Jandals in Japan

Gareth Pidgeon is Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. From his roots in New Plymouth under the shadow of Mount Taranaki to his current diplomatic role, Gareth shares his incredible journey through Japan that began at just 14 years of age. Discover the unspoken rules of Japanese business culture, find out what a diplomat does in his day job, learn about Matariki celebrations expanding across Japan, and hear how Gareth uses his platform to promote New Zealand's values of inclusion, equality, and diversity. Plus, find out where to get the best vegan ramen in Tokyo!
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:
A Japanese lesson on top phrases we use in diplomatic, business and social situations
Gareth's unique diplomatic journey, from studying Japanese in high school, attending university in Japan at 17, and now serving as Deputy Head of Mission in Tokyo
Gareth’s experience as a gay man living and working in Japan today
The power of building genuine relationships and why New Zealand's humble approach creates natural connections
How Matariki is connecting Kiwi communities across Japan and how you can connect with other Kiwis here

About Gareth
Gareth is the Deputy Head of Mission and Consul-General at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. Before coming to Tokyo in 2023, Gareth worked as Lead Adviser Japan and Korea in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Wellington.
Gareth joined MFAT in 2007. He has focused on New Zealand’s relationships with Asia for most of his career. In addition to Tokyo, he has previously served in Kuala Lumpur and New Delhi.
Before joining MFAT, Gareth worked for the New Zealand Ministry of Defence and Immigration New Zealand.
After learning Japanese at high school in New Zealand, Gareth spent five years studying in Japan and graduated from the University of Tsukuba with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations. He holds a Master of Arts degree in History of International Relations from the London School of Economics.
Links
New Zealand Embassy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nzembassyjapan
Japan New Zealand Business Council https://www.jnzbc.com/
ANZCCJ https://www.anzccj.jp/
Sora no Iro https://soranoiro-vege.com/store-menu/soranoiro-nippon/
Jikase Mensho https://menya-shono.com/parco/
Jandals in Japan is brought to you by

Brandon Jackson spent nearly a decade in Japan playing and coaching rugby for corporate teams including the Ricoh Black Rams. Now, as General Manager of Growth Sectors at the Bank of New Zealand, he helps Kiwi businesses scale internationally, with a particular passion for strengthening the NZ-Japan relationship.
Brandon discusses the promising sectors for NZ-Japan collaboration while offering frank advice about the common pitfalls Kiwi businesses face when entering Japan. Whether you're interested in rugby, business development, or cross-cultural leadership, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who has truly experienced both worlds and believes passionately that Japan deserves more attention from New Zealand.
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:
The lessons from a decade playing and coaching rugby in Japan that now drive Brandon’s approach to banking and business development.
Why New Zealand may have taken Japan for granted as a business partner and how the relationship needs to be reinvigorated
The critical differences between Kiwi and Japanese business culture
Practical insights on entering the Japanese market, from understanding distribution networks to building authentic relationships and avoiding the pitfall of thinking you can "just rock up" and succeed.

About Brandon
Brandon Jackson is General Manager of Growth Sectors at the Bank of New Zealand, where he leads national initiatives to help New Zealand’s high-opportunity industries scale, from healthcare and technology to Māori business, export, and Asia-linked ventures.
Before moving into finance, he spent a decade playing and coaching rugby in Japan’s corporate leagues, including for Ricoh and Kurita Water Industries, and completed a Master of Management in Sport Business Administration at Massey University.
He has since built a career that bridges leadership, banking, and sport, developing products that
help NZ businesses grow globally while also serving as a long-time coach and director in New Zealand Rugby.
Links
SYOS Aerospace: https://www.bnz.co.nz/business-banking/business-moments/syos-aerospace-how-a-tauranga-robotics-startup-has-taken-flight-globally
Tomonoura, Hiroshima Prefecture: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3432.html
Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with...

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 Aotearoa
What it takes to be an artist in residence in Japan and tips for aspiring artists to follow in Sarah’s footsteps
The process to harvest taonga(treasures, property) for art
Why getting out of big cities is essential for understanding the real Japan

About Sarah
Sarah 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.
Links
Setouchi 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 Jayne
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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 Japan
How Fonterra operates as a B2B company in Japan and the surprising products that contain Fonterra ingredients
The transformation happening in Japanese dairy farming and how Fonterra is helping to lead the charge
The critical importance of patience and local partnerships when entering the market in Japan

About Bryn
Bryn 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.
Links
Fonterra 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 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
Mentioned in this episode:
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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 Tokyo
Why 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 pathways
Tab’s favourite Japanese proverb, treat from the conbini on treat night and a go to karaoke song

About Tabai
Tabai 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 Tabai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabai-matson-969846134/
Links
Ricoh 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 Jayne
Connect with Jayne and Catherine
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/
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