Podcast thumbnail for Real Gaijin

by Mark Kennedy — Real Gaijin / Japan Business & Culture Commentary

4.0(1 reviews)
68 episodes
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Podcast Overview

A podcast that explains Japan’s business, culture, economy, and foreign-resident experience through real stories and in-depth conversations. Real Gaijin explores the real Japan — the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of the country. From Kyushu to Tokyo, we dive deep into Japan’s economy, work culture, entrepreneurship, immigration, tourism, and the lived experience of foreign residents who call Japan home. Hosted by Mark Kennedy, Real Gaijin blends reporting, storytelling, and candid conversations with founders, innovators, creators, and community leaders who see Japan with clear eyes. No clichés. No anime filter. Just honest stories and informed perspectives on how Japan is changing — and what comes next. What we cover: Life and work as a foreign resident in Japan Japan’s business culture and entrepreneurial ecosystem Regional revitalization, demographic change, and local communities Inbound tourism, immigration, and policy shifts Economic and cultural trends reshaping modern Japan Deep dives into Kyushu, Fukuoka, Tokyo, and other regions Whether you live in Japan, dream of moving here, invest in Japanese markets, or are fascinated by the country’s complexities, Real Gaijin offers insights you won’t find anywhere else. Keywords (English): Japan, Japanese culture, Japanese business, Japan economy, Japan work culture, entrepreneurship Japan, foreigners in Japan, expat Japan, living in Japan, immigration Japan, regional revitalization, Kyushu, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, Japan startups, Japan travel, Japanese society. 日本語キーワード(検索向け): 日本、日本文化、日本社会、日本経済、日本の働き方、外人、外国人、在日外国人、移住、地方創生、地方移住、九州、福岡、東京、大阪、観光、起業、スタートアップ、地域活性化。 <br/><br/><a href="https://realgaijin.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">realgaijin.substack.com</a>

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Publishing Since

2/14/2021

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for AMA Podcast (S-02, E-16) with Kevin Dias, Founder of Ambiki and The Problem-First Method

June 5, 2026

AMA Podcast (S-02, E-16) with Kevin Dias, Founder of Ambiki and The Problem-First Method

<p>Imagine if pediatric therapists could spend less time on paperwork and more time helping children communicate, move, and thrive. Innovative software platforms are transforming how clinics operate across the healthcare industry, and pediatric therapy is no exception. In this episode, we explored how technology, artificial intelligence, and thoughtful software design are helping speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists reduce administrative burdens, improve patient care, and establish more sustainable practices.</p><p>This episode of Real Gaijin’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) podcast series featured an expert in this emerging field, Japan-based <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-dias-ambiki/">Kevin Dias</a>, Founder of <a target="_blank" href="https://ambiki.com/">Ambiki</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://problem-first-method.com/">The Problem-First Method</a>.</p><p>Who is he?</p><p>Kevin Dias is the founder of Ambiki, a healthcare technology company that develops electronic medical record (EMR) and practice management software for pediatric speech, occupational, and physical therapy clinics. Originally from the United States, Kevin has lived in Japan since 2008. His career has taken him from investment banking and English teaching to translation technology and healthcare software. Prior to launching Ambiki, Kevin served as the CTO of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sidekicktherapypartners.com/">Sidekick Therapy Partners</a>. There, he helped develop a custom practice management platform that supported the company’s rapid growth from roughly 70 to over 180 clinicians in just three years.</p><p>In 2026, Kevin published The Problem-First Method, a book that challenges organizations to focus on solving real problems instead of creating solutions in search of a problem.</p><p>He currently lives in Oyama, Japan, with his wife and three sons.</p><p>On the agenda</p><p>In this conversation, Kevin shared his journey from the United States to Japan and his unconventional career path from English teaching and technology to healthcare software. We discussed the challenges pediatric speech-language pathology (SLP), occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy (PT) practices face, such as clinician burnout, staffing shortages, and the administrative burden that often prevents therapists from providing patient care. Kevin explained why existing electronic medical record (EMR) systems often fail to meet the needs of pediatric providers, how Ambiki was designed to address these shortcomings, and how AI can help clinicians without replacing them. We also discussed the lasting impact of teletherapy, lessons learned from scaling a healthcare technology company, the principles behind his book The Problem-First Method, and his vision for the pediatric therapy clinic of the future.</p><p>Key takeaways</p><p>* <strong>Increasing your “Luck Surface Area”: </strong>Kevin emphasized the importance of proactively learning new skills and taking risks to create more opportunities. He describes this process as increasing one’s “luck surface area.” He demonstrated this concept by teaching himself programming and attempting to solve operational problems during his time as an English teacher. This willingness to go beyond his initial job duties eventually facilitated his successful pivot into the tech industry.</p><p>* <strong>Leveraging remote work structures</strong>: Running a U.S.-based company from a rural area in Japan required Kevin to master asynchronous communication and strategic time management. He is successfully balancing his professional responsibilities with his life abroad by waking up early to overlap with U.S. business hours for meetings and dedicating his remaining time to deep, focused work.</p><p>* <strong>The “Problem-First Method”</strong>: At the core of his business, Ambiki, is the “Problem First Method,” a philosophy that focuses on deeply understanding the specific pain points of a niche customer base. After identifying that speech-language pathologists were underserved by existing software, Kevin built a tailored operating system that addressed their complex administrative and clinical workflows rather than attempting to provide a generalized product.</p><p>* <strong>The value of local community</strong>: Reflecting upon his experience living in Japan, Kevin highlighted how deep integration into a local Japanese neighborhood can provide a vital, supportive safety net. After a frightening health incident involving his middle son, his rural neighbors’ immediate, caring response transformed his perspective on local communal obligations. Being an active, contributing member of the community is a significant and rewarding part of living in Japan, he says.</p><p>Timeline</p><p>Substack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.</p><p>Links</p><p>* Substack: <a target="_blank" href="https://substack.com/@kevindias2">https://substack.com/@kevindias2</a></p><p>* LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-dias-ambiki/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-dias-ambiki/</a></p><p>* Ambiki Website: <a target="_blank" href="https://ambiki.com/">https://ambiki.com/</a></p><p>* The Problem-First Method Book Website / Bookstore: <a target="_blank" href="https://problem-first-method.com/">https://problem-first-method.com/</a></p><p>#TheProblemFirstMethod #FounderStory #ExpatEntrepreneur #LifeInJapan #HealthcareTech #FromTeachingToTech #KevinDias #Ambiki #AIinHealthcare #PediatricTherapy #SpeechTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #PhysicalTherapy #DigitalHealth #創業ストーリー #外国人起業家 #ヘルスケアテック #教育からテックへ #ケビンディーアス #医療分野におけるAI #小児療法 #言語療法 #作業療法 #理学療法 #デジタルヘルス #RealGaijin #リアル外人</p><p>Please note that you can subscribe to <strong>Real Gaijin</strong> for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.</p><p>However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for <strong>Real Gaijin</strong> (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin">https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin</a></p><p>All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.</p><p>While <a target="_blank" href="https://realgaijin.substack.com/"><strong>Real Gaijin</strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://realgaijin.substack.com/"> lives in Substack</a>, you can also find <strong>Real Gaijin</strong> on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/">https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substack">https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substack</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijin">https://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijin</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Real_Gaijin_">https://x.com/Real_Gaijin_</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijin">https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijin</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/</a></p> <br/><br/>Get full access to Real Gaijin at <a href="https://realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe</a>

Episode thumbnail for AMA Podcast (S-02, E-15) with Dominic Carter, CEO, The Carter Group and co-founder of Living Best

May 30, 2026

AMA Podcast (S-02, E-15) with Dominic Carter, CEO, The Carter Group and co-founder of Living Best

