Gareth Pidgeon is Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. From his roots in New Plymouth under the shadow of Mount Taranaki to his current diplomatic role, Gareth shares his incredible journey through Japan that began at just 14 years of age. Discover the unspoken rules of Japanese business culture, find out what a diplomat does in his day job, learn about Matariki celebrations expanding across Japan, and hear how Gareth uses his platform to promote New Zealand's values of inclusion, equality, and diversity. Plus, find out where to get the best vegan ramen in Tokyo!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

1. A Japanese lesson on top phrases we use in diplomatic, business and social situations
2. Gareth's unique diplomatic journey, from studying Japanese in high school, attending university in Japan at 17, and now serving as Deputy Head of Mission in Tokyo
3. Gareth’s experience as a gay man living and working in Japan today
4. The power of building genuine relationships and why New Zealand's humble approach creates natural connections
5. How Matariki is connecting Kiwi communities across Japan and how you can connect with other Kiwis here

About Gareth

Gareth is the Deputy Head of Mission and Consul-General at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. Before coming to Tokyo in 2023, Gareth worked as Lead Adviser Japan and Korea in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Wellington.

Gareth joined MFAT in 2007. He has focused on New Zealand’s relationships with Asia for most of his career. In addition to Tokyo, he has previously served in Kuala Lumpur and New Delhi.

Before joining MFAT, Gareth worked for the New Zealand Ministry of Defence and Immigration New Zealand.

After learning Japanese at high school in New Zealand, Gareth spent five years studying in Japan and graduated from the University of Tsukuba with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations. He holds a Master of Arts degree in History of International Relations from the London School of Economics.

Links

New Zealand Embassy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nzembassyjapan

Japan New Zealand Business Council https://www.jnzbc.com/

ANZCCJ https://www.anzccj.jp/

Sora no Iro https://soranoiro-vege.com/store-menu/soranoiro-nippon/

Jikase Mensho https://menya-shono.com/parco/

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by