Matcha with Jason | A BCCJ x Bentley Lewis Podcast Series
The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan presents the inaugural triad of conversations through our new podcast series, Matcha with Jason.
Over the past few months, BCCJ Member Jason Chuei, APAC Managing Partner of Bentley Lewis Executive Search, has brought together voices from across the Chamber community to explore the ideas shaping leadership, trust and British business in Japan today.
The conversations are continuing throughout the year. Should you wish to join Matcha with Jason, please get in contact with Jason directly, or email a BCCJ team member.
Session 1: The British Brand in Japan - Trust, Tradition and Adaptation
Guests: Sarah Backley (Executive Director) and Josh Welch (Digital Marketing and Communications Lead), British Chamber of Commerce in Japan
What does ‘British’ represent in Japan today?
Jason is joined by Sarah and Josh from the BCCJ team to consider how British businesses can draw upon a reputation for heritage, quality and trust while continuing to evolve within a distinctly Japanese commercial environment.
The conversation explores the value of cultural awareness, the importance of listening before entering a market, and how British organisations can establish a presence that feels both authentic and locally relevant.
Listen for: Reflections on building credibility, adapting without losing identity and creating enduring UK–Japan business relationships.
Session 2: Building Psychological Safety and Trust in the Japanese Workplace
Guest: Anna Iveson (Director of Marketing and Admissions), Rugby School Japan
Trust within an organisation is rarely created through policy alone. It is built through the everyday behaviours that allow people to contribute openly, challenge ideas and feel that their voices carry weight.
Drawing on her experience within international education, Anna joins Jason to discuss how leaders can cultivate psychological safety across culturally diverse teams in Japan. Their conversation considers communication, inclusion and the conditions required for people to take initiative without fear of failure.
Listen for: Practical perspectives on creating open, resilient workplaces where local and international talent can contribute with confidence.
Session 3: C-Suite Leadership: What Should Leaders Give Away Today?
Guest: Helen Iwata (Founder & President), Sasuga Communications K.K.
Leadership is often associated with responsibility, control and having the answers. Yet the most effective leaders may be defined by what they are prepared to release.
In this candid conversation, executive coach Helen Iwata explores what today’s C-suite leaders should ‘give away’, from unnecessary control and constant intervention to the expectation that every decision must begin and end with them.
Jason and Helen examine how thoughtful delegation, stronger middle management and clearer communication can create more capable teams while reducing pressure at the top.
Listen for: Insight into leading with greater trust, reducing organisational friction and creating more impact without carrying every responsibility alone.
Session 4: The Art of Living: Tea, Curation, and Elegant Playfulness
Guest: Yureeka Yasuda (Founder & CEO), Sayuri Tea
What happens when an entrepreneur moves from scaling a fast-moving luxury F&B brand to building a slower, mission-driven business rooted in Japanese heritage?
In this conversation, Yureeka Yasuda reflects on the journey from building and exiting her first company to establishing sayuri Tea as what she describes as her ‘life’s work’, bringing Japanese tea, craftsmanship and culture to a global audience.
Jason and Yureeka explore the value of a third-culture perspective, the importance of protecting authenticity as global matcha demand accelerates, and why playfulness, curiosity and even failure can be powerful ingredients in entrepreneurship. They also look ahead to Sayuri Tea Journeys, an initiative connecting international visitors with tea producers, artisans and slower ways of living across regional Japan.
Listen for: Insight into building a mission-led business, preserving cultural authenticity while expanding globally, and creating the space for playfulness, failure and curiosity to shape better leadership.
Session 5: Endurance Leadership: 20 Years of Talent, Grit, and Growth in Japan
Guest: Benjamin Cordier (Senior Director), RGF Executive Search Japan
What can two decades in Tokyo boardrooms, paired with thousands of kilometres on the road, teach us about leadership?
In this conversation, Benjamin Cordier reflects on 20 years in Japan’s technology and executive recruitment sector, alongside his ambition to complete a full marathon in all 47 Japanese prefectures, with 21 already behind him.
Jason and Ben explore how executive search has evolved from controlling access to information towards interpreting context, culture and long-term fit. They discuss why autonomy can be one of the strongest drivers of retention, what kilometre 35 of a marathon reveals about resilience, and why identifying and hiring exceptional people remains one of the most consequential responsibilities of any leader.
Listen for: Insight into building resilient teams, giving experienced professionals meaningful autonomy, identifying high-calibre talent and sustaining performance through the difficult stretches of leadership.
Interested in being a part of the warmest community in Japan? Get in touch with us!