<p>Japan is experiencing one of the most significant demographic shifts in modern history, including a shrinking population, rapid aging, labor shortages, depopulation of rural areas, and increasing strain on healthcare and social infrastructure. However, this seemingly dire situation is not all doom and gloom. For entrepreneurs, investors, and care providers willing to look beyond the headlines, these challenges are creating new markets.</p><p>This episode of the Real Gaijin’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series features an expert in this emerging field, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiccarterjapan/">Dominic Carter</a>, CEO, <a target="_blank" href="https://the-carter-group.com/en/">The Carter Group</a>.</p><p>Who is he?</p><p>Dominic was born and raised in Australia. He studied marketing and Japanese at the University of New South Wales. Dominic began his career at <a target="_blank" href="https://mmaglobal.com/sponsors/kantar-millward-brown">Millward Brown</a>, a branding, media, and communications consultancy, before relocating to Japan at age 24 to establish and lead the company’s local office.</p><p>A serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building and leading businesses in Japan, Dominic has cultivated strong relationships with clients and partners in various sectors, including market research, market entry, executive search, ad tech, video gaming, and VR. He specializes in prescient marketing analysis and strategy attuned to Japanese culture and the nuances of the Japanese buyer. He is now the CEO of The Carter Group. Through its network of affiliated firms and investments, The Carter Group supports the success of global companies in Japan.</p><p>In 2022, Dominic co-founded <a target="_blank" href="https://living-best.tech/">Living Best</a>, a pioneering age-tech platform that identifies high-potential longevity and age-tech concepts from North America and beyond. The platform connects these concepts with commercial opportunities and capital in Japan. His work bridges technology and philosophy, drawing on Japanese concepts such as ikigai (living with purpose・生きがい) and pin pin korori (living well and dying quickly・ピンピンコロリ) to guide innovations that enhance quality of life as we age.</p><p>Dominic has delivered keynotes at major global forums, including the <a target="_blank" href="https://agewell-nce.ca/conference">AGE-WELL Conference in Canada</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.uregina.ca/events/2025/03/2024-2025-centre-on-aging-and-health-distinguished-public-lecture-with-dominic-carter-live-long-die-short.html">the Centre on Aging and Health’s Distinguished Lecture at the University of Regina</a>. He regularly contributes to the broader business community through guest lectures and consultative roles, offering his insights on market entry, entrepreneurship, and consumer and societal megatrends in Japan.</p><p>On the agenda</p><p>We explored the opportunities created by Japan’s demographic trends in sectors such as aging technology, health technology, elder care innovation, robotics, automation, preventive healthcare, wealth management, and AI-driven productivity solutions. Dominic explained that we should view Japan not as a case study in decline, but rather as one of the world’s most important real-time laboratories for aging societies and the businesses built to serve them.</p><p>Key Takeaways</p><p>* <strong>Japan’s aging population is more of a predictable business opportunity than a crisis</strong>. Japan’s demographic challenges have been apparent for decades and are often exaggerated as an impending catastrophe. Although caring for the current elderly population is resource-intensive, Japan has largely managed the transition successfully. <strong>A bigger challenge lies ahead: the large group of people currently in their 50s will eventually require support from a much smaller younger generation</strong>. This will create strong demand for technologies and services that help people maintain their independence for longer periods of time.</p><p>* <strong>Age-tech encompasses far more than nursing homes and caregiving robots</strong>. Dominic defines it as <strong>any product or service that helps people compensate for, prevent, or manage the effects of aging beginning as early as age 50</strong>. This spectrum ranges from wellness and preventive technologies, such as fitness tracking, gait analysis, brain training, and personalized health monitoring, to care-focused solutions, including fall detection systems, mobility aids, exoskeletons, and caregiving robots. This broad definition expands the total addressable market far beyond traditional elder care.</p><p>* <strong>The biggest commercial winners will solve problems without creating more work</strong>. Many promising technologies fail because they disrupt existing workflows or create additional burdens for caregivers and care facilities. Solutions that operate quietly in the background, reduce costs, lower hospital readmission rates, improve safety, or seamlessly integrate into daily routines are far more likely to be adopted than technologies that require extensive retraining or behavioral changes.</p><p>* <strong>Personalized wellness may become one of the most important age-tech sectors</strong>. Although robotics and autonomous transportation currently attract the most attention, Dominic believes that the larger, long-term opportunity may be in personalized health optimization. <strong>Advances in diagnostics, biomarkers, AI-driven health monitoring, individualized treatments, and preventive interventions could help people extend their healthy life span, delaying or even avoiding the need for formal care</strong>. Japan, a country where people already embrace regular health screenings, may prove to be a particularly fertile market for such solutions.</p><p>* <strong>The future belongs to proactive individuals who take responsibility for their own aging journey</strong>. Personal responsibility was a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Dominic emphasized that many people in their 50s and 60s recognize that they cannot rely on the family-based support systems enjoyed by previous generations. Those who actively plan ahead, embrace technology, maintain digital literacy, monitor their health, and experiment with new solutions will likely be better positioned to remain independent and enjoy a higher quality of life as they age.</p><p>Timeline</p><p>Substack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.</p><p>Links</p><p>* Substack: <a target="_blank" href="https://substack.com/@dominiccarter">https://substack.com/@dominiccarter</a></p><p>* LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiccarterjapan/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiccarterjapan/</a></p><p>* The Carter Group Website: <a target="_blank" href="https://the-carter-group.com/en/">https://the-carter-group.com/en/</a></p><p>* Living Best Website: <a target="_blank" href="https://living-best.tech/">https://living-best.tech/</a></p><p>* The World’s Real-time Laboratory for Age-Tech White Paper: <a target="_blank" href="https://living-best.tech/age-tech-white-paper/">https://living-best.tech/age-tech-white-paper/</a></p><p>#DominicCarter #TheCarterGroup #LivingBest #AgingSociety #Demographics #AgeTech #HealthTech #Longevity #SilverEconomy #JapanBusiness #JapanEconomy #HealthcareInnovation #ElderCare #DigitalHealth #MedTech #ドミニクカーター​ #カーターグループ #リビングベスト #ヘルステック #長寿 #シルバーエコノミー #ヘルスケアイノベーション #高齢者ケア #デジタルヘルス #メドテック #長寿経済 #RealGaijin #リアル外人</p><p>Please note that you can subscribe to <strong>Real Gaijin</strong> for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.</p><p>However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for <strong>Real Gaijin</strong> (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin">https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin</a></p><p>All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.</p><p>While <a target="_blank" href="https://realgaijin.substack.com/"><strong>Real Gaijin</strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://realgaijin.substack.com/"> lives in Substack</a>, you can also find <strong>Real Gaijin</strong> on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/">https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substack">https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substack</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijin">https://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijin</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Real_Gaijin_">https://x.com/Real_Gaijin_</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijin">https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijin</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/</a></p> <br/><br/>Get full access to Real Gaijin at <a href="https://realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe</a>

