Mathilde and Alice, the cofounders of tokimeki LLC

Create, dare, connect – that’s the spirit behind BYAM, the podcast launched by Alice and Mathilde, founders of tokimeki LLC. Through the first two episodes, they lay the foundation for a series that explores female entrepreneurship, professional networking in Japan, and cross-cultural communication.
Between personal stories and professional insights, the two hosts take listeners on a journey through what it truly means to build and grow a business as women entrepreneurs in Japan.

Episode 1: Introducing Ourselves to Inspire Others

The first episode opens like an honest conversation between friends. Alice and Mathilde share their backgrounds, their first steps in Japan’s professional world, and the reasons that led them to create BYAM.
More than an introduction, it’s a declaration of intent. They talk about the challenges of switching from employment to entrepreneurship and the importance of building a solid network to succeed in Japan.

Listeners discover their synergy: Alice brings her expertise in event management, while Mathilde focuses on communication and cultural strategy. Together, they promise a podcast that combines authenticity, laughter, and actionable insights.

“We were employees, then we chose entrepreneurship. We want to share what that really changes — in life and in mindset.”
– Alice & Mathilde, BYAM Episode 1

Episode 2: The Birth of Tokimeki LLC

The second episode takes a deeper dive into tokimeki LLC, the creative agency born from their shared vision.
Mathilde and Alice talk about how tokimeki began, their first clients, the cultural challenges they faced, and that driving spark – tokimeki – the feeling of excitement and connection that guides their work.

They highlight a key message: communication in Japan is much more than translation. It’s about reading the context, understanding expectations, and designing a strategy that feels local yet global.
Through their stories, we also glimpse what it means to be women entrepreneurs in Japan – leading projects, bridging cultures, and supporting other women on similar paths.

“Our job is to build bridges – between languages, work styles, and people.”
– Mathilde, BYAM Episode 2

Three Key Takeaways

From these first two episodes of BYAM, three ideas clearly stand out:

1. Networking is everything: In Japan, trust and long-term relationships shape business success.
   
2. International means cultural: True communication goes beyond words — it’s about understanding unspoken expectations.
   
3. Female voices matter: Sharing real experiences of women in business helps normalize diversity and inspires others to act.
   

Their friendly and honest tone makes the podcast feel like an intimate chat that turns into motivation.

In Conclusion: A Podcast Worth Following

These two opening episodes are more than introductions – they set the tone for a story-driven podcast about entrepreneurship, culture, and human connection.
For anyone interested in Japanese business culture, cross-cultural communication, or women-led entrepreneurship, BYAM offers a fresh and inspiring perspective.

Alice and Mathilde remind us that behind every project, there’s a story worth sharing, a network, and that little tokimeki – the spark that keeps you moving forward.

Want to listen to the podcast (available only in French) ?

• BYAM, le podcast d’Alice et Mathilde
• BYAM sur spotify