Jandals in Japan

Sarah Hudson made history as Aotearoa's first artist in residence at the Setouchi Triennale. Sarah shares her transformative experience living and creating art in Kagawa Prefecture's island community. Sarah's story is one of perseverance, cultural discovery, and the universal language of art. She reveals how stepping outside the big cities and into rural Japan changed not just her artwork, but her entire perspective on connection, community, and creativity. Whether you're an artist considering international opportunities, a business person looking to understand cross-cultural collaboration, or simply someone who loves hearing about authentic Japan experiences, this conversation will inspire you to see art as a bridge between worlds.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:The profound similarities between Māori and Japanese worldviews and the stone wall connection of a far away island and one close to Sarah’s whenua (land) in AotearoaWhat it takes to be an artist in residence in Japan and tips for aspiring artists to follow in Sarah’s footstepsThe process to harvest taonga(treasures, property) for art Why getting out of big cities is essential for understanding the real Japan About SarahSarah Hudson is a Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe and Ngāti Pūkeko artist based in Whakatāne, Aotearoa. Her practice explores tino rangatiritanga (sovereignty), whenua (land), reciprocity, and relationships through painting, performance, and sculpture. Sarah has exhibited nationally and internationally with the award-winning Mataaho Collective, and is also a founding member of the Kauae Raro Research Collective, an organisation dedicated to the promotion and retention of Māori paint-making technologies.Based in Aotearoa New Zealand, McCahon House deliver a programme designed around the concept of supporting artists at pivotal points in their careers. This includes national and international career-defining residencies and celebrating artists through events and commissioned essays, as well as education initiatives and resources. The Tomorrow Group are McCahon House patrons that support our bold and ambitious projects with international scope, including the Naoshima Artist Residency. They enable artists to extend their practice in different contexts, engage in international exchange and contribute to global discourse.LinksSetouchi Triennale: https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/ McCahon House https://mccahonhouse.org.nz/ Press Release: https://www.asianz.org.nz/arts/artist-sarah-hudson-announced-as-naoshima-artist-in-residence-and-setouchi-triennale-2025 Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with JayneConnect with Jayne and CatherineLinked In:

Bryn Rowdon is the Corporate Communications General Manager for Fonterra's North Asia region. We uncover the fascinating story of how New Zealand's iconic dairy cooperative is not only a leading B2B supplier in one of the world's most discerning markets but also helping local dairy farmers to create more sustainable and profitable farms. New Zealand dairy products and ingredients are now part of Japanese bento, coffee creamers, cheeses and morning toast to name a few, listen in to hear more about Fonterra and how they are doing business 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 Bryn’s bumpy road on the Japanese learning journey turned into a career in JapanHow Fonterra operates as a B2B company in Japan and the surprising products that contain Fonterra ingredientsThe transformation happening in Japanese dairy farming and how Fonterra is helping to lead the chargeThe critical importance of patience and local partnerships when entering the market in JapanAbout BrynBryn Rowdon is the Corporate Communications General Manager for Fonterra’s North Asia region (Japan & South Korea). He is responsible for the implementation of the region’s sustainability Global Road map, managing stakeholder relations to effectively promote Fonterra's sustainability proposition to North Asia's customers and consumers. His team also manages Legal, Compliance, CSR and Corporate Affairs.His previous roles have included Corporate Planning GM, responsible for managing Strategic and Integrated Business Planning and Corporate Affairs as well as North Asia Operations GM, where he managed the Logistics & Sales Operations teams.LinksFonterra Japan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fonterra.jp/ Alex Kane’s Movember Fundraising page: https://movember.com/m/14341735?mc=1 Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with JayneConnect with Jayne and CatherineLinked 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 Mentioned in this episode:Kiwi Flees PodcastListen to this great new...

