Episode 18

full
Published on:

7th Nov 2022

Committing to the tackle: Kiwi Rugby in Japan with Heiden Bedwell-Curtis

Heiden Bedwell-Curtis plays for the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries rugby team “Mitsubishi Dynaboars”, a division one team, in Japan. Heiden shares his transition from Super Rugby in New Zealand, to becoming captain of his team, and now finding other opportunities in business in Japan in addition to his rugby career. Many of his observations are relevant off the rugby field too.  

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 Heiden came to be playing for the Mitsubishi Dynaboars in Japan
  • What kind of qualities help players to be successful in Japan
  • Some of the challenges of playing rugby and starting a business in a different culture and language 
  • Where you can hear the latest on rugby in Japan 

About Heiden 

Heiden has been playing professional rugby in Japan for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited - Mitsubishi Dynaboars for just over four years. He is also studying Japanese and Accounting and has an interest in property development, investing and business. He completed his apprenticeship as a builder through Cavalier Homes Taranaki and TMT Building.

Heiden’s rugby achievements also include the Hurricanes 2019, Crusaders 2017-18, Māori All Blacks 2015 Hurricanes Squad 2014-15 and Hurricanes Development 2013-2016. Captain 2016. Manawatu Turbos 2013-present (ITM Cup), Taranaki Bulls 2012 (ITM Cup) NZ Under 20s 2011 NZ Sevens Training Camps 2013 and the Taranaki Sevens 2010-2013 which he Captained in 2013.

Connect with Heiden 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hbc91/ 

https://www.instagram.com/coffeecharli.e/ 


Links

Mitsubishi Dynaboars: https://dynaboars.mhi.com/index.html 

Japan Rugby Weekly Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/japan_rugby_weekly/ 

Nagasaki Champon: https://www.ringerhut.jp/ 


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/channel/UCwdbd0QSHSLlOSPcpceHOcA 

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Are you loving Jandals in Japan so much you just want to buy Catherine and Jayne a beer/wine/coffee?

We know some people really want to show their appreciation and so now you can using the button below. In addition, you will join our VIJ list for our Very Important Jandals, who receive first invites to our in person events when they happen throughout the year.
Please note, contributions in $ = US$.
Support Jandals in Japan
A
We haven’t had any Tips yet :( Maybe you could be the first!

Listen for free

Show artwork for Jandals in Japan

About the Podcast

Jandals in Japan
Bringing The Land of the Long White Cloud to The Land of the Rising Sun
The best show about New Zealanders doing business in Japan, bringing The Land of the Long White Cloud to The Land of the Rising Sun
How do you build a brand in Japan and nurture a loyal customer base?
What do you need to have in your tool belt if you are thinking of coming to Japan to launch a business here?
Japan is often considered to be in the "too hard" basket but we are here to open up the black box of doing business in Japan.
We will share stories from successful Kiwis selling their products and services here in Japan.
They'll tell you their tips for success and pitfalls to avoid.
They'll share their challenges and what they did to overcome them.
They will tell you things you can't find in textbooks or on the internet.
We will also be sharing the latest intel and insights on Japan from our on-the-ground presence
And you'll hear some super business culture and other tips from us sprinkled throughout.
Grab a glass of sake and let's get into it.
Support This Show

About your hosts

Jayne Nakata

Profile picture for Jayne Nakata
Jayne Nakata is a Southland girl who arrived in Japan in 2002, planning to stay just two years. 20 years later she is still living in Fukushima Prefecture with her Japanese husband and two children. When the triple disaster hit in 2011, Jayne made the commitment to stay in Fukushima and contribute to rebuilding the area. She is the host of the award winning podcast Transformations with Jayne, which is a favourite with international women living in Japan. She is also the double award winning podcast producer and manager for PodLaunch with Jayne.

Catherine O’Connell

Profile picture for Catherine O’Connell
Born and bred in Christchurch, Catherine O'Connell landed in Japan in 2002, on a one year contract, and 20 years later she's planted her feet firmly in Japan. She built a wealth of business and cultural experience working at the coal face of brand-name Japanese corporates as in house legal counsel. Catherine took a leap of faith down the entrepreneurial route launching her own multi award-winning boutique law firm in Tokyo in 2018, being the first Kiwi and first foreign female to do so. She is Vice Chair of the Australian & New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan and helps businesses thrive in the Japan market delivering business insights meshed with legal instincts. Catherine is also host of the award-winning Lawyer on Air Podcast.