Now and Zen Japan

Entertaining and insightful conversations with Japan focused business professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Recorded in bars around Tokyo, it’s like eavesdropping on candid conversations with Japan experts who share engaging stories of success, failure, and wisdom gained in Japan. Discover first-hand what it’s like to live, work, and experience the most fascinating country in the world. Direct from Tokyo, this is the Now and Zen Podcast!

Now and Zen Japan is a society podcast hosted by Andrew Hankinson, with 96 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Andrew Hankinson hosts Now and Zen Japan, a society show with 96 episodes published.

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  Episode #96

  Alvin Tan: 6 Controversial Reasons Foreigners should work for Japanese Companies

  Dec 27, 202443 minS0

  <p>Have you ever been curious about working for a Japanese company but felt discouraged by stories of long hours, low pay, rigid hierarchies, and mandatory social drinking? If so, this episode is for you. Our guest, Alvin Tan, dives into his controversial Medium article, "Why More Foreigners in Japan Should Work for Japanese Companies: Six Reasons to Consider It."</p><p>The article sparked a firestorm online, generating nearly 100 negative comments on social media, with many Japan experts calling working for a Japanese company a career dead end. But Alvin challenges that narrative, sharing six compelling reasons why it...

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  Episode #95

  Sean Nichols: Japan Entertainment industry insider & Ultraman actor

  Nov 26, 202442 minS0

  <p>Welcome to today’s episode! Our guest is the multi-talented Sean Nichols, whose career is as diverse as it is inspiring. Sean has captivated audiences as an entertainer on Japanese TV, performed as a Manzai stand-up comedian, and even served as the global representative for Japan's biggest YouTuber. He’s toured with Aerosmith and, most famously, broke barriers as the first—and only—foreigner to star in the Ultraman series during its 40-year history, playing "Sean White" in 50 episodes.</p><p>In this episode, Sean takes us on a dream journey, sharing how he went from watching Ultraman on TV as a...

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  Episode #94

  (Best of) Masafumi Otsuka: Intercultural Business Facilitator and Cultural Navigator

  Oct 27, 202443 minS0

  <p>In this episode, we take a deep dive into the often-mystifying Japanese business practices that foreigners in Japan struggle to navigate. Intercultural facilitator Masafumi Otsuka sheds light on puzzling practices like "Why Japanese managers change jobs every three years" and "Why they always see the glass as half empty." Masa offers a logical breakdown of the periodic job rotation system and Japan’s risk-averse decision-making process.</p><p>We also explore key cultural concepts that are often misunderstood by Westerners—such as Nemawashi, Genten Shugi, and Kyochosei—all explained by Masa in a fun and enlightening way.</p><p>Masa s...

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  Episode #93

  Yuko Tamura: Bi-cultural storyteller offering "rebellious" insights on Japan.

  Sep 28, 202443 minS0

  <p>In this episode, I’m joined by Yuko Tamura, an award-winning writer on the Medium platform and editor of Japonica—the go-to publication for everything Japan. Yuko’s writing is a blend of "Fun Facts about Japan" and what she calls "a little rebellious essays" from Tokyo.</p><p>We discuss some of her standout articles, including "The 3 Facts You Should Know Before Marketing to Japan." Yuko has a passion for cross-cultural topics and offers valuable advice for both Japanese and English speakers on how to avoid cultural misunderstandings.</p><p>We also talk about her experiences writing for Medium...

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  Episode #92

  (Best of) Ed Thompson: Marketing Consultant and Educator

  Aug 26, 202442 minS0

  <p>Now and Zen Japan is excited to welcome Mr. Ed Thompson, a Marketing Consultant and the founder of Concept Design. In this episode, we enjoy some beers while diving into Ed's over 20-year journey in Japan and his extensive career in marketing, branding, advertising, and academia. Ed has also been a lecturer at Temple University for more than 15 years. Known for his straightforward communication and strong opinions on marketing, Ed shares stories from his early days in Japan, including his experiences of being disciplined with bamboo sticks, working alongside bureaucrats, and starting his own business after just five years...

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