We cross swords/minds with Graham Sayer, a 7th dan Kyoshi kendo practitioner, former president of the New Zealand Kendo Federation and recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun.

Graham has been a huge supporter of Jandals in Japan Podcast from its early days and we are thrilled that he agreed to join us to share his wealth of experience in both kendo and business between Japan and New Zealand. Listen to hear more about this fascinating martial art that changed the trajectory of Graham’s life.

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If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• What Japan was like in the bubble era of the late 70s and early 80s
• Loyalty and the challenge of switching martial arts codes in Japan
• How learnings from kendo can take you into the business world
• Japan’s timber industry and why Graham is selling timber to New Zealand

About Graham

Graham Sayer: Kiwi spirit, global horizons

Graham grew up in Taranaki and in 1978, at 20 years of age, headed to Japan to chase his dream of getting a black belt in judo. A knee injury rerouted him to kendo which then became a lifelong passion, sparking a career blending entrepreneurship and cultural exchange. Graham founded a trading venture as well as running a private English school for children in Kyoto before returning to NZ in 1985 to raise his family.

Graham has been involved in many different businesses over the years including, importing wooden toys (into Japan) and cultured pearls (into NZ). He also ran a joint venture with a Japanese company, building a small chain of four photo/camera stores in Auckland as well as launching Escapepods motorhomes, and lastly, was a manufacturer and distributor of rota-moulded fishing kayaks in Japan.

Graham now focuses on Japanese timber exports and supporting his wife’s kendo travel business.

Graham was Kendo President, NZ Kendo Federation for 33 years as well as Auditor for the International Kendo Federation (present). He co-founded the Auckland Kendo club in 1988 which today is NZ’s largest Kendo club. In 2022, he was awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun for services to cultural ties between Japan and New Zealand via the art of Kendo.

Today, he spends his time between Japan and NZ - embracing simplicity, tradition, and new ventures.

Connect with Graham

Kendo: https://akc.org.nz/

Kendo Tours: www.kendotours.com

Timber: www.japaneselumber.com

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch

If you are a long term resident in Japan and consider yourself to be a cultural bridge builder, then this episode is a must listen for you. Sean O’Connell, Professor and Director of the International Center at Nanzan University, is about to drop some gold nuggets in your lap on how you can ace being an even better cross-cultural bridge builder. This is the jandal you have been looking for.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How the Karate Kid kicked off Sean’s interest in the martial arts and the Japanese language
• Sean’s tips for also successfully interpreting feeling and nuance between Japanese and English counterparts
• The biggest culture shock moment for people new to business in Japan
• Bringing Sean’s skills in bridge building to life at his bar, The Hungry Moose
• Why Sean loves the Jandals in Japan Podcast!

About Sean

Sean has a passion for bridging cultures, and has spent decades (30+ years in Japan alone) immersed in Japanese language, business, and the like. After an exchange year in Yokohama in 1986, he earned a BA in Japanese, an MA in Advanced Japanese Studies, and a PhD in Intercultural Business Communication. Sean’s career has taken him from guiding and managing Japanese tours in New Zealand, and business interpreting and translation in Japan to corporate training, where he specialises in preparing expats and fostering multicultural teamwork.

Sean is a Professor and Director of the International Center at Nanzan University in Nagoya. In his free time you can find him at the bar he co-founded, The Hungry Moose.

Connect with Sean

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SOCNAGOYA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-o-connell-8294b071/

Links:

The Hungry Moose: https://www.thehungrymoose.jp/en

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan

Rebecca Thorn is the Kiwi General Manager of the hugely popular Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya. Rebecca shares insights into the hotel's unique blend of neighborhood culture, innovative team dynamics, and creative initiatives, showing that innovation is alive and well in Japan’s hospitality industry. The episode is a deep dive into the vision and strategies that have led to the hotel's success, capped off with exciting upcoming collaborations and events. If you are considering a career in the hospitality industry in Japan, this is an episode not to be missed.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Rebecca inspires her team to try new ideas, including finding a way to make waffles shaped like “Hachiko” the famous dog who waited for its master at Shibuya station
• The design, fashion, music and art themes that run through all aspects of the hotel
• How Rebecca is building a diverse and inclusive team in Japan
• The Kilimanjaro Strategy that her team is talking about

About Rebecca

Rebecca, a proud Kiwi, is the General Manager of Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, which opened in August 2023. She has been loving living and working in Tokyo now for over 5 years. This year marks 19 years with IHG, the company which she has had the opportunity to work in 7 different hotels across 4 different countries with.

