Join us for an insightful conversation with Charles Wilson, who leads Tatua Japan's operations as both President and Representative Director in one of New Zealand's most important export markets. From his childhood introduction to Japan through the Japanese supplemental education calculation & maths program “Kumon mathematics” to becoming president of a dairy ingredients company, Charles shares his unique journey and valuable insights about building successful business relationships in Japan. You will enjoy this story of how an SME like Tatua Japan can partner with Japanese companies for mutually beneficial outcomes.

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In this episode you will hear:

• Why arriving 5-10 minutes early for meetings is essential for building trust and success in Japanese business culture
• How Japan's "ringi-sho" consensus-building process really works with pre-meetings and side discussions before official approvals
• About the "proteinisation" trend driving demand for protein-enhanced products among Japan's aging population
• Charles' unexpected summer survival tip - escaping to Tama's cool river waters and Japanese workplace "cool down rooms"

About Charles

Charles Wilson has been at the helm of Tatua Japan since 2023, as both President and Representative Director. This role has enabled him to live his passion for strengthening trade and business ties between Japan and New Zealand.

He leads a growing team, oversees key customer relationships, drives strategic initiatives, and manages the company’s day-to-day operations.

His interest in the agricultural and dairy industries originates from his upbringing on an avocado orchard in the sunny Bay of Plenty and his experience spending summer holidays milking cows. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, and a Bachelor of Business in Finance from Massey University.

Prior to joining Tatua, Charles spent nearly a decade with ITOCHU Corporation—one of Japan’s largest general trading companies—working in both Tokyo and Sydney. At ITOCHU, he developed infrastructure investment strategies and managed a portfolio of global infrastructure assets.

The blend of Charles’ Kiwi upbringing and his adaptation to Japanese culture has deepened his appreciation for the vital harmony between people, nature, and enterprise—a balance that lies at the heart of agriculture and fuels his passion for the field.

Links

Tatua Japan: https://jp.tatua.com/

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

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