Blueprint Japan with Oğuzhan
by Oğuzhan Karagözoğlu
I’m Oğuzhan, and this podcast is my open journal as I build a life and business in Japan. I was born in Switzerland, raised in a Turkish household, and I now run a creative studio in Tokyo. A few years ago, I came here as a tourist and ended up becoming the first person to receive the J-FIND visa.Blueprint Japan is where I share what I’m learning, what works, what doesn’t, and how I’m figuring things out along the way. Sometimes it’s just me talking through challenges in real time. Other times, I sit down with founders, friends, and creatives in Japan.Be curious, stay humble.
Episodes
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Building Wealth in Japan as a Foreigner, with Steven Li (Director, Robert Half)
Steven Li, Director at Robert Half Tokyo, shares how foreigners can build their careers and their wealth in Japan, from becoming a CISO to property investing, NISA, and angel tax incentives. What happens to your savings when inflation doubles overnight? And why are so many high-earning foreigners...
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He Got a Drone License While Working Full-Time in Japan 🇯🇵 | Shakaijin Life | Career in Japan | Radovan Kostadinov PT. 2
What happens when student life in Japan ends and working life begins? In Part 2 of my conversation with Radovan Kostadinov, we pick up his story as he transitions from six years of student life in Hokkaido into becoming a shakaijin in Tokyo. Rade talks about navigating Japan’s 新卒採用 (shinsotsu...
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He Never Took a Flight Before Japan | From North Macedonia to Japan 🇯🇵 | JLPT N1 | Drone License | Student Life | Renewable Energy | Radovan Kostadinov PT. 1
What does it take to build a life in Japan from zero? In this episode of BLUEPRINT JAPAN, Oğuzhan K. sits down with Rade, a researcher turned renewable energy professional who moved from North Macedonia to Japan in 2018 — despite never having taken a flight before. Rade shares his journey from...
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Life Beyond Tokyo: Community, Purpose & Freedom | Levi Pells
In this episode of Blueprint Japan, Levi Pells shares his journey from burnout in Tokyo to building a more intentional life in rural Japan. What started as a search for better surf conditions became a complete rethinking of success, community, work, and well-being. Levi and Oguzhan explore the...
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Japan's Certificate of Eligibility in 5 Weeks | How to sponsor overseas VISA for Japan
*disclaimer: this is just based on personal experience and is by no means an encouragement to do the process without a lawyer. Please consult thoroughly with any scrivener or lawyer. A year ago, Blueprint Japan host Oğuzhan got a LinkedIn DM from a young Dutch content creator. They started...
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Tim Romero - From selling tomato plants at 13 to building multi-million ventures in Tokyo | Action Over Analysis | Startups, Culture & Building in Japan
What does it take to build in Japan, as a foreign founder, investor, or operator? In this episode of Blueprint Japan, I sit down with Tim Romero — entrepreneur, investor, and long-time observer of Japan’s startup ecosystem — to unpack what actually moves the needle in business. From selling…
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Navigating Life in Japan: Why Blueprint Japan Exists
Japan can be hard, especially if you’re trying to figure it out alone. In this episode of Blueprint Japan, host Oguzhan Kara reflects on the podcast’s growth, shares why he started the show, and outlines his vision for the future. From navigating life as a newcomer to understanding the realities…
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#004 Anthony Griffin, M.B.A (Saga Consulting) | Entrepreneurship, Self-Care, and Building Sustainable Business Growth | Merry Christmas 2025
In this reflective and grounded episode, Anthony and I look back on the past year through the lens of entrepreneurship, personal growth, and sustainability; both in business and in life. The conversation explores why consistency matters more than motivation, especially when progress feels slow or...
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#003 Anthony Griffin, M.B.A (Saga Consulting) | Rest, Creativity & Money Habits for Solo Entrepreneurs in Japan
In this episode of Blueprint Japan, Anthony Griffin from Saga Consulting joins me to explore the surprising power of rest, creativity, and financial mindfulness for solo entrepreneurs in Japan. We dive into: Why stillness and moments of daydreaming can unlock creative insights and better...
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Japan’s New Business Manager Visa Rules: Why It Just Got Harder to Start Here
Japan has just rewritten the rules for foreign founders. The new Business Manager visa now requires ¥30 million in capital, a full-time Japanese employee, and verified business plans. In this episode, Oğuzhan breaks down what’s changing, why it matters, and how it could reshape entrepreneurship…
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#002 Anthony Griffin, M.B.A (Saga Consulting) | Inside Japan’s Business Orbit: Networking, Incorporation, and Policy Shifts
In this episode, we explore what it takes to enter Japan’s business orbit. Anthony Griffin, M.B.A (Saga Consulting) joins to discuss how foreign professionals can build trust, network effectively, and decide when to move from sole proprietor to GK/KK. We unpack lessons from Tokyo Game Show 2025,...
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About Solitude & Why You Need To Unplug
Summary In this episode of Blueprint Japan, I discuss the significance of solitude in personal growth and mental clarity. I share insights from my own experiences, emphasizing the importance of stepping away from distractions and creating space for self-reflection. The conversation covers the...
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#001 Anthony Griffin, M.B.A., Consistency, Credibility, Personal Branding, And Doing The Work
In this episode of Blueprint Japan, I sit down with Anthony Griffin, M.B.A. — communications consultant, digital marketing expert, long-time Japan resident, and founder of SAGA CONSULTING. We unpack what it really means to "do the work" and why consistency over time builds the kind of credibility...
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July 19, Birthday Special, 360 hours, Reflecting On Personal Growth
Summary In this episode, I reflect on my personal journey of growth and productivity. I discuss the importance of recognizing time-wasting habits, setting clear goals, and building trust in oneself through discipline. I emphasize the power of consistency and feedback in achieving personal...
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Basic Essential Steps To Buying A Home In Japan
Summary In this episode of Blueprint Japan, I discuss the essential steps and considerations for buying a house in Japan as a foreigner. I cover the differences between new and used properties, the mortgage process, the importance of real estate agents, and the necessary steps to finalize a...
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No Job Offer, No Problem: How you can move to Japan on a J-FIND Visa
Keywords J-Find visa, living in Japan, foreigner experience, visa application, Japan immigration, challenges in Japan, working in Japan, cultural adaptation, expat life, entrepreneurship in Japan. Takeaways The J-Find visa allows entry to Japan without a job offer. Eligibility requires a degree...
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Introduction
Welcome to Blueprint Japan, a podcast about building a life and business in Japan, honestly and from the ground up. My name is Oğuzhan. Born and raised in a Turkish household in Switzerland, now based in Tokyo. A few years ago, I came to Japan as a tourist, and ended up becoming the first person…
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About this show
I’m Oğuzhan, and this podcast is my open journal as I build a life and business in Japan. I was born in Switzerland, raised in a Turkish household, and I now run a creative studio in Tokyo. A few years ago, I came here as a tourist and ended up becoming the first person to receive the J-FIND visa.Blueprint Japan is where I share what I’m learning, what works, what doesn’t, and how I’m figuring things out along the way. Sometimes it’s just me talking through challenges in real time. Other times, I sit down with founders, friends, and creatives in Japan.Be curious, stay humble.
Hosted by
Oğuzhan Karagözoğlu
Categories