is EEAT and why should we care (34:09) How has AI affected SEO recently (47:28) The qualities of a good agency (50:17) Conclusions & Jeff Crawford's contact information Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit here to learn how he can help⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠, we welcome Dustin Ikeda, the co-founder of Hashi Media. One of the leading social media and marketing agencies in Japan for gaming, tech, and lifestyle. Dustin explores social media platforms that are popular in both the West and Japan, highlighting many unique platforms in Japan. He delves into the differences between Western and Japanese social media and recommends platforms for targeting foreigners in Japan. The conversation also covers the pros and cons of agencies versus freelancers, along with common marketing mistakes.  Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin Hashi Media Show Notes: (00:00) Introductions (02:53) Dustin’s social media platforms expertize (03:34) Social media platforms that are both popular in the west and in Japan (04:27) Social media platforms that are not popular among Japanese (08:06) Social media platforms that are unique to Japan (14:28) Key differences between social media platforms in the west and in Japan (22:15) Social media platforms Dustin recommends to target foreigners in Japan (27:51) Pros and Cons between an agency versus a freelancer (34:06) Common mistakes marketing agency make when it comes to social media (40:48) Dustin’s company and contact Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit here to learn how he can help⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠, we welcome Goki Sawada, the co-founder of Mixer, a design service that provides professional digital designs for Japanese businesses. Discover the challenges faced by Japanese companies in accessing global designs due to language barriers and unique design philosophies. Goki delves into the distinctions between Japanese and foreign designs, exploring elements of web, software, and visual design. Goki shares insights on industry-specific design in Japan and discusses exceptional Japanese websites. This podcast also touches on the effectiveness of minimalist designs in the Japanese market and explores differences in copywriting approaches.  Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin mixer design studios Show Notes: (00:00) Introductions (03:41) General differences between Japanese and foreign designs when it comes to flyers, websites, and other visuals and why (13:42) Unique elements of website or visual design depending on the industry in Japan (15:13) Examples of websites in Japan and why do Goki thinks they are great (24:24) Do minimalist designs work well in Japan? (26:21) Are there differences when it comes to copywriting? (28:10) Are there differences when it comes to creating logos? (29:16) Conclusions & comments Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit here to learn how he can help⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠, we are once again joined by Joshua Flannery, the CEO of Innovation Dojo and a pivotal figure in Japan's startup landscape. With a keen focus on assisting foreign entrepreneurs, Joshua delves into Japan's startup events, dissecting the advantages of large versus smaller gatherings. Gain insights into the world of pitch contests, discovering the prizes at stake and understanding the strategic industries that benefit most. Uncover the power of startup communities and groups, exploring the resources they offer and the collaborative spirit they foster. Joshua also discusses the concept of business matching, revealing its significance and practical applications. Tune in for a deep dive into the Japan startup scene with a true expert. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin⁠ ⁠Kobe Global Startup Support program⁠ ⁠Japan Business Development service for foreign universities looking for R&D partnerships in Japan Show Notes: (02:15) The startup events in Japan (09:25) The events in Kansai (12:30) About pitch contests (17:26) Pitch contests prices (21:14) Startup communities & groups (27:40) What is open Innovation (36:41) How can a startup determine which open innovation to participate in (38:28) What is business matching (41:51) Types of clients Joshua Flannery is accepting Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. ⁠⁠⁠Visit here to learn how he can help⁠ --- Send in a voice message: ⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

In this episode of ⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Joshua Flannery, the founder and CEO of Innovation Dojo Group, delves into the key aspects of the startup ecosystem. He explores the roles of incubators and accelerators in fostering early-stage ventures. Joshua highlights the significance of vibrant startup cities as hubs for innovation and collaboration. Additionally, he shares insights on leveraging overseas universities' innovation and R&D departments for global entrepreneurship. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin Kobe Global Startup Support program Japan Business Development service for foreign universities looking for R&D partnerships in Japan Show Notes: (3:06) About incubators (7:57) About accelerators (20:19) Start up cities (30:31) Overseas university’s innovation/R&D/startup department and entering the Japanese market Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. ⁠⁠Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

In this episode of ⁠Scaling your company⁠, we are delighted to have John Kirch, a Tokyo-based consultant with over 30 years of experience in helping international startups enter the Japanese market and providing B2B software solutions. Today, we'll delve into the world of Proof of Concepts (PoCs) and their significance in the Japanese business landscape. John will share insights on the value of PoCs, their popularity among Japanese corporations and the government, and the distinctions between PoCs and paid projects, offering a wealth of knowledge to our listeners. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin Gmail Show Notes: (1:27) Self introduction (2:57) What is POCs (7:28) Why are PoC's popular with Japanese corporations and the Japanese government? (11:42) The difference between a PoC and a paid project (12:22) The ranges of how long a PoC has gone in John Kirch experience in Japan (17:57) The unique expectations for a foreign company entering the Japan market when doing their first PoC (20:32) The differences in metrics and responsibilities (21:55) How to launch a PoC successfully in Japan. (24:04) How should a company approach a PoC and what are signs of success / danger signs at each of the following stages, i.e. negotiation, execution, and post-execution? (26:46) What is PoC hell and how do we avoid this? (30:16) Ways to penalize another company if they are not committing their end of the bargain or are creating delays (33:38) Why do many companies fail to make it past the PoC stage? (35:12) What frameworks would John Kirch recommend for managing a PoC? (40:43) Requests for the listeners and where can they find John Kirch Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. ⁠Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

