In 2007, Mike Sheetal, originally from Australia and now resident in Tokyo, established the creative design agency UltraSuperNew Inc, with business partner Marc Wesseling.

In the two years since its establishment, UltraSuperNew has expanded fast and now offers clients a range of marketing services utilising engagement media, both online and offline.

In addition to UltraSuperNew, Mike is also responsible for Press Army, a social media analytics service.

In this interview Mike tells of some of the innovative campaigns they have carried out for clients such as Red Bull Japan, Audi and Phillips. He also talks about the impact of social media upon traditional marketing budgets, and has some valuable advice for others looking to set up business here.

Learn more about Mike on his personal site here.
Follow him on Twitter here.

How to Listen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:02 — 10.1MB)

2 Comments | In: Broadcast Media, Business Owners, Design, Internet | tags: agency, australian, businessowner, Design, director, entrepreneur, media, mike sheetal, online, ultrasupernew. | #

This week’s interview is with Kat McDowell

Kat is a professional singer song writer who has just released her first full album – Echoes over the Ocean – here in Japan. She has also provided music for numerous commercials in Japan, and can be heard on the Starbucks Compilation (Japan 2009)

The story of her journey is an inspiring one. In this interview we hear who her early inspirations were, how she went about refining and promoting her music, and how she finally secured a record deal with Sony.

Kat also has advice for other aspiring singers in Japan.

We are then played out with two songs performed live – Bokura ni wa (the title track from her new album), and Ride with Me.

This interview was first broadcast on Japan Podshow Series 1 Episode 10

Kat links:

Kat’s official music site: www.katmusic.jp
Kat’s MySpace page
Kat’s YouTube channel
Kat’s new album on CD Japan
Video: Singing with grandma
Kat on Twitter

How to Listen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 17:58 — 16.5MB)

1 Comment | In: Broadcast Media, Musicians | tags: entrepreneur, japan, katmcdowell, music, Musicians, podcast. | #

Part 1: Acting and Modeling in Japan

In Part 1 of my conversation with Tokyo-based media producer, actor and model Jeffrey Rowe of Jet Set Inc Jeffrey talks about his work in acting and modeling in Japan.

Download part 1 here (or listen using the player at the bottom of this post)

Hear about

• What is Jet Set Inc?
• How Jeffrey first got into acting
• The different roles Jeffrey has taken on in Japan
• Working in TV in Japan
• Why professional bilingual actors are needed
• Modeling in Japan: Why is Jeffrey known as ‘Mr. Stingray Man’? and why might you end up with a famous chin?
• Advice for actors looking for work in Japan

Part 2: Learning Japanese

In Part 2 of our conversation, we’re talking languages – specifically learning Japanese.

Download part 2 here

• Jeffrey introduces his idea for a language discussion program – what do you think?
• The tables are turned and Jeffrey asks me what I found useful when I was studying the Japanese language.
• I talk about how my assumption that I would simply ‘aquire’ Japanese language skills by living in Japan was wrong, and emphasise how important active study is.
• The importance of learning the written language, and how easy it can be – at least for the Hiragana and Katakana!
• Jeffrey shares how talking to strangers can be a good thing – for everyone involved!
• Joseph shares his story of travelling 9000 miles with an ice-breaking penguin.

Our thanks to Jeffrey for making the time to meet up to record this interview.

Check out Jet Set Inc at http://www.jetsets.jp/

Visit Jeffrey’s blog at http://jeff.jetsets.jp/

Follow Jeffrey on Twitter

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:36 — 11.5MB)

1 Comment | In: Broadcast Media, Business Owners, Language | tags: acting, actor, business owner, education, entrepreneur, japan, japanese, jeffrey rowe, jetsetinc, Language, makingitinjapan, media, modeling, pokya, producer, tokyo. | #

Heather Russell is founder and president of www.Rinkya.com an online shopping service for non-Japanese speakers who want to buy stuff from Japanese stores and internet auction sites.

In this interview, Heather tells us how she started Rinkya, what issues she faced as a non-Japanese women starting their own business in Japan, and demonstrates the kind of attitude needed to succeed in what is often a man’s world.

I have found Heather to be a real inspiration. She’s very kind and a lot of fun, and when it comes to business she knows what she’s talking about.

She’s also been the subject of a fair bit of media attention, not being your average company president in Japan.

See JPEG/PDF copies of a magazine articles on Heather and Rinkya.com in the Japanese language Mac People magazine:

• Original Japanese English translation
• Original Japanese English translation

Make sure you check out www.Rinkya.com – the easiest way to buy stuff online from Japan.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 6:32 — 6.0MB)

No Comments | In: Business Owners | tags: business, challenges, ecommerce, entrepreneur, heather, Internet, online, russell, women. | #