Transformations with Jayne

In this episode of The Transformations with Jayne Podcast, I welcome guest Raven Takahashi to discuss their life in Japan and being "neurospicy". The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including why performance reviews are nonsensical, the impact of societal expectations and the importance of being true to yourself. Raven shares some interesting stories about being labeled confrontational from a young age. Raven and I also the importance of not being an 'ass'—to others or oneself. Tune in for an insightful discussion about navigating professional and personal life in Japan.

I'm brining you my latest life lessons, while it's still fresh in my mind. I initially thought that this kind of episode would not be "useful", until a friend reached out to tell me that listening to my last episode gave her the push to get out of the winter holiday gym funk and she'd gone back for her first work out. THIS is why I take the time to podcast. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me on these episodes and how they have helped you. It really means a lot! This episode I riffing on uncovering an assumption I have had about myself that I found to be no longer "true", how I discovered the "relaxing gym visit" and "fixed scheduling" have been winning strategies so far. Listen to hear the challenge I set for you, too! Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast 00:58 Reflecting on the Last Episode 01:10 The Power of Starting Again 01:58 Pairing Habits for Success 03:12 Questioning Assumptions 04:09 Challenging Exercise Assumptions 08:13 Discovering a Relaxing Gym Routine 14:28 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Hi! We are back! I'm making my "triumphant "return after a lengthy hiatus...I know the cliché of starting in January is not lost on me! But I'm also like - so what cliché! I'm going to do my thing. We're kicking off the new year talking about restarting the podcast and my personal fitness goals. I candidly discuss: Tune in for a heartfelt and motivating story about transformation and resilience. 00:00 Welcome Back to Transformations with Jayne 00:43 New Year, New Beginnings 02:05 Fitness Journey and Accountability 05:17 Gym Hunting Adventures 12:27 Overcoming Mental Blocks 14:07 Embracing New Opportunities 16:42 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Jayne chats with Jacqui Miyabayashi about the intensive nature of afterschool activities, or 'Naraigoto,' in Japan and how to be more successful as a foreign parent. Jacqui and Jayne share their experiences with their children's involvement in activities like swimming, baseball, volleyball and violin, discussing the challenges, costs, and the importance of choosing the right coach. You'll hear practical aspects of supporting a young athlete, including managing schedules, providing nutrition, coping with injuries, and navigating team dynamics. Both Jayne and Jacqui offer insights and tips for parents navigating this journey, emphasising the importance of organisation, involvement, and supporting children's passions. Jacqui mentions: Kazoku Wallet: https://www.smbc-card.com/prepaid/kazokunoosaifu/index.jsp Coke ON: https://c.cocacola.co.jp/app/wallet/

In this enlightening episode of the Transformations with Jayne podcast, guest host Brittany Arthur takes the reins to delve into the complexities of navigating public education in Japan, particularly for foreign mothers. Jayne, usually the host, steps into the guest role to share her experience as a foreign mum guiding her children through the Japanese school system. From kindergarten selection strategies to the financial and emotional investments of compulsory education, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent facing the challenges and opportunities of raising bilingual and bicultural children in Japan. Tune in for invaluable insights and practical tips that will empower you to make informed decisions for your family's educational journey! Was this episode useful? We'd love to hear from you and your insights from your part of Japan. You can find us on Instagram @transformationswithjayne and @_brittanyarthur

In our latest episode, Jo and Jayne provide an end-of-year check-in for 2023. They discuss their personal transformations, from Jayne's newfound love for baseball and her refreshing "inner old lady" approach to life, to Jo's pursuit of her artistic passions and the importance of balancing work and leisure. We talk about: The health challenges that Jayne overcame in 2023, are going to mean 2024 is much better! Jo's awesome triumphs with her art! Work styles and how we are owning our "obaachan" power more and more See you in 2024!

