Show Notes
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: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan
More from Jandals in Japan®
This is part two of a two-part series. In part one, Steve Saunders, the co-founder of New Zealand Robotics Plus told his side of the story of the acquisition journey of the company by Yamaha Agriculture. Now Nolan Paul, CEO of Yamaha Agriculture, gives us the buyer view from the other side of the table. Nolan is building out the agricultural strategy of Yamaha Agriculture by searching the world for the very best agricultural technology they can find. In April 2025, they closed the acquisition of Robotics Plus which completed the vision of a fully integrated autonomous, data-driven agricultural platform. In this conversation, Nolan shares what it is really like to bring three companies from three different countries under one roof inside a Japanese corporation. Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne Visit ON Consulting for indepth articles in Japanese and English 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 chance encounter that in hindsight, set in motion a decade-long journey from investment to full acquisition. What it was that attracted Yamaha Agriculture to choose Robotics Plus The honest reality of post-acquisition integration across multiple cultures: Kiwi,, American, and Japanese The importance of building genuine partnerships before you need to call on them
Steve Saunders tells the full behind-the-scenes story of how Robotics Plus went from a PhD project at Massey University to a globally operating autonomous vehicle and robotic packing company, attracting investment from Yamaha Motor in 2017 and a full acquisition by Yamaha Agriculture in 2025. This is part one of a two-part series. Part two features Nolan Paul, CEO of Yamaha Agriculture. Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne Visit ON Consulting for in depth articles in Japanese and English 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 Steve Saunders went from growing up on a dairy farm in the Waikato to co-founding Robotics Plus and many other ventures Why choosing corporate investment from Yamaha over venture capital was the critical decision The inside story of how Steve led investments into Robotics Plus, by Yamaha, to a full acquisition, and why building trust through consistent face-to-face contact was everything. Practical advice for Kiwi entrepreneurs going global with their startup
Liam Sceats is 20 years old, a New Zealand Grand Prix champion, and a racing driver who describes himself first as a startup founder. In this episode, Liam shares candid stories about his visits to Japan to race, giving insights to the motor racing world in Japan which is becoming an increasingly popular destination for racers. Jayne and Catherine also weigh in with some of their best advice and the reminder that arriving in Japan means leaving your ego behind, no matter how well known you are at home. Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne Visit ON Consulting for in depth articles in Japanese and English 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: Why Liam Sceats approaches his racing career like a startup founder How Liam built one of the strongest relationships of his racing career with a Japanese engineer who didn’t speak English Practical tips for Kiwis building business relationships remotely in Japan Why international drivers are increasingly focusing on Japan for long-term professional racing careers.
Peri Drysdale is Founder of the internationally renowned sustainable fashion brand Untouched World. From growing up on a sheep farm in the Rakaia Gorge to becoming a registered nurse, and then launching a global wool business with just $200 in the bank, Peri's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Discover how she broke into Japan's notoriously difficult department store market, the power of persistence, and why being a foreign woman in Japanese business turned from a double negative into a surprising advantage. 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 Peri started a global wool business with $200 in the bank The jaw-dropping story of how Peri got her products into prestigious Japanese retailers The "two minuses make a plus" philosophy Peri’s Essential lessons for doing business in Japan
Kanako Inomata is the Head of Marketing APAC for Zespri International, one of the world's most recognised fresh produce brands. Working remotely from her hometown in Aizu, Fukushima, she leads marketing strategy across Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, and beyond. Kanako reveals the fascinating story behind the Kiwi Brothers characters, which have become so iconic in Japan that they've been rolled out globally across Europe, the Americas, and even back to New Zealand. Whether you're interested in brand building, cross-cultural marketing, or living a purpose-driven career, Kanako's wisdom will resonate. 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: What drew Kanako to move her career to a kiwifruit company from New Zealand How Kanako and her team created the now-iconic Kiwi Brothers characters (and now their little sister “Ruby”) The importance of being consumer centric marketing Kanako’s experience working remotely from Fukushima and leading teams across APAC