Episode thumbnail for AMA Podcast (S-02, E-14) with Daiichi Kunii, CEO of ReDelta

May 24, 2026

AMA Podcast (S-02, E-14) with Daiichi Kunii, CEO of ReDelta

<p>Currently, there are hundreds of thousands of SMEs in Japan with no designated successor. Despite having solid financials and a long list of satisfied customers, many of these firms are at risk of ceasing operations because there is nobody to take over once the current owner retires, becomes incapacitated, or passes away. Thus, there are ample opportunities to acquire such firms or take an equity stake in them. But how do you uncover such opportunities, determine the seller’s motivation, assess business performance, and navigate Japan’s cultural and legal landscapes to close a deal?</p><p>This episode of Real Gaijin’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series features a Japanese individual with an extensive background working with foreigners.</p><p>Who is he?</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://open.substack.com/users/119565579-daichi-kunii?utm_source=mentions">Daichi Kunii</a> (國井大地) was born and raised in Japan and is now the CEO of <a target="_blank" href="https://redelta.co.jp/en">ReDelta</a>, a Tokyo-based boutique M&A advisory firm. Previously, Daichi worked at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.deloitte.com/jp/ja/about/group/deloitte-touche-tohmatsu-en.html">Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu</a>, where he gained extensive experience in cross-border M&A and developed deep expertise in global financial practices and complex transaction structures. In 2019, he founded ReDelta, an enterprise dedicated to connecting Japanese SMEs with their counterparts in the ASEAN region.</p><p>On the agenda</p><p>We covered the following topics and also took several questions:</p><p>* What kind of opportunities are available (industries, scope, geography, etc.)?</p><p>* What is the process for assessing a potential seller and approaching them with an offer?</p><p>* What kinds of deal structures are possible and common (e.g., full- or partial-equity acquisition, seller rollover, support for the post-merger integration transition/hand-off, advisory contract)?</p><p>* What are past success cases?</p><p>* What are the pitfalls regarding the potential clash of business cultures and expectations on both sides?</p><p>Key Takeaways</p><p>* <strong>Japan’s SME market, driven by succession, is dominated by privately held small businesses that are often underappreciated. </strong>These businesses are in sectors such as food and beverage (F&B including small-scale restaurants and pubs, which are called izakaya in Japanese), small-scale manufacturing, and hospitality, especially traditional inn (ryokan) and hot spring (onsen) properties. Many manufacturing firms facing succession issues generate less than US $7 million in annual revenue and have only 10–12 employees. Meanwhile, ryokan deals may involve approximately $2 million in annual revenue and profit margins below 10–15%. The “<a target="_blank" href="https://app.redelta-ma.com/en">Japan M&A Finder</a>” database from ReDelta includes hundreds of current opportunities that are much smaller in scale (can check 3 opportunities/month for free or pay US $150/month for unlimited access). Valuations commonly use EBITDA multiples of 3x–6x, and deals often close within three to four months because the financial structures are relatively simple. With prices like these, it should be possible to recoup the initial investment within three to four years. An important nuance is that many buildings, machinery, and facilities were fully depreciated decades ago and may have a balance sheet value of only 1 yen, even though they are still operationally valuable. Daichi also noted that, while distressed sellers may occasionally accept discounted offers, foreign buyers should generally avoid “lowball” tactics. Offers materially below 90% of the asking price can damage trust and reduce the likelihood of a successful transaction. Additionally, ReDelta usually charges fees equivalent to 3% of the valuation or $7,000, whichever is greater. Separate fees for post-acquisition consultation are charged monthly and vary depending on the size of the business.</p><p>* <strong>Trust and employee continuity often outweigh price in Japanese succession deals</strong>. Daichi emphasized that sellers care deeply about their employees’ and the local community’s future after retirement. Foreign buyers who demonstrate respect for staff, long-term commitment, and genuine appreciation for the business culture are far more likely to succeed. In many cases, buyers must formally commit to maintaining associate employment for two to three years post-acquisition. Sellers are often reassured when buyers present the acquisition as a means of preserving the company, protecting jobs, and continuing the founder’s legacy rather than as a hostile takeover.</p><p>* <strong>Two distinct categories of foreign buyers are emerging in Japan’s succession-driven M&A market</strong>. According to Daichi, many Singapore-based buyers act primarily as financial investors, focusing on acquiring businesses with significant assets, such as ryokans and hotels, for their land and real estate value. In contrast, many North American and European buyers are “hands-on” operators seeking a lifestyle change, retirement opportunity, or long-term relocation to rural Japan. These buyers often become personally involved in managing the business after the acquisition and are motivated as much by lifestyle and community integration as by financial returns. While many transactions are completed in cash, financing is also possible through Japanese regional banks, megabanks, or lenders in the buyer’s home country, particularly in Singapore.</p><p>* <strong>Buying an existing Japanese business is often faster and less risky than starting one from scratch, especially for foreigners</strong>. Daichi argued that acquisitions allow buyers to “buy time” by inheriting existing employees, customer relationships, operating licenses, distribution channels, and stable revenue streams. This is particularly valuable for foreigners who are unfamiliar with Japanese business culture or lack local networks. Rather than spending years building trust and infrastructure, buyers can immediately step into an operating business and gradually modernize it.</p><p>* <strong>The biggest risks are often cultural and operational, not financial</strong>. Daichi noted that many small Japanese firms have relatively simple accounting structures, meaning legal compliance, labor practices, permits, and cultural integration matter more than sophisticated financial engineering. Foreign buyers may face resistance in rural areas where employees and communities are unfamiliar with foreign ownership. Establishing credibility, clearly communicating intentions, and respecting local culture are essential for long-term success. The “storytelling” around why the buyer wants the business can materially affect employee morale and seller confidence.</p><p>* <strong>Preparation and seriousness strongly influence whether Japanese sellers agree to a deal</strong>. Daichi stressed that first impressions are critical. Those who thoroughly research the company, understand the founder’s background, ask informed questions, and show genuine respect tend to gain seller confidence quickly. Conversely, buyers who appear opportunistic or poorly prepared often fail, even if they become more serious later on. In Japan’s SME succession market, personal credibility and relationship-building are central to successful M&A execution.</p><p>Timeline</p><p>Substack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.</p><p>Key contacts (and resources)</p><p>* ReDelta Website: <a target="_blank" href="https://redelta.co.jp/en">https://redelta.co.jp/en</a></p><p>* Japan M & A Finder: <a target="_blank" href="https://app.redelta-ma.com/en">https://app.redelta-ma.com/en</a></p><p>* LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daichi-kunii/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/daichi-kunii/</a></p><p>* Substack: Japan Bridge Insights</p><p>#DaichiKunii #ReDelta #JapanSMEs #JapaneseBusiness #MandA #JapanBusiness #CrossBorderMAndA #JapanInvesting #SMEAcquisition #BusinessAcquisition #Entrepreneurship #JapanOpportunity #AcquireInJapan #SuccessionPlanning #PrivateEquity #ASEANBusiness #ForeignEntrepreneurs #JapanEconomy #DealMaking #國井大地 #株式会社リデルタ #リデルタ #日本企業 #中小企業 #事業承継 #後継者不足 #クロスボーダーMandA #企業買収 #日本投資 #中小企業MandA #事業買収 #起業家 #日本経済 #日本ビジネス #事業承継問題 #プライベートエクイティ #ASEANビジネス #外国人起業家 #日本で起業 #企業再生 #ディールメイキング #地方創生 #RealGaijin #リアル外人</p><p>Please note that you can subscribe to <strong>Real Gaijin</strong> for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.</p><p>However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for <strong>Real Gaijin</strong> (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin">https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin</a></p><p>All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.</p><p>While <a target="_blank" href="https://realgaijin.substack.com/"><strong>Real Gaijin</strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://realgaijin.substack.com/"> lives in Substack</a>, you can also find <strong>Real Gaijin</strong> on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/">https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substack">https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substack</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijin">https://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijin</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Real_Gaijin_">https://x.com/Real_Gaijin_</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijin">https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijin</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/</a></p> <br/><br/>Get full access to Real Gaijin at <a href="https://realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe</a>

