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LONG-TERM APPROACH

Melanie Brock, whose company Agenda imports high-end Australian retail products and foods to sell in the Japanese market, certainly appreciates the benefit of a slow burn. After first visiting the country in 1982 as an exchange student, she returned in 1996 with $4000 and two kids. It took another eight years for her company to take flight, but she now employs five staffers in a thriving business.

“Japan’s long term,” says Brock, who gained plenty of trust and contacts during a stint working as a translator with the Australian Embassy in Tokyo.
“The real monetary benefit will come after you prove yourself. The Japanese are extremely loyal. Once you have earned their loyalty, it’s a good ride. Know your market and if you think you need three lots of research, do six.

“Listen too. We need to be sure we’re watching out for what people want, as well as telling them how marvellous our products are.”

TIME TRAVELLER

Where: Japan

Dollar: One Australian dollar = 98 Japanese yen (approx)

Time difference: –2 hours (AEDT)/ –1 hour (AEST)

Time in: Tokyo is around a 10-hour flight from Sydney; Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, is a further 1.5-hour flight.

Time out: Niseko on the northern island of Hokkaido is the epicentre of skiing and snowboarding in Japan. There are five mountains to choose from, a surfeit of dining and bars and – that snow. Furano, about four hours away in the centre of the island, is another option. On Japan’s main island of Honshu, the Shiga Kogen and Hakuba areas are the pick for snow fans. Buzzy Tokyo and historic Kyoto are more than worthy stopovers on a snow trip.

Time to go: The ski season in Japan runs from mid-November to April, with mid-December to mid-February the busiest period and the peak time for powder snow. It’s worth considering going in early March, too, as conditions are usually still excellent but the crowds drop right off. For off-snow travel, spring (Apr-May) – when you can catch the fabled cherry blossoms – and autumn (Sep-Nov) are best.

Carbon offset: Around $70 to offset carbon emissions (through independent carbon brokers) for a Sydney to Tokyo return flight.