Kumiko Nakajima Ekstedt and I are discussing the differences between life in Japan and Sweden where Kumiko has lived for more than 14 years. I am interested to learn more about where in the world women have the best life and are able to live the life they want, be a mother if they want, have a career if they want. Full disclosure, I was having a very difficult time when I recorded this episode. My perimenopause symptoms were really giving me trouble and I may have gotten quite passionate about the summer holiday tooth brushing calendar. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Kumiko, @transformationswithjayne and @kummy_in_sweden. In this episode you’ll hear: About Kumiko Kumiko is dedicated to a passion for empowering women and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Originally from Japan, Kumiko has been living in Sweden for the past 14 years, where she has built a life with her Swedish husband and two boys. Currently, she serves as a valued member of the management team in a sales organization. Kumiko's mission is to support women in Japan by sharing her experiences and insights gained from living in Sweden. She believes that exchanging perspectives can bring about positive change and inspire women to pursue their goals and aspirations. Kumiko's deep understanding of both Japanese and Swedish cultures allows her to bridge the gap between the two, fostering greater understanding and cooperation. Connect with Kumiko: IG: https://www.instagram.com/kummy_in_sweden/

Helen Iwata, the Less Effort More Impact Coach, is back on the show after five years! Helen has done quite a few transformations herself since 2018, and I can’t wait for you to hear how she is helping international and Japanese women in Japan to have more ease and joy in their lives. Now that is something we all want!! In this episode you’ll hear: If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Helen, @transformationswithjayne and @heleniwata or send us a message here. About Helen Helen is the founder of The #LessEffortMoreImpact Movement for Women in Business. Born in the UK, she's an award-winning, bilingual coach with a 3-decade career in Tokyo, including 10 years with McKinsey & Company. She has helped thousands of business professionals in Japan and beyond to see new perspectives and possibilities and discover how to make meaningful changes in their work results and relationships, confidence and communication, health and happiness - to do brilliant work without sacrificing their personal lives. Helen is the author of Eigo no Shigoto-jutsu (英語の仕事術), published by Shogakukan, a Nikkei Woman Smart columnist, host of the Sasuga! Podcast, a karate world champion, wife, and mother. Connect with Helen: Website: sasugacommunications.com/movement https://sasugacommunications.com/ Links: Episode 15 with Helen Iwata https://transformationswithjayne.captivate.fm/episode/episode-15-an-interview-with-helen-iwata- Connect with Jayne: PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting

We are talking about all things peri-menopause and menopause in this episode with Menopause Energy Expert, Miyako Hazama. It’s a topic of discussion almost everywhere I go these days, even Oprah is talking about it! I really want more women to be aware of things they may be putting up with, not realising that it is something that we can get help for and we can get our energy and health back. Miyako shares her knowledge and some of the other options for people who want to use natural ways to manage symptoms. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @transformationswithjayne or send us a message here. In this episode you’ll hear: About Miyako Miyako Hazama is a Menopause Energy Expert, and the creator of Energenic Life Design(TM). She helps busy professional women in perimenopause and menopause relieve their challenges naturally. Miyako learned these secrets and little-known Asian Energenic fountain of youth for over thirty-five years from her Master mentor, Kozo Nishino, a Japanese Ki (energy) expert. Links of things mentioned in this episode: Miyako’s page for TWJ listeners: https://miyakoprime.com/Jayne Connect with Miyako Website: www.miyakohazama.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miyakohazama.bim IG: https://www.instagram.com/miyako_hazama/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miyakohazama/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUTvr99do4561rM8uVM-Gmg Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miyako_hazama Connect with Jayne: PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting

We last spoke to Violet in May 2021 as she was about to embark on a project to build an amazing CrossFit facility in the mountain town of Otoyo in Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku Japan. Two years later we check in to see how it went and what challenges Violet now faces with running a business day to day as well as being a mother of three and a consultant. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Violet, @transformationswithjayne and @crossfitotyo or send us a message here. In this episode you’ll hear: Connect with Violet: Website: https://www.otoyostrength.com/ https://www.chihosousei-vpa.com/t-ja IG: https://www.instagram.com/crossfitotoyostrength/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-pacileo-949b1815/ Connect with Jayne: PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting