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Derek Cirillo

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Frequently asked questions

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What is Real Gaijin?

A podcast that explains Japan’s business, culture, economy, and foreign-resident experience through real stories and in-depth conversations.

Real Gaijin explores the real Japan — the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of the country. From Kyushu to Tokyo, we dive deep into Japan’s economy, work culture, entrepreneurship, immigration, tourism, and the lived experience of foreign residents who call Japan home.

Hosted by Mark Kennedy, Real Gaijin blends reporting, storytelling, and candid conversations with founders, innovators, creators, and community leaders who see Japan with clear eyes. No clichés. No anime filter. Just honest stories and informed perspectives on how Japan is changing — and what comes next.

What we cover:

Life and work as a foreign resident in Japan

Japan’s business culture and entrepreneurial ecosystem

Regional revitalization, demographic change, and local communities

Inbound tourism, immigration, and policy shifts

Economic and cultural trends reshaping modern Japan

Deep dives into Kyushu, Fukuoka, Tokyo, and other regions

Whether you live in Japan, dream of moving here, invest in Japanese markets, or are fascinated by the country’s complexities, Real Gaijin offers insights you won’t find anywhere else.

Keywords (English): Japan, Japanese culture, Japanese business, Japan economy, Japan work culture, entrepreneurship Japan, foreigners in Japan, expat Japan, living in Japan, immigration Japan, regional revitalization, Kyushu, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, Japan startups, Japan travel, Japanese society.

日本語キーワード(検索向け): 日本、日本文化、日本社会、日本経済、日本の働き方、外人、外国人、在日外国人、移住、地方創生、地方移住、九州、福岡、東京、大阪、観光、起業、スタートアップ、地域活性化。 <br/><br/><a href="https://realgaijin.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">realgaijin.substack.com</a>

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 7 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Information about guest appearances is not available.

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