Jandals in Japan®

Peri Drysdale is Founder of the internationally renowned sustainable fashion brand Untouched World. From growing up on a sheep farm in the Rakaia Gorge to becoming a registered nurse, and then launching a global wool business with just $200 in the bank, Peri's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Discover how she broke into Japan's notoriously difficult department store market, the power of persistence, and why being a foreign woman in Japanese business turned from a double negative into a surprising advantage.
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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:
How Peri started a global wool business with $200 in the bank
The jaw-dropping story of how Peri got her products into prestigious Japanese retailers
The "two minuses make a plus" philosophy
Peri’s Essential lessons for doing business in Japan

About Peri
Peri was born in Christchurch with a first career as a nurse before starting a small home-based knitwear business while raising her young family.
Over the decades, that cottage industry evolved into the internationally recognised brand Untouched World, known for its innovative natural fibres and commitment to environmentally responsible fashion.
The company exports globally including Japan and has earned international recognition for its leadership in sustainability.
Alongside building her business, Peri founded the Untouched World Foundation,and her contributions to business, exports, and sustainability have been widely recognised, including induction into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame and numerous national awards.
Links
Untouched World: https://www.untouchedworld.com/en-int
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

Kanako Inomata is the Head of Marketing APAC for Zespri International, one of the world's most recognised fresh produce brands. Working remotely from her hometown in Aizu, Fukushima, she leads marketing strategy across Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, and beyond.
Kanako reveals the fascinating story behind the Kiwi Brothers characters, which have become so iconic in Japan that they've been rolled out globally across Europe, the Americas, and even back to New Zealand. Whether you're interested in brand building, cross-cultural marketing, or living a purpose-driven career, Kanako's wisdom will resonate.
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:
What drew Kanako to move her career to a kiwifruit company from New Zealand
How Kanako and her team created the now-iconic Kiwi Brothers characters (and now their little sister “Ruby”)
The importance of being consumer centric marketing
Kanako’s experience working remotely from Fukushima and leading teams across APAC

About Kanako
An international marketing leader with extensive experience across Consumer, Shopper and Digital marketing. Starting her career at Unilever in Japan, her international marketing experience expanded into South Africa, and now extends across all of Asia Pacific
where she leads a multinational marketing team of Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and India at Zespri International. Representing one of the world’s biggest fresh produce brands, Kanako has led the Zespri marketing team to receive regional recognition including Tangrams Strategy & Effectiveness Awards etc.
Kanako is a talented consumer driven marketer with a strong sense of accountability and business acumen. She is passionate about developing her team’s capability, and contributing positively to society so she can leave the world in a better place.
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

Glen Argyle left Invercargill for what he thought would be a two or three-year teaching stint in Osaka. Twenty-eight years later, he is currently the CEO of Baxter Japan, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies. His journey from JET program teacher to pharmaceutical industry leader is a masterclass in cultural adaptation, patience, and authentic leadership. Whether you're considering a move to Japan, leading a team here, or exploring business opportunities, Glen's wisdom will resonate deeply.
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 Glen Argyle went from teaching English on the JET program to becoming CEO of Baxter Japan
The best decision of Glen's career, and how learning to adapt communication styles, was essential to his success
The critical importance of supply consistency, relationship building, and earning trust in the Japanese market
How the inverted pyramid leadership model and values-based decision making can drive cultural change in Japan

About Glen
Glen Argyle was born and raised in Invercargill, New Zealand and studied in Dunedin at University of Otago. Following graduation, Glen moved to Osaka expecting to stay only three years and has now spent more than 28 years living and working in Japan. During his career Glen has worked in a range of healthcare leadership roles, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and service organizations. Passionate about people and empowering teams through servant leadership, Glen tries to bring his Kiwi roots to his leadership style. Glen is currently CEO of Baxter Japan.
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

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 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

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 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