I love meeting international women in Japan who are finding their way and creating things whether it is a new podcast or a bricks and mortar business like Blanka’s which actually does deal with things like bricks! Blanka shares how she came to be really enjoying running her family’s renovation company that helps foreigners get the services they need in English. She has certainly happened upon a niche, so this makes me wonder what other niches there are in Japan that could be explored! In this episode you’ll hear: If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me, @transformationswithjayne or send us a message here. About Blanka: Blanka Kobayashi is multi-talented entrepreneur. She studied Finance, Marketing and Management in Czech Republic and International Relations at Charles University. She is working as a Marketing Director of Kobayashi Group Japan. She also founded the Tourism Department of the company, HBK Tours, because traveling and sharing her love for Japan is her passion. She co-founded HBK Naturalist with her husband in 2006. She studied Aromatherapy and Naturopathy in 2017-2018 to further her knowledge about natural medicine and herbal remedies. She handles Brand Marketing and Market Research and social media marketing for the company. She also participates in the Blockchain Fintech Projects and new business project developments. Currently she spends lots of her time managing ARK Reform Japan, bilingual renovation company based in Tokyo and Chiba, that the Kobayashi family founded in 2021. The company aims to help not already Japanese homeowners, but especially foreign home and business owners in Japan, to successfully navigate through renovating their properties. Blanka is in charge of marketing, sales and customer’s relationships. Her strong suit is research, sourcing and execution of crucial task so her knowledge has been invaluable when offering advice to people on how to proceed with their pursuit of financial freedom. Together with her husband, they published The Beginner’s Guide to Financial Freedom to help people manage their finances and plan for better future. Their second book, The Beginner’s Guide to Side Hustles is about to be published next month, followed by The Beginner’s guide for Kidpreneurs. Blanka is originally from a small town in Moravia, Czech Republic but lives in Tokyo, Japan with her husband and son. She serves as a cultural ambassador, helping foreigners to integrate in Matsudo area and the Japanese citizens to learn more about Czech Republic and to embrace foreigners, living in the prefecture. She is also an Advisory Board member for English Developmental Center at Cape Verde and Board member of L.E.A.D., Japan based educational program to empower young children in leadership and entrepreneurship. Blanka is passionate about helping others, especially children. Her big dream is for their family to establish foundation, helping children with proper education and living more fulfilled lives. That is why the family participate in many charitable projects in Japan and in Africa. Things...

If you need a pick me up today, then turn this episode on and give yourself a boost thanks to the wonderful guest Mary Wanjohi! She tells us about how she adjusted to life in Japan having been born and raised in a small town in Kenya to negotiating the scramble crossing in Shibuya. Mary and I talk about how we can make sure we are taking care of ourselves and also what kind of things you can do when you find that you do have the bandwidth to help others more. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Mary, @transformationswithjayne and @harmonylivinglife_mary or send us a message here. In this episode you’ll hear: About Mary: Mary moved to Japan from a very small town in Kenya. Japanese culture, food, language was all new to her. With no friends or family members, she had to learn how to accept and embrace change. It was a huge life transformation and came with many challenges. Mary now helps clients create a positive change in their life. She is known for transforming clients’ leadership skills, image, confidence, and making a positive impact. Her genuine passion for creating positive life changes in others shines through her professional work. She is a certified Master NLP, Life Coach (CLC), Myers-Briggs Personality Types Indicator (MBTI) Trainer. She teaches communication skills, conflict resolutions, personal and professional relationships using MBTI framework. Links of things mentioned in this episode: TELL: https://telljp.com/lifeline/ Connect with Mary: Website: https://harmonylivinglife.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyLivingLife IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonylivinglife_mary/ Connect with Jayne: PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting

I’m always thrilled to find a new podcast by women with a nexus to Japan. Jordana Matsuda and Paige Baldwin Ando have both been guests on TWJ and now they have gone on to create their own show together: The Creativity Cafe Podcast. I love how their connection and collaboration has really brought joy to their lives that goes beyond just putting together a podcast. I hope you will be inspired to go and find a collaborative partner that will bring a new interesting project to life! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Creativity Cafe Podcast, @transformationswithjayne and @thecreativitycafe21 or send us a message here. In this episode you’ll hear: Connect with Paige and Jo: The Creativity Cafe Podcast Paige: Listen to Paige on Episode 121 Website: https://www.wholeselfcreative.com/ Jordana: Episode 119 & 120 Connect with Jayne: PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting

