New Zealand Seafood in Japan with Jason Plato, Sealord

Jandals in Japan

21-07-2024 • 44分

Jason Plato is the General Manager for Sales at Sealord. Jason recounts his very unique bootcamp-like early experience of joining a Japanese bank as a new recruit which has been invaluable to him in his career. He also shares insights into Japan's seafood market, including the importance of preparation in business dealings, cultural nuances, and the challenges posed by changing ocean temperatures. The episode offers valuable advice for New Zealand exporters considering the Japanese market and some interesting opportunities for future collaborations between New Zealand and Japan.

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In this episode you’ll hear:

  • Hakata-ben, Kansai-ben, Iwaki-ben and Tottori-ben: learn a few words in Japanese dialects
  • Jason’s unique bootcamp experience of joining a regional Japanese bank as a new recruit
  • Jason’s advice for anyone entering Japan for the first time and how he was able to transition from banking to seafood
  • Future opportunities for New Zealand and Japan to collaborate in new ways

About Jason Plato

Jason has been with Sealord for 30 years, joining them in 1994. He opened their office in Japan in 1995 and ran the office in Tokyo for 6 years. Jason is now based in Auckland as the General Manager for Sales for Sealord with Japan.


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


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