Connect with Rebecca

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-thorn-65b49940/

Links:

Rebecca’s First Episode #33: https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/episode/thirthy-three/

Personal/work Instagram - @rebecca_thorn_

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-thorn-65b49940/

Hotel Instagram - @hotelindigotokyoshibuya

Hotel LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelindigotokyoshibuya/posts/?feedView=al l

Hotel Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HotelIndigoTokyoShibuya/

Hotel website - https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/shibuyaku/hndsh/hoteldetail

Gallery 11 Restaurant: https://gallery11.jp/

Vinyl market in Tokyo: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/03/08/lifestyle/vinyl-records-japan-overseas-buyers/

Hachiko: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachik%C5%8D

Hachi...

Chris Boyle is Co-founder, Executive Chair and Managing Director of FABRUM. Chris shares FABRUM's expansive journey in the hydrogen energy sector, including breakthrough projects and partnerships with NASA, Rolls Royce, and significant Japanese corporations like Obayashi. We hear real stories about the failures as well as the successes that have helped them to be where they are today.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How FABRUM started to get noticed by big organisations such as NASA and Rolls Royce
• The benefits of working with NZTE and how joining ministerial visits gives you credibility in Japan
• The pitfalls of casualness in business and how FABRUM designed a way that helps customers have confidence in them
• The long term vision for FABRUM in hydrogen and for Christchurch and New Zealand’s up and coming engineers.

About Chris

Christopher Boyle is the co-founder and Executive Chair of FABRUM, a New Zealand company with the tagline of “advancing a world where people can do more, with less, for longer, by creating clean-tech solutions which enable humanity to tread lightly.“

Christopher has been with FABRUM for over 20 years. He is an adventurer and serial entrepreneur, setting up a number of start-ups over the last two decades.

After graduating from the University of Canterbury with an electrical engineering degree, Chris ventured into the power industry, which took him around the world in a range of different roles. When he returned home, a reunion with an old university mate led to the creation of FABRUM Solutions.

Christopher was a Finalist in the EY New Zealand Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024

FABRUM is a world leader in providing engineering and cryogenic technologies that help generate power. From designing cryogenic systems for major hydrogen plants to developing lightweight composite liquid hydrogen tanks for the aviation industry, FABRUM has a number of patents on bespoke pieces of technology. The company was driven by the goal to develop Kiwi renewable technology for global adoption, helping sectors like aviation, marine, and heavy industry transportation decarbonise.

Japan’s Obayashi Corporation participated in FABRUM’s $23M Series A financing round in February 2023. Obayashi is one of the world’s leading construction companies with expertise and technological innovation and a long track record of projects in New Zealand. In August 2023, FABRUM collaborated with Obayashi Corporation on their first project together where FABRUM is the supplier of a Hydrogen Refuelling Station (HRS) package for a refuelling station project in Auckland.

Recently, FABRUM’s proprietary storage solutions have achieved some impressive performance milestones. For example, their cutting-edge liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage technology has been shipped to the top car manufacturer in Japan (Toyota) for further research and development.

Links:

FABRUM: https://fabrum.nz/

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by

Sir Steve Hansen, the former All Blacks Coach and current Head Coach of Toyota Verblitz joins us on Jandals in Japan and we were thrilled when he shared his favorite treat from a Japanese convenience store on treat night! We also dive into his experience in Japan and insights into coaching and team dynamics here, his deep respect for Japanese culture while making changes and questioning norms to take the Toyota Verblitz to the next level.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Steve Hansen's coaching philosophy this is the episode for you.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Steve’s early years on a dairy farm to a family run pub and what it taught him about people
• The importance of flexibility, communication, and positive reinforcement in fostering a high-performance team
• The challenges of integrating multinational players and the significance of mentoring
• The future of rugby in Japan and improvements that would transform the competition
• Unexpected mentors in shaping Steve’s journey

About Steve

Sir Steve Hansen is the Head Coach of the Toyota Verblitz Rugby Team. He was a former New Zealand rugby union coach and a former player. He famously led the All Blacks to victory during the 2015 Rugby World Cup as their head coach, a role that he held from 2012 to 2019. He built the All Blacks in this era to be not only the world’s most successful rugby team but also the most successful sports team at the time.

Steve was born in Mosgeil to dairy farming parents who had a farm on the Taieri Plain. He did his secondary school education and Christchurch Boys’ High School and spent six years in the New Zealand Police working at the Hornby Police Station. He played centre in rugby union representing Canterbury at first-class level on 21 occasions.

He began his coaching career with the Canterbury provincial rugby union team from 1996 to 2001, coached the Wales National Team, then returned to New Zealand as assistant coach for the All Blacks, rising to Coach of the team in 2012.

Steve ventured to Japan in 2020 to take up his assignment with Toyota Verblitz in coaching consultant for Top League side Toyota Verblitz serving as an advisor and mentor and was appointed Head Coach in 2024.

Steve became Sir Steve Hansen after being awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby in the New Year’s Honours list in 2020.

