The Generational Shift in Japanese Rugby: An Interview with Makoto Tosa
In this episode of the Focus Core Podcast, host Simon Jelfs interviews Makoto Tosa, a professional rugby player for NEC Green Rockets and Mitsubishi DynaBoars, and an Executive MBA student at the University of Cambridge. They discuss the fast-paced generational cycle in rugby, Tosa's career journey starting from junior high school in Japan to playing for Oxford and Cambridge University. Tosa shares insights on the differences and similarities between rugby cultures in Japan and the UK and his experiences balancing professional rugby, studies, and family life. They also explore Tosa's MBA project on Gen Z fan engagement strategies and his plans for a future career in sports business.
The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide
In this episode you will hear:
- Tosa’s rugby journey
- The differences and similarities between rugby cultures in Japan and the UK
- Tosa's MBA project on Gen Z fan engagement strategies
- The Generational Shifts in UK and Japanese rugby
About Tosa:
Tosa has played professional rugby for the NEC Green Rockets and the Mitsubishi DynaBoars, as well as being a coach. And he also has experience working as an international relations manager for Mitsubishi DynaBoars. He has extensive experience in brand development, international relations, and athlete advocacy. He is one of a very special club of rugby players to have played for Oxford and Cambridge University in the Varsity match, and he is currently pursuing an executive MBA at the University of Cambridge, which includes an MBA project covering Gen Z fan engagement.
Connect with Tosa:
Connect with Simon Jelfs:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonjelfs/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp
Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/
Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/
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Mentioned in this episode:
Find out more about salaries, the job market, hiring and what's important to both companies and individuals looking for a job specifically in Japan.
