Episode 24

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Published on:

13th Feb 2023

Top contract negotiator in Japan, Tim Harvey, tells how he did it

Tim Harvey has negotiated over 1000 contracts including 500 rugby players into Japan over his time at one of the leading sports agencies in Japan. We ask Tim how he has been so successful and what he’s up to now, and how you can work with Tim to fast track your entry to the Japanese market.

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In this episode you’ll hear:

  • How Tim got his start in Japan as a translator with the Mitsubishi Dynaboars
  • His non negotiables when he is negotiating in Japan
  • The biggest thing that trips up people entering Japan
  • How Tim’s radical candor - “brutal honesty” - was a counter-intuitive, tactical approach for successful relationship building
  • Tim’s latest venture and how he can help you to get traction in Japan fast

About Tim

In his previous role as Head of Japan for a leading sports agency, Tim conducted over 1000 successful contract negotiations between New Zealand and Japanese enterprises. 

His focus on building relationships sticking to his boundaries and values, has made him a valuable partner for any Kiwi business looking to operate in Japan.

Tim has a natural understanding of both Japanese and New Zealand cultures, as a result of his upbringing as a “missionary kid” in Japan. He was raised with strong moral values, with an emphasis on caring for people and building relationships. Trust, integrity and conviction have been at the heart of his business dealings in Japan and New Zealand for over 20 years.


Connect with Tim

Website: https://www.withconsult.co.nz/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-harvey-9771bb39/ 


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


Connect with Jayne and Catherine

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan

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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.
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About your hosts

Jayne Nakata

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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

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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.