Executive Impact
Japanese dream: Foreign entrepreneur hits the ground running in Tokyo’s tech market
When American Anatole Varin first came to Japan, he had no idea that, some 20 years later, he would lead one of the most successful tech companies by a foreign founder in the country. In a wide-ranging interview, Varin speaks about founding The Plant Co Ltd, an E-commerce, content management… Read
Chief Relationship Officer Sarah Bull brings a personal touch to business
For Sarah Bull, people are at the heart and soul of any business, and engaging with them effectively and empathically is her secret to success. The Saitama-based Australian is chief relationship officer (and director of legal services) at Translation Business Systems Japan (TBSJ), a role that encompasses the management and… Read
Argentum Wealth Management: Putting your money to work
For many foreigners living and working in Japan, retirement may be a long time off; for some, it may be on the horizon. For other expats who have left Japan and moved overseas, how to manage their investments for the future is an ongoing concern. Choosing the best investment for… Read
Despite virus, Canadian realizes decade-long dream to open Niigata glamping eco-spot
Even in the heart of crisis, opportunity can thrive. For example, while most people would not think of seeing a new business project through during the middle of the Covid-19 outbreak, Stephane Beaulieu did exactly that. His most recent endeavour, the Yuzkyu Resort, is located near Yuzawa, in Niigata Prefecture. It includes a number of… Read
Japanese ethical fashion model/entrepreneur and anorexic survivor Kiko aims to change industry
International ethical model Kiko’s day starts at 6 a.m., early enough to do her morning routine of yoga and meditation, make some vegan breakfast, and just in time to get ready to start working at 7:30 a.m. sharp. The energy and passion she carries herself with makes it hard to… Read
Kaila Ocampo brings 'kawaii' journaling to the world
Many people dream of turning a hobby or side hustle into a full-time job or successful business, but Kaila Ocampo made it a reality. Savvy Tokyo sat down with Kaila Ocampo, the Filipina entrepreneur, to find out the story behind Rainbowholic, her Saitama-based kawaii stationery and lifestyle products business. What brought you… Read
Angela Ortiz: Helping budding leaders become more positive and resilient to challenges
Having set up non-profit organization Place to Grow in 2011 to support communities affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Angela Ortiz is sharing her experience to help others. Her newly launched book, "Place to Grow: 8 Principles That Will Make You An Effective Leader in Social Impact,"… Read
Launching and nurturing an online community In Japan
For evidence of the power of a simple idea, hard work and perseverance, look to Amanda McCready. Arriving in Tokyo six years ago with no know-how or contacts, the stay-at-home mom set up Tokyo Expat Network (TEN) to help others in her situation. Today the Facebook group has some 26,000… Read
Puroland director maps out a future for 'kawaii' culture
Established in 1990, Sanrio’s now 30-year-old theme park Puroland has led the global kawaii culture scene side by side with its parent company for over decades. In 2019, when their theme park business was facing a downturn, Aya Komaki, 60, became the first female director of Puroland, as well as… Read
Cryotherapy — Cold is the new hot
When you think of freezing yourself in a -180 degrees Celsius chamber, you instantly associate it with a scene from a sci-fi film - someone is frozen in a time capsule and wakes up 100 years later. Whole body cryotherapy is a form of non-contact cold remedy in which you… Read