In this episode of ⁠Scaling your company⁠⁠ podcast, we have Takashi Nishida, the CEO of Sophia Projects and a Business Development and Customer Success consultant. He will discuss the importance of hiring the right salesperson for the Japanese market and the role of a business developer in Japan. Takashi Nishida highlights the need for market assessment, connections to target buyers, and understanding Japanese business dynamics. Links from Guest Appearance LinkedIn Techmahindra Show Notes (0:42) Takashi Nishida introduction (2:00) What does a business developer do in Japan? (4:15) Why is a BD necessary in Japan? (6:22) What do foreign companies tend to misunderstand about Japan?  (15:45) Why does cold calling often not work in Japan for foreign corporations? (21:20) What types of contracts do BDs have with companies? (21:30) Salaried contracts (24:25) Salaried & Success contracts (27:54) Commission only (29:47) What would a company do to attract experienced BD in Japan (31:42) Where do you find BDs in Japan (35:37) Ending comments & thoughts Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

Welcome to this special episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Today, we're delighted to host two distinguished guests: Satoru Ichihara and Akihiro Mori. Satoru serves as the General Manager of Station AI, an innovative startup support center in Aichi ; Akihiro is the Assistant Director in the overseas collaboration division for Aichi prefecture. They'll talk about why Aichi and Nagoya are excellent locations for startups and discuss the programs available to support startups in the region. Links from Guest Appearance Satoru's LinkedIn┃⁠Akihiro's LinkedIn⁠┃StationAI┃Accelerate Aichi - 500 Global⁠ Show Notes (0:00) About Satoru & Akihiro(4:53) Three things you should know about Aichi & Nagoya(7:29) Industries Aichi is known for(9:02) Why start your company in Aichi?(11:52) What are some startup programs offered at Aichi?(13:49) What does StationAI do?(16:31) Accelerate Aichi - 500 Global(22:03) Collaborations with the foreign organizations(24:13) Financial Support Aichi offer to startups(26:52) Requirements to applying to Aichi's subsidies(29:55) Does StationAi invest in companies?(32:07) Requirments to StationAI fund(32:52) Who are the rising stars of Aichi & Nagoya startup?(36:20) What is so Unique about Nagoya?(38:40) What are business culture differences in Nagoya?(42:56) What are Nagoya /StationAI'ss plans for the next 3 years Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit here to learn how he can help⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, we have Yoshi Nishikawa, he is an innovation specialist for the city of Kobe and he will tell us more today about Kobe city and its approach to startups. He will also share success stories from both local and foreign startups in Kobe This episode is a part of our series on startup cities, and we have interviewed Kobe, Aichi, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Shibuya. Links from Guest Appearance LinkedIn InvestKobe┃NextKitchen-Kobe┃Climate Tech Challenge Show Notes (02:54) About Kobe (05:36) Industries that Kobe is strong at (11:52) What is Life-Tech KOBE? (13:21) What type of support Does Kobe offer foreign entrepreneurs? (17:26) Financial Support From Kobe (19:41) Success cases of a foreign company / startup in Kobe (27:47) What is unique about Kobe? (30:45) How can a startup develop more trust with cities / Japanese companies? (35:49) Plans for Kobe for the next two years (37:56) Kobe's current startup programs Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit here to learn how he can help⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Scaling Japan Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, we have Younes Hairej, founder and CEO at Aokumo, which helps medium to large corporations simplify their cloud operations through their platform. We will dive into the important topic of system integrators or SIers in Japan, which is a key component to any long-term expansion in Japan for software companies. Links from Guest Appearance ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ Aokumo Show Notes (3:00) What does a Japanese system integrator do? (5:40) How Significant are system integrators in Japan? (9:38) What type of companies do system integrators help? (10:26) How did system integrators come about in Japan? (12:17) Benefits to using system integrators (13:48) Downsides to using system integrators (19:33) How does system integrators impact startups? (22:22) How to select to right system integrator for your company? (25:17) Famous system integrators in Japan (27:42) How to actually find system integrators (28:45) Getting system integrators as partners as a foreign company (30:50) Do you need Japanese to work with system integrators? (34:10) How to get that meeting with a system integrator in Japan? (39:06) Why are system integrators important for your long-term expansion strategy? (43:58) Who is Aokumo and what do they do? sBmCGS3S0vnbBAC0vCT7 Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit here to learn how he can help⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message