Sarah Hudson made history as Aotearoa's first artist in residence at the Setouchi Triennale. Sarah shares her transformative experience living and creating art in Kagawa Prefecture's island community. Sarah's story is one of perseverance, cultural discovery, and the universal language of art. She reveals how stepping outside the big cities and into rural Japan changed not just her artwork, but her entire perspective on connection, community, and creativity. Whether you're an artist considering international opportunities, a business person looking to understand cross-cultural collaboration, or simply someone who loves hearing about authentic Japan experiences, this conversation will inspire you to see art as a bridge between worlds.

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 profound similarities between Māori and Japanese worldviews and the stone wall connection of a far away island and one close to Sarah’s whenua (land) in Aotearoa
• What it takes to be an artist in residence in Japan and tips for aspiring artists to follow in Sarah’s footsteps
• The process to harvest taonga(treasures, property) for art
• Why getting out of big cities is essential for understanding the real Japan

About Sarah

Sarah Hudson is a Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe and Ngāti Pūkeko artist based in Whakatāne, Aotearoa. Her practice explores tino rangatiritanga (sovereignty), whenua (land), reciprocity, and relationships through painting, performance, and sculpture. Sarah has exhibited nationally and internationally with the award-winning Mataaho Collective, and is also a founding member of the Kauae Raro Research Collective, an organisation dedicated to the promotion and retention of Māori paint-making technologies.

Based in Aotearoa New Zealand, McCahon House deliver a programme designed around the concept of supporting artists at pivotal points in their careers. This includes national and international career-defining residencies and celebrating artists through events and commissioned essays, as well as education initiatives and resources.

The Tomorrow Group are McCahon House patrons that support our bold and ambitious projects with international scope, including the Naoshima Artist Residency. They enable artists to extend their practice in different contexts, engage in international exchange and contribute to global discourse.

Links

Setouchi Triennale: https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/

McCahon House https://mccahonhouse.org.nz/

Press Release: https://www.asianz.org.nz/arts/artist-sarah-hudson-announced-as-naoshima-artist-in-residence-and-setouchi-triennale-2025

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In:

Alex Kane: Movember

Bryn Rowdon is the Corporate Communications General Manager for Fonterra's North Asia region. We uncover the fascinating story of how New Zealand's iconic dairy cooperative is not only a leading B2B supplier in one of the world's most discerning markets but also helping local dairy farmers to create more sustainable and profitable farms.

New Zealand dairy products and ingredients are now part of Japanese bento, coffee creamers, cheeses and morning toast to name a few, listen in to hear more about Fonterra and how they are doing business in Japan.

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 Bryn’s bumpy road on the Japanese learning journey turned into a career in Japan
• How Fonterra operates as a B2B company in Japan and the surprising products that contain Fonterra ingredients
• The transformation happening in Japanese dairy farming and how Fonterra is helping to lead the charge
• The critical importance of patience and local partnerships when entering the market in Japan

About Bryn

Bryn Rowdon is the Corporate Communications General Manager for Fonterra’s North Asia region (Japan & South Korea).

He is responsible for the implementation of the region’s sustainability Global Road map, managing stakeholder relations to effectively promote Fonterra's sustainability proposition to North Asia's customers and consumers. His team also manages Legal, Compliance, CSR and Corporate Affairs.

His previous roles have included Corporate Planning GM, responsible for managing Strategic and Integrated Business Planning and Corporate Affairs as well as North Asia Operations GM, where he managed the Logistics & Sales Operations teams.

Links

Fonterra Japan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fonterra.jp/

Alex Kane’s Movember Fundraising page: https://movember.com/m/14341735?mc=1

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...

From the Māori All Blacks to the Ricoh Black Rams in Tokyo, Tabai Matson (Tabs) has coached rugby on multiple continents—and Japan has taught him some of his most valuable lessons.

We build on our learnings from top leaders as Tabs shares his cultural context knowledge with us that is also effective outside of locker rooms and scrums. You’ll be inspired to try your hand at your own version of the “head coach” persona whether it’s in business, sports or daily life in Japan or Aotearoa for that matter.

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:

• Tabs’ journey from player/coach to head coach of the Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo
• Why TJ Perenara is captain this season and the fantastic example he is in the team and as a “negotiator” on the field
• The unique challenge for coaching staff due to Japan’s traditional rugby pathways
• Tab’s favourite Japanese proverb, treat from the conbini on treat night and a go to karaoke song

About Tabai

Tabai Matson (Tabs) is Head Coach of the Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo, a team competing in the Japan Rugby League One tournament.

Born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand his rugby journey has spanned continents, from pulling on the black jersey for the All Blacks and representing Fiji at the Rugby World Cup, to playing and coaching for Shizuoka Blue Revs (formerly Yamaha Motor Júbilo) here in Japan.

He has built an extraordinary coaching career as Canterbury’s ITM Cup championship head coach, Crusaders and Chiefs assistant coach in Super Rugby, Head Coach at Bath Rugby in England, and the first non-Māori to coach the Māori All Blacks.

His path has taken him across five nations, two Rugby World Cups, and over 300 professional games coached.

Now based in Tokyo Tabs has come full circle - returning to Japan not only to coach but to immerse himself once again in the culture he calls “a place of strength and beauty.”

Connect with Tabai

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabai-matson-969846134/

Links

Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo http://blackrams-tokyo.com/

Blue Lock Anime: https://bluelock-anime-en.com/

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: