What Are Your Personal Benchmarks Of Success? Most people will answer in terms of financial security, job promotion ,or achieving a personal goal. It’s understandable; these are the images that will first pop into our heads. Working as a hospitality consultant, many clients will talk excitedly about opening a chain of bars, restaurants or coffee shops across Japan with the pre-conceived idea that the more restaurants we have the more successful we are. 2 places will double yo

When I made the decision to stop working for someone else and take the leap to being my own boss, I read a ton of blogs, books, and articles on how to do business in Japan. Many of these pieces were invaluable some not so much. Let me give you some basic pointers to get you started: No, you do not need to have a Japanese business partner to start your business. However, it does make the process a lot easier if you have one. Yes, you will need more funds than you anticipate. M

Finding Your Dream Location. Every week we receive emails from clients looking for advice on finding the perfect location. Their inquiries are, usually, too vague; “Where is a good area to open?” “I don’t know where to open but I don’t want a quiet area” “I have no idea what my budget is but I would like a nice place on the bottom floor in a busy area!” These emails alarm me. As we explain to all our clients.. You have to know your numbers before you start your research. Wher

10 years ago when I decided to open my own bar in Tokyo, I was chatting excitedly to a good friend of mine who was running an extremely successful Italian restaurant at the time. I was ranting on non-stop about all the great ideas I had: craft beers on tap, good loud music, wholesome hearty food, vegan options etc., etc. The whole time she just sat there smiling politely. When I finally stopped to take a breath she asked, “How much will the toothpicks cost?” Not exactly the r