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Links:

Japan Rugby Weekly Podcast: https://redcircle.com/shows/japan-rugby-weekly

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In:

We wanted to share our submission to the New Zealand Podcast Awards for 2024. Although we were certainly pipped at the post, we are so proud of the work we have done and thankful to the wonderful guests who have shared their experiences with us.

Jandals" is a unique podcast focused on guiding New Zealand businesses entering the Japanese market. It exemplifies the power of going niche, offering extreme value to listeners who apply its insights directly to shape their Japan business strategies. The podcast features guests from a broad range of sectors, including sports, education, hospitality, F&B, forestry, seafood, tech, pet food, fitness, horticulture and logistics. These experts provide invaluable insights into every facet of the business relationship between New Zealand and Japan, sparking cross-sector collaborations. Budding NZ exporters often reach out to our guests for trusted, in-market advice.

With its niche focus and measurable impact on businesses, careers and community, "Jandals" is a valuable platform to profile New Zealand-Japan business success.

[00:00] Episode 45: Cookie Time lands a massive deal with Costco, a decade in the making. This frank discussion reveals what it's like working with this retail giant and why it’s not for everyone.

[04:05] Episode 51: Jessica Tisch from FreshCo shares surprising insights on selling New Zealand's premium apples in Japan. From sustainability to Japan’s unexpected tech gap in agriculture, this episode explores the challenges of fruit exports and showcases how NZ agri-tech innovation is driving advancements in Japan's agricultural industry.

[07:44] Episode 43: Joe Harawira tells the inspiring founder story behind Wai Mānuka premium beverage brand born from a New Year’s Eve Kiwi BBQ. Now it’s a premium beverage export riding the wave in Japan. With Māori business values resonating well in Japan, the future looks bright for Wai Mānuka’s success.

[10:54] Episode 52: We scored a major win with rugby legends Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith, opening up about their time at Toyota Verblitz, what Japan has taught them and the pivotal role families play in their careers. Fun and insightful, we discover a different side of these sports icons boosting the business of rugby between Japan and NZ.

Teri Tall is the Kiwi owner of the Hakuba Matata Lodge in Hakuba. She shares her experiences and insights on running a ski lodge in Japan. Teri shares the journey to finding their own ski lodge and setting up business here, with her motto, just do it, ask questions and tread respectfully. The winter sports industry is thriving in Japan and there is much scope for Kiwis to be part of it as Teri explains.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Teri and her husband turned a love of winter sports into a lifestyle in Japan
• Things to look for in a town when you are purchasing a business
• The Outdoor Women's Network Japan and their activities
• Teri’s gems and crystal ball moments

About Teri

Teri is the Kiwi ski lodge owner of Hakuba Matata Lodge located in Hakuba, Japan.

She has a passion for the mountains that she loves sharing with others. Hosting guests at Hakuba Matata Lodge is a source of pride and joy for her, especially when bringing more women into the outdoors.

Being new to both business ownership and Japan when they arrived in 2018, Teri and her husband have approached their Japanese mountain business adventures together with a Kiwi attitude and a “no worries” mantra.

As an outdoor enthusiast and entrepreneur Teri is also the creator of the Outdoor Women's Network Japan.

Connect with Teri

Website: https://hakubamatata.com/

Links

Outdoor Women’s Network Japan: https://www.facebook.com/groups/outdoorwomenjapan

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan

Lindsay Gray, Executive Chef at the Tokyo American Club, shares his culinary journey from New Zealand to Japan. Lindsay discusses his initial struggles and eventual appreciation for traditional Japanese dishes like Mozuku. He also talks about the challenges and rewards of managing a diverse kitchen in Japan, his approach to incorporating New Zealand ingredients into his menus, and tips for aspiring chefs looking to work in Japan.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Lindsay came to be a chef in Japan and working his way into and to the top of the Tokyo American Club
• Highlights of his cooking adventures here including cooking for baseball legend Hideki Matsui
• Lindsay’s predictions for the future of food and beverage
• Lindsay’s tips for working in the F&B industry in Japan

About Lindsay

Welcome to Lindsay Gray who is the resident Kiwi and Executive Chef at the Tokyo American Club. Lindsay is an experienced executive chef with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry in New Zealand and Japan.

Lindsay studied at AIT in New Zealand and got the opportunity to work at the Four Seasons Regent Hotel in Auckland in his early days on an apprenticeship and it was there that his interest in Japan started.

Lindsay has a strong operational background as a professional skilled in Catering, Menu Engineering, Food & Beverage, Concept Development, and P&L management experience is a particular strength.

Lindsay lives by his motto that “Your hobby is your job”.

Links

Tanakada http://tanakada.net/tanakada/index.php

Torigin https://torigin-ginza.jp/eng/

New Torigin http://www.tokyogalaxy.ac.jp/en/japanese-culture/new-torigin-ginza

Kushimura https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g14129735-d1661911-Reviews-Kushimura-Roppongi_Minato_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/

Facebook: