New Horizons--From Riverside to Tokyo: A Conversation with Nikki Ong (Slick Marketers)

New Horizons--From Riverside to Tokyo: A Conversation with Nikki Ong (Slick Marketers)

In our latest video summary, we delve into a narrative of gradual growth, strategic decisions, and immersive cultural exploration. Guided by Nikki Ong, president of Slick Marketers–a Southern California marketing service company renowned for helping franchise businesses stand out from their local competition–we gain valuable insights into Anthony's journey to Tokyo.

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Client Conversations #4: Connecting through Language and Intercultural Communication with Ayako Sasaki

Client Conversations #4: Connecting through Language and Intercultural Communication with Ayako Sasaki

In this edition of Client Conversations, Anthony Griffin hosts Ayako Sasaki, co-founder of Nicohachi English. In Connecting People Through English and Intercultural Understanding, Ayako provides insightful perspectives on the significant role that language and cultural understanding play in strengthening interpersonal relationships, influencing business results, and presenting effective strategies for language acquisition. 

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3 Takeaways from the 2023 Japan Mobility Show

3 Takeaways from the 2023 Japan Mobility Show

The Tokyo Motor Show is back for the first time since 2019. Rechristened as the Japan Mobility Show after a pandemic-induced hiatus, this signature event for Japan’s automotive industry returns with a broader theme that goes beyond what most expect from a typical auto show. True to its rebranding, the Japan Mobility Show is about much more than cars. From personal mobility devices to private jets, this event is about anything that helps you get from point A to point B.

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How Cultural Authenticity Powered Japan’s Global Gaming Resurgence

How Cultural Authenticity Powered Japan’s Global Gaming Resurgence

The global video game market is poised to expand to a staggering $257 billion in 2023, according to PwC’s Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2022-26. For perspective, that’s more than 5.5 times the size of the global cinema industry. On track to exceed $321 billion in 2026, gaming shows no signs of slowing down.

In this article, the English version of 日本のゲーム産業はグローバルでどう輝くのか, Saga Consulting contributor Shiho Baisho extracts my thoughts on Japan’s place in the global business behemoth that is the video game industry. Japan’s story unfolds just like the narrative to your favorite role-playing game, complete with triumphs, defeats, and hope for the future. Join us as we explore the successes, failures, and limitless potential of Japanese gaming on the global stage.

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How Creatives and Knowledge Workers Can Thrive in the Era of AI

How Creatives and Knowledge Workers Can Thrive in the Era of AI

This year, the excitement around AI soared to heights previously unseen. All of a sudden, the dystopian future depicted in countless sci-fi movies was knocking at humanity’s front door. In reality, however, the development and use of AI has been expanding for decades. What makes recent developments so exciting (and for many, frightening) is that powerful content-generation tools are now in the hands of everyday creatives and knowledge workers, generating fascinating results, often for free.

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Michael Williamson: How to Turn Your Passion into Profit on YouTube

Michael Williamson: How to Turn Your Passion into Profit on YouTube

Whether you’re running a business or trying to monetize your creative pursuits, the most important thing to consider about social media is return on investment. How much value—be it in followers, brand recognition, ad revenue share, or even sales—is your chosen platform giving you in proportion to the time, effort, and money you invest?

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Make Working in Japan Work for You: A Virtual Discussion with Japan Expert Insights

Make Working in Japan Work for You: A Virtual Discussion with Japan Expert Insights

Working abroad comes with plenty of unique challenges, many of which Anthony Griffin is familiar with, having founded his brand, Saga Consulting, in Japan. Anthony joined a virtual discussion in early 2022, hosted by Maya Matsuoka and Tim Sullivan with Japan Expert Insights, to discuss the definition of success, tapping into the entrepreneurial mindset—especially while abroad—and ways to leverage your individual position to make working in Japan work for you.

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A Conversation on Entrepreneurship and Marketing in Japan with Hashi Media

A Conversation on Entrepreneurship and Marketing in Japan with Hashi Media

In early 2020, Anthony Griffin joined Hashi Media CHATBOT event host Eric Keyes for a conversation on entrepreneurship and marketing in Japan. In their discussion, they touched on what it’s like to start and run a marketing business in Japan, effective marketing strategies for small businesses, and the importance of professional, concise content.

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Marketing Between Two Worlds: The United States and Japan (The Business of Creativity)

Marketing Between Two Worlds: The United States and Japan (The Business of Creativity)

Anthony Griffin joined Lucy Kikuchi, creator and host of The Business of Creativity podcast, for a virtual discussion in the fall of 2021. They weighed in on must-know global marketing tips, finding professional inspiration in Japan, and the importance of courage when learning Japanese.

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Discussing Global Communications, Cultural Insights, and Community Building on the Now and Zen Japan Podcast

Discussing Global Communications, Cultural Insights, and Community Building on the Now and Zen Japan Podcast

In the fall of 2021, Anthony Griffin joined Now and Zen Japan podcast host Andrew Hankinson to unpack a range of topics, covering everything from global communications and tips for budding entrepreneurs, to cultural insights into Japan and building community with language. This article summarizes and explores the key points covered in the podcast, uncovering the valuable advice discussed along the way.

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Celebrating Five Years of Helping Clients Communicate with Confidence

Celebrating Five Years of Helping Clients Communicate with Confidence

April 2022 marks five years of working as a sole proprietor under the Saga Consulting brand. To commemorate the occasion, I decided to look back at the past, update you on the present, and hint at what to expect in the future. In addition to taking a moment to thank everyone who has helped me make it this far, I hope that sharing a few details about my journey will benefit anyone interested in doing something similar.

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Coming to Japan: Thoughts on Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship Abroad (Guest Post)

Coming to Japan: Thoughts on Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship Abroad (Guest Post)

April 2022 marks the fifth anniversary of Saga Consulting, and naturally, moments like this prompt reflection. As a business inspired by Japan and built on the foundation of clear, professional writing, I figured that sharing the following interview—originally published in July 2020—was a good way to launch a series of upcoming announcements and content.

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Client Conversations #3: Discussing Content Creation and Customer Service with Amélie Geeraert (Kokoro Media)

Client Conversations #3: Discussing Content Creation and Customer Service with Amélie Geeraert (Kokoro Media)

In this episode of Client Conversations, I’m proud to share words of wisdom from Amélie Geeraert, editor-and-chief at Kokoro Media. In our conversation about asking compelling questions for interviews, relationship building, and customer service, we cover the following topics and more:

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New Video Series: Saga Consulting Client Conversations

New Video Series: Saga Consulting Client Conversations

Although most of my work is bound by confidentiality agreements, I’ve started to work with more and more clients in a public capacity. I admire the work that my clients do, and I’m proud to be associated with them.

That’s why I’m pleased to announce Saga Consulting Client Conversations, a series of videos that give the clients I work with a chance to share their expertise with the world.

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Content Round Up: Tokyo Cycling Routes for Beginners

Content Round Up: Tokyo Cycling Routes for Beginners

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tokyoites needed safe ways to exercise and move about the city. Many residents found the answer to this dilemma in cycling, be it for weekday commutes or weekend exercise. If you’ve recently started cycling and are looking for some scenic urban routes for beginners, this content roundup is for you.

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Sharing My Senpai Success Story with Ikigai Connections

Sharing My Senpai Success Story with Ikigai Connections

I recently had the opportunity to share my Senpai Success Story with Ikigai Connections, a brand dedicated to connecting Japanese-speaking job seekers with global companies. Senpai Success Stories feature those who have “walked a unique career path using their Japanese language/cultural skills.”

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Discussing the Intersection of Cross-Cultural Coaching and Digital Marketing on the Business Success Japan Podcast

Discussing the Intersection of Cross-Cultural Coaching and Digital Marketing on the Business Success Japan Podcast

I recently had the pleasure of joining Lydia Beukelman on her podcast, Business Success Japan. This episode is a unique opportunity to peek behind the scenes of the coaching side of my business and how it complements my marketing work. In this episode, we cover the following topics and more:

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