Peter Galante is the founder of JapanesePod101.com, an educational podcast production company that since its creation in 2005 has had over 60 million downloads.

With over 1000 Japanese lessons and a very active support community, JapanesePod101.com now caters for language learners of all levels. In addition to professionally produced audio and video podcasts, JapanesePod101 provides extensive lesson notes, and a range of additional services to support self-study.

Peter’s story is an inspirational one – starting out with just himself and and friend working round the clock to get the podcasts out. They’ve since grown to take on a large number of staff all around the world, and have been able to invest in projects such as recording audio for every entry in Jim Breen’s legendary Edict dictionary.

This podcast is broken down into two parts. In part one, we focus on the JapanesePod101 learning method, with Peter detailing what’s in the package.

In part two we talk business – what motivated Peter to start the company? What challenges did he face – and how did he use Mixi to overcome a particular issue?

Peter also generously offers listeners of this podcast a 25% discount off all JapanesePod101.com products – just enter the coupon code ‘tame‘ at the checkout.

How to Listen

Please note that the podcast feed only contains Part 2, in which we discuss doing business in Japan.

To listen to part one please click here

Download Part 1: The JapanesePod101 method

Download Part 2: Doing business in Japan

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 13:08 — 12.0MB)

1 Comment | In: Business Owners, Internet, Language, education | tags: business, education, japanese, Language, online, peter galante, podcasting, teaching. | #

In this episode of Making it in Japan we’re speaking with Robert Laing and Matthew Romaine, who, along with Takeshi Amano run the Tokyo-based translation company myGengo.

Company overview: “MyGengo has offices in Tokyo and offers web-powered human translation services between English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian.

Users submit texts to be translated via a simple web form on the myGengo website. The service then lets qualified human translators (who can apply through the site) to ‘grab’ the translation job and translate it. Customers can choose between three price levels and receive the translations via email for review.
[ref: crunchbase]”

The 25-minute interview can be broken down into three sections.

Section 1: What is myGengo?
Rob begins with an overview of the company and the gap in the market that they are serving. Matt goes on to explain the benefits for translators working with them. They also address the criticism that their affordable service is leaving professional translators without an income – hear why that isn’t the case.

We also learn about some of the more unusual jobs that they receive…

Section 2: What new services are myGengo rolling out?
What we’ve seen so far from myGengo is the just the beginning. In this interview, we hear of their plans for a number of new services set to make a significant impact upon online translation.

Using a tried and tested workflow combined with the latest technologies, myGengo will enable the fast, efficient and affordable translation of RSS feeds. They’ll also be offering a service whereby news sites / blogs and more can be translated by humans, quickly and accurately at minimal to no-cost to content producers. They’ll also be releasing tools for developers, including their API, leaving the door open for further exciting developments.

Section 3: Doing business in Japan
Rob and Matt share their experience and advice regarding setting up business in Japan.

One key factor mentioned is the support of the Tokyo tech scene / gaikokujin entrepreneur network – and believing in what you’re doing.

How to Listen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:49 — 22.7MB)

1 Comment | In: Business Owners, Internet, Language | tags: mygengo, online, translation. | #

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. | #

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. | #