Scaling Japan Podcast

Helping business owners in Japan scale their businesses from $100,000 annually to $10,000,000 and beyond. Everything you need to know from recruitment, marketing, sales, and operations, we got you covered in taking your business to the next level.Go to scalingyourcompany.com/the-scaling-japan-podcast and listen to experts and people who have scaled companies in Japan share their journeys and tips.

Scaling Japan Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Tyson Batino, with 98 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.

Tyson Batino hosts Scaling Japan Podcast, a business show with 98 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #100

  Episode 100: Selling on Amazon Japan: Building Brands, Not Just Listings with Neil Curtis

  Jun 23, 202647 min

  In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Neil Curtis, founder and CEO of Rising Sun Commerce, who has over a decade of experience helping international brands succeed on Amazon Japan. With hands-on experience supporting Western brands entering Japan, Neil helps companies navigate localization, compliance, and growth in one of the world’s most competitive e-commerce markets. In this episode, Neil explains why many brands fail on Amazon Japan not because of their product, but because they misunderstand how Japanese consumers evaluate trust, risk, and value. If you are a founder, e-commerce leader, or marketer expanding into Japan, this conversation will change how you approach Amazon, localization, and long-term growth. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why Amazon Japan is one of the most competitive and misunderstood marketplaces Why translation is not enough and proper localization is criticalHow Japanese consumers prioritize trust, risk reduction, and detailed information Why brand building matters more than just listing productsHow pricing dynamics and competition impact conversion Why Amazon ads require a long-term investment mindsetHow off-Amazon efforts like influencers and PR improve performance Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to Neil Curtis and Amazon Japan expertise 07:08 Why Amazon Japan is harder than most foreign brands expect 12:45 Why brand building matters more than just listing products 21:00 How Amazon listings, fulfillment, and advertising work in Japan 36:29 How to localize product pages for Japanese consumers 42:15 Why off-Amazon brand building and influencer marketing matter Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Neil Curtis – Founder & CEO, Rising Sun Commerce🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-curtis/ Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Tyson Batino helps founders scale from $100,000 to $10,000,000 through coaching and advisory. 📈 Learn more: https://scalingyourcompany.com 🎤 Send a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

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  Scaling Japan Podcast

  Episode 99: How to Get Clients on LinkedIn in 2026 with Stef Curcio

  May 12, 202650 min

  In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Stef Curcio, founder of Scale Acquisition AI, who has helped over 200 clients and supported more than 1,000 professionals with LinkedIn lead generation. With hands-on experience building outreach systems, personal brands, and AI-assisted workflows, Stef shares how LinkedIn can still be used as a powerful client acquisition channel in 2026. He explains why many people fail to get results on LinkedIn not because the platform stopped working, but because they misunderstand how trust, visibility, and conversations actually drive conversions. If you are a founder, consultant, agency owner, or B2B operator trying to generate more clients, this conversation will change how you think about LinkedIn content, outbound, and relationship-building. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why LinkedIn is still one of the strongest B2B acquisition channels in 2026 Why silent viewers and profile visitors often become your best leadsHow a simple system of posting and daily outreach can build a consistent pipeline Why personalized DMs can outperform volume-based outreachHow to recognize buying signals and know when to make the ask How to find and validate the right prospects on LinkedInWhere AI can support lead generation without replacing human relationships Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Stef Curcio and LinkedIn lead generation 02:21 Why LinkedIn is still powerful for B2B customer acquisition 04:48 How organic reach works and why silent viewers matter 11:21 A simple LinkedIn system for building pipeline 19:19 Relationship-first outreach and when to make the ask 31:22 How to find and validate the right prospects on LinkedIn 37:40 Using AI and automation without losing authenticity Links from Guest Appearance:Stef Curcio : Founder of Scale Acquisition AI 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stef-curcio/ Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Tyson Batino helps founders scale from $100,000 to $10,000,000 through coaching and advisory. 📈 Learn more: https://scalingyourcompany.com 🎤 Send a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

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  Scaling Japan Podcast

  Episode 98: Why AI Adoption in Japan Fails Without Leadership Buy-In with Brittany Arthur

  Apr 21, 202652 min

  In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Brittany Arthur, Co-Founder and CEO of Design Thinking Japan, and a leader in human-centered AI implementation. With experience working with companies like Nissan, Honda, and Starbucks, Brittany helps organizations move beyond AI hype into real, practical adoption. She is also an official partner of Microsoft’s Elevate Initiative, supporting companies in building AI capability from the ground up. In this episode, Brittany explains why many AI initiatives in Japan fail not because of the technology, but because of gaps in leadership, strategy, and foundational understanding. If you are a founder, executive, or marketer working with AI in Japan, this conversation will change how you approach implementation and scaling. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why AI is a multiplier, not a shortcut, and what that means for leadership Why many AI initiatives fail when treated like side projects The concept of “Minimum Viable Literacy” and what leaders need to understand Why data, ethics, and security are critical for AI success Why AI adoption requires both literacy and experimentationJapan’s opportunity in “physical AI” and monozukuri How Japan can compete globally in the AI era Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to Brittany Arthur and Human-Centered AI 04:33 Japan’s AI Landscape: High Interest but Unclear Starting Point 08:19 AI is a Multiplier: Why Leadership and Strategy Must Come First 12:22 Japan’s Opportunity: From Missed Software Era to Physical AI 16:45 Minimum Viable Literacy: Data, Ethics, Security, and Problem Definition 29:22 AI Adoption = Literacy + Experimentation 39:06 Why Japan Is Positioned to Win: Monozukuri, Culture, and Longevity Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Brittany Arthur – Co-Founder & CEO, Design Thinking Japan🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyart/ Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Tyson Batino helps founders scale from $100,000 to $10,000,000 through coaching and advisory. 📈 Learn more: https://scalingyourcompany.com 🎤 Send a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message

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  Episode #97

  Episode 97: Trade Shows in Japan: How to Build Trust, Stand Out, and Turn Leads into Deals with Shuma Goko

  Apr 6, 202633 min

  In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we’re joined by Shuma Goko, who has extensive experience supporting global companies with trade shows and event marketing in Japan. With hands-on experience helping foreign companies enter the Japanese market, Shuma shares how trade shows can be used as a powerful go-to-market channel in a country where trust, relationships, and in-person interactions are critical. In this episode, Shuma explains why many companies fail to generate results from trade shows in Japan not because of the channel itself, but because they misunderstand how Japanese buyers evaluate vendors and build trust. If you are a founder or marketer entering Japan, this conversation will change how you think about offline GTM, localization, and lead conversion. In This Episode, We Cover: Why trade shows are still essential in Japan’s trust-based business culture How face-to-face interaction and product experience impact buying decisions The industries where trade shows perform best, including tech, manufacturing, food, and lifestyle The most common mistakes foreign companies make, especially around localization and follow-up Why clarity in messaging matters more than flashy booth design The reality that only about 10 percent of attendees are decision-makers How fast and structured follow-up within 24 to 48 hours drives conversions Show Notes : 00:00 Introduction to Shuma and global trade show experience 06:00 Why trade shows still matter in Japan 09:53 Best industries for trade shows 12:29 Common mistakes foreign companies make 19:04 What makes a booth stand out 20:30 Who actually attends trade shows in Japan 28:22 Why follow-up is critical for conversion Links from Guest Appearance: Shuma Goko : Founder and Producer at OUTBOUND K.K. 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuma-goko-08152732/ 📩 Want more insights? Subscribe to our newsletter for Japan business resources and upcoming event invites: 💌 https://scalingyourcompany.com/blog/#newsletter 🎤 Scaling Japan Podcast Grow your business in Japan with Tyson Batino 📱 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more 🌐 ⁠⁠ https://scalingyourcompany.com/podcast/⁠⁠

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  Scaling Japan Podcast

  Episode 96: Getting to 50 B2B Clients in Japan Through Partnerships with Shay Khosrowshahi

  Feb 17, 202648 min

  Most foreign SaaS companies struggle to land even a handful of enterprise clients in Japan. Shay Khosrowshahi helped scale Ulife to 50+ B2B customers in just 18 months, largely through strategic partnerships. In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we break down how he did it. Shay is the co-founder of NXL and former Managing Director of Ulife APAC. After a 100M investment, he was sent to Japan to launch and scale the business in one of the most credibility-driven markets in the world. We explore what partnerships really mean in Japan, how to align incentives with distribution partners, and why most founders underestimate the level of commitment required to succeed here. Shay shares tactical insights on discovery calls, partner qualification, internal champions, cultural misalignment, and how to create momentum that compounds over time. If you are a SaaS founder, CRO, or GTM leader entering Japan, this episode offers a practical partnership blueprint grounded in real execution. In This Episode, We Cover: What a partnership actually means in the Japanese market Distribution partners vs strategic alliances Why hunger and ambition matter more than brand size The 70/30 discovery framework for qualifying partners How to forecast revenue impact to align incentives Managing harmony culture while still driving urgency Why early wins create long-term momentum When to double down or exit a partnership Why getting direct customers first gives you leverage Guest Appearance: 🔗 Shay Khosrowshahi LinkedIn 🌐 NXL : www.yournextlevel.io Show Notes : 00:01 Introduction to Shay and his Japan scaling journey 02:09 Defining partnerships in the Japan context 03:11 Types of partnerships that worked 06:39 How to vet partners and why hunger matters 10:47 The 70/30 discovery call framework 17:21 Training partners and building internal champions 29:20 Cultural hurdles and harmony-driven challenges 38:21 Measuring partnership health beyond revenue 45:32 Final advice on commitment in Japan 46:31 Why direct traction strengthens partnership leverage 📩 Want more insights? Subscribe to our newsletter for Japan business resources and upcoming event invites: 💌 https://scalingyourcompany.com/blog/#newsletter 🎤 Scaling Japan Podcast Grow your business in Japan with Tyson Batino 📱 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more 🌐 ⁠ https://scalingyourcompany.com/podcast/⁠

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