From the Māori All Blacks to the Ricoh Black Rams in Tokyo, Tabai Matson (Tabs) has coached rugby on multiple continents—and Japan has taught him some of his most valuable lessons. We build on our learnings from top leaders as Tabs shares his cultural context knowledge with us that is also effective outside of locker rooms and scrums. You’ll be inspired to try your hand at your own version of the “head coach” persona whether it’s in business, sports or daily life in Japan or Aotearoa for that matter.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:Tabs’ journey from player/coach to head coach of the Ricoh Black Rams TokyoWhy TJ Perenara is captain this season and the fantastic example he is in the team and as a “negotiator” on the field The unique challenge for coaching staff due to Japan’s traditional rugby pathwaysTab’s favourite Japanese proverb, treat from the conbini on treat night and a go to karaoke songAbout TabaiTabai Matson (Tabs) is Head Coach of the Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo, a team competing in the Japan Rugby League One tournament. Born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand his rugby journey has spanned continents, from pulling on the black jersey for the All Blacks and representing Fiji at the Rugby World Cup, to playing and coaching for Shizuoka Blue Revs (formerly Yamaha Motor Júbilo) here in Japan. He has built an extraordinary coaching career as Canterbury’s ITM Cup championship head coach, Crusaders and Chiefs assistant coach in Super Rugby, Head Coach at Bath Rugby in England, and the first non-Māori to coach the Māori All Blacks. His path has taken him across five nations, two Rugby World Cups, and over 300 professional games coached. Now based in Tokyo Tabs has come full circle - returning to Japan not only to coach but to immerse himself once again in the culture he calls “a place of strength and beauty.” Connect with TabaiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabai-matson-969846134/ LinksRicoh Black Rams Tokyo http://blackrams-tokyo.com/ Blue Lock Anime: https://bluelock-anime-en.com/ Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with JayneConnect with Jayne and CatherineLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/ Instagram:

Meet Aaron Astle, whose remarkable family story connects two nations across time. As a descendant of Noda Asajiro - believed to be the first Japanese person to set foot in New Zealand in the late 1800s - Aaron brings a unique perspective to living in Japan. From growing up in Auckland immersed in Te Ao Māori to making music and studying Japanese in Osaka, Aaron shares his journey of cultural discovery and connection.Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan in the box below.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 will hear:The incredible story of Noda Asajiro: how a 10 year old Japanese boy accidentally became a stowaway and ended up marrying into Māori royaltyStriking similarities between Māori and Japanese languages Why Aaron felt instantly at home in Japan Aaron's musical journey and his upcoming single called "The Night Our Stars Fell"About AaronBorn to an American mother and Māori father in Auckland, New Zealand, Aaron Astle (Tainui iwi) has spent his life in love with his whakapapa Māori that he inherited from his father’s side. Since a very young age, at every turn Aaron has taken any opportunity to share Te Ao Māori with those wanting to engage with it. From teaching kapa haka, running cultural workshops with his father to eventually taking it into the corporate space as the Cultural Capability Lead for Vodafone NZ, alongside his role as a Solution Architect. Shifting gears to follow his childhood dream, Aaron moved to Japan in 2023 where he has since been immersing himself in the new culture, studying the language, making and performing music, and lastly drawing closer to his roots that also happen to lead back to the Land of the Rising Sun.Links:Banpaku Kouen Expo Park: https://www.expo70-park.jp/ Kiwi House http://www.kiwihouse.jp/ El Pancho https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270201/27001670/ Aaron’s Music: https://aeonaltars.bandcamp.com/community Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with JayneConnect with Jayne and CatherineLinked 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

Join us for an insightful conversation with Charles Wilson, who leads Tatua Japan's operations as both President and Representative Director in one of New Zealand's most important export markets. From his childhood introduction to Japan through the Japanese supplemental education calculation & maths program “Kumon mathematics” to becoming president of a dairy ingredients company, Charles shares his unique journey and valuable insights about building successful business relationships in Japan. You will enjoy this story of how an SME like Tatua Japan can partner with Japanese companies for mutually beneficial outcomes. 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 will hear:Why arriving 5-10 minutes early for meetings is essential for building trust and success in Japanese business cultureHow Japan's "ringi-sho" consensus-building process really works with pre-meetings and side discussions before official approvalsAbout the "proteinisation" trend driving demand for protein-enhanced products among Japan's aging populationCharles' unexpected summer survival tip - escaping to Tama's cool river waters and Japanese workplace "cool down rooms"About CharlesCharles Wilson has been at the helm of Tatua Japan since 2023, as both President and Representative Director. This role has enabled him to live his passion for strengthening trade and business ties between Japan and New Zealand. He leads a growing team, oversees key customer relationships, drives strategic initiatives, and manages the company’s day-to-day operations.His interest in the agricultural and dairy industries originates from his upbringing on an avocado orchard in the sunny Bay of Plenty and his experience spending summer holidays milking cows. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, and a Bachelor of Business in Finance from Massey University. Prior to joining Tatua, Charles spent nearly a decade with ITOCHU Corporation—one of Japan’s largest general trading companies—working in both Tokyo and Sydney. At ITOCHU, he developed infrastructure investment strategies and managed a portfolio of global infrastructure assets.The blend of Charles’ Kiwi upbringing and his adaptation to Japanese culture has deepened his appreciation for the vital harmony between people, nature, and enterprise—a balance that lies at the heart of agriculture and fuels his passion for the field.LinksTatua Japan: https://jp.tatua.com/ Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with JayneConnect with Jayne and CatherineLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/ Instagram: