Lindsay Gray, Executive Chef at the Tokyo American Club, shares his culinary journey from New Zealand to Japan. Lindsay discusses his initial struggles and eventual appreciation for traditional Japanese dishes like Mozuku. He also talks about the challenges and rewards of managing a diverse kitchen in Japan, his approach to incorporating New Zealand ingredients into his menus, and tips for aspiring chefs looking to work in Japan.

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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 Lindsay came to be a chef in Japan and working his way into and to the top of the Tokyo American Club
• Highlights of his cooking adventures here including cooking for baseball legend Hideki Matsui
• Lindsay’s predictions for the future of food and beverage
• Lindsay’s tips for working in the F&B industry in Japan

About Lindsay

Welcome to Lindsay Gray who is the resident Kiwi and Executive Chef at the Tokyo American Club. Lindsay is an experienced executive chef with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry in New Zealand and Japan.

Lindsay studied at AIT in New Zealand and got the opportunity to work at the Four Seasons Regent Hotel in Auckland in his early days on an apprenticeship and it was there that his interest in Japan started.

Lindsay has a strong operational background as a professional skilled in Catering, Menu Engineering, Food & Beverage, Concept Development, and P&L management experience is a particular strength.

Lindsay lives by his motto that “Your hobby is your job”.

Links

Tanakada http://tanakada.net/tanakada/index.php

Torigin https://torigin-ginza.jp/eng/

New Torigin http://www.tokyogalaxy.ac.jp/en/japanese-culture/new-torigin-ginza

Kushimura https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g14129735-d1661911-Reviews-Kushimura-Roppongi_Minato_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.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/

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Jay Wilson, an accomplished motocross and supercross rider, shares his journey of how he ended up racing and living in Japan. Jay talks about his passion for motocross which began in his childhood and led him to win a world championship at age 14 in New Zealand. He discusses the challenges and triumphs he faced transitioning to professional racing, and the pivotal moment during the COVID pandemic that led him to send a successful, life-changing message to Yamaha.

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 Jay came to racing and winning in motocross racing
• Just how long it took to finalise the opportunity to work in Japan with Yamaha
• Jay’s top tips for enjoying life in Japan and helping his family to succeed here too
• Jay’s aspirations for the future of motocross in Japan and his mission here developing the next generation of riders and bikes

About Jay

Jay Wilson is a Junior World Motocross champion, as well as a multi-time motocross and supercross champion across New Zealand, Australia, and now Japan.

Jay turned Pro in 2011, In 2015 in New Zealand he rode for Altherm JCR Yamaha and wrapped up winning the New Zealand Motocross championship.

Jay moved with his family to Japan in 2022 to take up a full-time test rider, development and pro racing position with Yamaha Motor Co. While racing the All-Japan Motocross Championship, at 29 years of age, he won the 2022, 250 Championship dropping just one moto (heat/round) to be 15/16 for the season. Jay is now a two-time Japanese champion in motocross after dominating both the 250 and 450 classes. He also worked with the Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing team in the US and plays an instrumental role in developing Yamaha’s future motorcycles

Now racing the 450 in the All-Japan Motocross Championships, Jay is an integral part of the Yamaha Factory Innovation Team in Japan as they continue to develop and test new parts for their dirt bikes.

Jay is also involved in mentorship within Yamaha, supporting the next generation and creating safer environments for people to learn how to ride.

His dream is to one day settle in New Zealand but for now, he is in Japan living a successful life as an athlete involved in the day-to-day innovation of motorsport with Yamaha.

Connect with Jay:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaywilson6/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaywilson_6

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

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Hiroaki (Hans)Nagahara is the Head of Japan for Air New Zealand. We enjoyed this wonderful discussion about our favorite destinations in New Zealand, the evolution of Air New Zealand's services, and the cultural nuances of doing business in Japan. Hans shares personal anecdotes from his extensive career in the aviation industry. This engaging conversation also covers the impact of COVID-19 on travel, the importance of understanding local market needs, and the challenges and opportunities in the airline industry.

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 Air New Zealand has evolved since it landed in Japan
• What customer satisfaction looks like in Japan for air travelers
• The percentage of Japanese people who know Air New Zealand and how the airline markets itself to Japan
• What’s happening with the extra capacity for Air New Zealand flights that has been announced

About Hiroaki (Hans)

Hiroaki (Hans) Nagahara first joined Air New Zealand in 1990 and was with the airline for 19 years before you took up the opportunity to join Finnair in 2009 as the CEO of the Japan office. Hiroaki rejoined Air New Zealand as the Japan Branch head in January 2024.

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

Craig Fenton is Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby Commercial and joins us to discuss the connection between New Zealand Rugby and Japan. Japan has a long history of supporting New Zealand rugby in ways that are not well known and recently that relationship has seen an uptick in visibility through increased numbers of players and coaches coming to Japan as well as matches between the All Blacks and the Brave Blossoms. Listen in to hear what else is happening in connection with this relationship in the coming months!

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:

• Craig's observations from his recent visit to Japan with the New Zealand Prime Minister
• Craig’s full circle moment from the origins of professional rugby in the 90’s to today as CEO of NZ Rugby Commercial, including sitting next to Lionel Ritchie!
• Parallels between professional rugby and business leadership
• What sponsorship of a team can and should do for all parties involved

About Craig

A passion for technology and a curiosity that has taken Craig into a diverse set of interests outside the day job. Professionally, a business leader and entrepreneur who has worked in the technology, media and entertainment industry for 20 years.

As Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby Commercial the business of the All Blacks, Black Ferns and other Teams in Black, having previously been the COO at Google in the UK & Ireland. Outside of this, Craig is an author, angel investor and advisor to several start-ups, and founded his own record label and film production company to give creatives from less privileged backgrounds their start in music and film, along with a blockchain services company designed to tackle the emerging issue of securities law compliance. Craig grew up in New Zealand, and is now based, having lived, worked and raised a family in London for 25 years. In 2023, Craig was recognised as UK New Zealander of the Year.

Links

All Blacks Performance labs https://allblacksperformancelabs.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/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan

Youtube:

In this episode of the Jandals in Japan podcast, hosts Jayne and Catherine discuss various topics from the current rice shortage in Japan to the unique process of wine distribution with guest Stephanie Henderson-Grant, Managing Director of Ataahua Wines Limited in New Zealand. Stephanie shares her journey from working in the wool industry to establishing her own vineyard, winning the Double Gold Sakura Award at the Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards, and overcoming the challenges of entering the Japanese market as a small-scale winemaker. The episode highlights the importance of patience, effective communication, and adaptability when navigating international markets.

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 a small scale New Zealand winemaker was able to export to Japan
• Winning an award in Japan and what that means in the Japanese market
• How to work successfully with your Japan distributor
• The importance of communication and patience when it comes to working with distributors from other countries, in this case, Japan

About Stephanie

Stephanie Henderson-Grant is the owner and managing director for Ataahua Wines Ltd.

Stephanie’s love of wine and the NZ wine industry began almost 30 years ago when she started selling wine in NZ for a local wine producer. For the last 15 years, they have been producing wine under their own brand Ataahua Wine.

Ataahua Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2022 was recently awarded the “Double Gold Sakura Award” in the Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards 2024 in Japan. Double Gold Wines have an average score at 93-100 points across all categories and just 6% of the total entries receive this award.

Connect with Stephanie

Website: www.ataahuawine.co.nz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ataahuawinesnz/

Links

Ataahua Wines for purchase in Japan: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/ohshu/hnz22aataahua6/

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:

Jason Plato is the General Manager for Sales at Sealord. Jason recounts his very unique bootcamp-like early experience of joining a Japanese bank as a new recruit which has been invaluable to him in his career. He also shares insights into Japan's seafood market, including the importance of preparation in business dealings, cultural nuances, and the challenges posed by changing ocean temperatures. The episode offers valuable advice for New Zealand exporters considering the Japanese market and some interesting opportunities for future collaborations between New Zealand and 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:

• Hakata-ben, Kansai-ben, Iwaki-ben and Tottori-ben: learn a few words in Japanese dialects
• Jason’s unique bootcamp experience of joining a regional Japanese bank as a new recruit
• Jason’s advice for anyone entering Japan for the first time and how he was able to transition from banking to seafood
• Future opportunities for New Zealand and Japan to collaborate in new ways

About Jason Plato

Jason has been with Sealord for 30 years, joining them in 1994. He opened their office in Japan in 1995 and ran the office in Tokyo for 6 years. Jason is now based in Auckland as the General Manager for Sales for Sealord with 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

Misa Kitaoka is the Director of Education at Education New Zealand (ENZ) in Japan. She shares her experiences and insights into fostering educational exchanges between New Zealand and Japan. Misa highlights the role of lifelong learning and the changing dynamics of Japanese education that will surely influence what education exchange between New Zealand and Japan looks like in the future. We are also lucky to hear about Misa's memorable experiences during the recent visit to Japan of the New Zealand Prime Minister and the business delegation.

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 importance of the concept and depth of responsibility in Japan
• How Misa came to be helping New Zealand to create lasting relationships in the education space
• Misa’s top advice for educators in New Zealand wanting to have Japanese students visit
• Lifelong learning as a potential business opportunity

About Misa

Misa Kitaoka who is based in Tokyo and is currently serving as the Director of Education for Japan at Education New Zealand (ENZ).

With her market expertise and network, Misa is committed to growing the New Zealand education market in Japan market.

She enjoys the opportunity and challenge in utilising her multicultural background and language skills to strengthen education and cultural ties between Japan and New Zealand.

Prior to ENZ, Misa worked for the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan as their Executive Director. There she was responsible for the promotion of and advocacy for Australian and New Zealand corporations in Japan. Misa has also worked in a wide range of finance roles as a CPA in the United States.

Misa graduated with a BA in economics from Stanford University and a Masters in liberal studies at Columbia University. Misa sits on the board of directors of the Stanford Japan Alumni Association and is also an active member of the Stanford alumni group in New Zealand.

Since 2021, Misa has been the partner of New Zealand Ambassador to Japan, Hamish Cooper. In addition to her role as ENZ's representative in Japan, Misa is an active participant in the Tokyo diplomatic community.

Misa is very passionate about supporting the growth of NZ education and lifestyles in Japan and has an Instagram page @misako_kitaoka where you can always find her sharing her life, career and aspects about Japan and New Zealand life and culture.

Links

Prime Minister’s Scholarship: https://scholarships.enz.govt.nz/

https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/ja　　

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:

Join us for a face to face interview with Toyota Verblitz players Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith. The boys share their insights into the deep-rooted respect within Japanese culture and sports, and how these athletes navigate their lives on and off the field in Japan. Plus, hear their personal journeys from small-town New Zealand to the international rugby stage and the unexpected quirks of living in Japan. Don't miss this unique blend of sports, culture, and heartfelt stories! A huge thank you to Team Toyota and Team Toyota Verblitz for helping to make this all possible.

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 Beauden and Aaron came to be international rugby players now playing in Japan
• The difference between life in Tokyo and Nagoya for rugby lifestyle
• The top advice they received from their mums and nana as well as their advice for Kiwis considering Japan
• Secret talents, fave conbini treats and their favourite “nihongo”

Links

Toyota Verblitz: https://sports.gazoo.com/verblitz/

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