My gorgeous guest is Lindsey Sawada, founder of the Setagaya Yoga Studio. Not only do we talk about the wonderful Tuesday morning yoga classes that Lindsey holds each week online, but Lindsey also shares her experience so far with menopause. Jayne shares some of the symptoms that she has been noticing more and more recently that perhaps you’ve been noticing too. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Lindsey, @transformationswithjayne and @setagayayogastudio or send us a message here. In this episode you’ll hear: Links of things mentioned in this episode: Transformations with Jayne: Episode 8, June 2018. Davina McCall Menopaus documentary How to Upgrade Your Life After Forty Podcast episode Connect with Lindsey: Website: https://www.setagayayogastudio.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/setagayayogastudio/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/setagayayogastudio/ Connect with Jayne: PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting

It’s that time again! It’s time for our end of year check-in with Podlaunch producer Jo, to see how our 2022 shaped up. Listen to the episode to hear how our year went, what we ticked off our yearly to-do list, how we left room for magic to surprise us, and what’s in store for 2023! Follow along at home as always, reflect on your 2022 and make fun goals for 2023, and let us know what came up for you during this episode. We'd especially love to hear about your goals for the new year. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Jo, @transformationswithjayne and @tindlingjo or send us a message here. In this episode you’ll hear: Links of things mentioned in this episode: British Business Awards 2022: https://bccjapan.com/news/congratulations-to-all-british-business-awards-2022-winners/ About Jo: Jo Tindling is an artist and part time podcast producer living in Ōmokoroa in the Bay of Plenty region of Aotearoa, New Zealand. She is currently preparing for her first solo exhibition in January, as well as working as part of the Podlaunch with Jayne team to bring you your favourite podcasts! Connect with Jo: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tindling Exhibition Event: https://fb.me/e/33UvR4jOy IG: https://www.instagram.com/tindlingjo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-tindling-626490237/ Connect with Jayne: PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting

On the show this week we’re talking with Lin Nishitani, a university student and project manager for Atlantic Pacific. I loved hearing how she came to be involved with this great organisation that is doing fantastic work to help areas affected by the tsunami in 2011. Their work has now extended to teaching water safety skills as well as their Ocean Revival Competition. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Lin, @transformationswithjayne and @atlanticpacificjapan or send us a message here. In this episode you’ll hear: Links of things mentioned in this episode: Ocean Revival Competition About Lin: Lin graduated from UWC ISAK Japan in 2020. She met Kate and Robin, founders of AP in October 2018 and volunteered for AP a few times during high school. Lin has been working with Atlantic Pacific as a Japan project manager since June 2020 (right after graduation), organising and delivering different educational programmes. She is now at university in Tokyo, continuing to work for AP. Connect with Lin: Atlantic Pacific International: https://www.atlanticpacific.org.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantic.pacific/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlanticpacificrescueboats/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ap_lifeboats Atlantic Pacific Japan: https://www.atlanticpacific.org.uk/ja/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/japanapj?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlanticpacificjapan/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtlanticPacificJapan/ Connect with Jayne: PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting

This week on the podcast I talk to Heidi Karino, a Japanese English Transcreation Specialist working with content marketing translation. Heidi came to Japan and pursued translation as a career, pivoted to copywriting, and ultimately became a transcreation specialist with the launch of Kotonoha Bloom. Listen to the episode to hear about Heidi’s journey from the UK to Japan, her experiences in Japan studying and working, how she was drawn to the creativity she found in transcreation, and her advice for being more intentional in your decisions regarding your career and life. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Heidi, @transformationswithjayne and @kotonohabloom or send us a message here. In this episode you’ll hear: Connect with Heidi: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jetranslatorhub IG: https://www.instagram.com/kotonohabloom/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidikarino/ Connect with Jayne: PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting

Shinto is something we live with every day here in Japan, and we often do notice it, though we go to the shrine at New Year or when we are sightseeing. Dr. Nyri A. Bakkalian shares her experience of finding her place in the world on the day she wandered into the Osaki Hachiman shrine in 2005. Listen to hear what happened next! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @transformationswithjayne or send us a message here. In this episode you’ll hear: About Dr. Nyri A. Bakkalian: Dr. Nyri A. Bakkalian is a freelance writer, recovering academic, raconteur, out and proud lesbian, and staff writer for Unseen Japan. Her PhD thesis focused on the Boshin War in the Tohoku region. She is the author of the 2020 novel Grey Dawn: A Tale of Abolition and Union and the upcoming November 2022 novel Confluence: A Person-Shaped Story. She hosts the podcast Friday Night History and co-hosts the podcast Cleyera: Conversations on Shinto. The secret to her success is Arabic coffee. She misses Sendai daily. Links of things mentioned in this episode: Confluence: A Person-Shaped Story, Nov 2022 https://balance-of-seven.square.site/ Cleyera Podcast https://anchor.fm/cleyerapodcast/ Connect with Nyri: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversidewings/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/riversidewings Itchio: https://riversidewings.itch.io/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/riversidewings Connect with Jayne: PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting

On the latest episode of Transformations with Jayne, I talk to Tiffany Rossdale. Tiffany is a retreat specialist, LGBTQ educator and transgender activist, a certified Life Coach, a local private tour guide, and producer and host of the podcast, Breakfast With Tiffany. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Tiffany Rossdale has been a resident of Tokyo for over 25 years. She has been involved with the Tokyo nightlife in the 90s, VIP events hosting, and the modeling industry. Recently Tiffany pivoted towards health, wellness, and lifestyle coaching after a series of events led Tiffany on a journey of self-love, forgiveness, and personal growth. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Tiffany, @transformationswithjayne and @tokyohottie or send us a message here. In this episode you’ll hear: About Tiffany: Tiffany Rossdale is a transgender woman activist who believes in the power of our voices to change the world in order to make it a safer and sustainable community for all of us. She is an entrepreneur and a certified life coach helping people through change. Navigating change is often a fraught experience and her programs help people to overcome their emotional barriers to change. Tiffany has been coaching LGBTQ+ leaders and creative artists with their journey to transformational changes. She currently hosts a weekly culture/wellness podcast called Breakfast With Tiffany Show. Links of things mentioned in this episode: A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle Connect with Tiffany: Tiffany Rossdale Official page: https://www.tiffanyrossdale.com Tiffany Rossdale Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TokyoHottie Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTiffanyRossdale Breakfast With Tiffany Show Official Page: https://www.tiffanyrossdale.com/podcast Breakfast With Tiffany Show Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/breakfastwithtiffanyshow Official YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3vIVzhE Connect with...

As Obon finishes for another year, we turn our thoughts to a new start in September - the other January. Gretchen Miura and Sarah Furuya are two wonderful women in our foreign women in Japan community who have created a community for people who are experiencing grief and want help with processing it. If you have lost someone and not taken the time to grieve you may find yourself carrying that grief with you and it popping out in unexpected ways. Sarah and Gretchen have created a caring and supportive community where you can do this from anywhere in Japan or the world. I’d love you to hear their enthusiasm for helping others and their deep knowledge in the science as well as the spiritual. It’s some major magic mojo. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Sarah and Gretchen, @transformationswithjayne and @lighthousecirclegriefsupport or send us a message here. In this episode you’ll hear: Links of things mentioned in this episode: Retreats at Dairyuji: https://www.dairyuji-oga.com/ TWJ 40 Podcast episode featuring Gretchen TWJ 19 and TWJ 84 with Sarah Gretchen speaks about her brother Chris on Legends Interview Series with Sarah Iwaki Jangara Nenbutsu Odori Connect with Sarah and Gretchen Evergreen Self Paced Grief Support Website Lighthouse Circle Grief Community The Lighthouse Circle 2022 registration IG: