[NZ Analysis] Ep. 1 Introduction: From Hokkaido to Wellington!
Introduction (Self-Introduction)
Nice to meet you — my name is Taiki!
I’m very grateful to have been invited by Taka, the founder of Ask Me NZ, to contribute a series of articles.
I was born and raised in Hokkaido—a proud “Dosanko” through and through.
I arrived in New Zealand in July 2025 and am currently studying for a Master of Business Analysis at Victoria University of Wellington, located in the capital city, Wellington. (Expected to graduate in December 2026)
About Taiki’s Experience and Career
You can find more details about my background, experience, and current activities on LinkedIn, a business-focused social networking platform.
If you’re even slightly interested, please feel free to check out my profile on LinkedIn below:
Q. Why did you choose a university in Wellington?
Let me ask you a quick question—do you know the difference between “Business Analysis” and “Business Analytics”?
At first glance, they sound very similar, and both play important roles in supporting business decision-making. However, there is a clear distinction in their roles and approaches.
Business Analysis (← my major) Focuses on identifying business problems themselves and defining “what should be improved.”
Business Analytics Focuses on determining “what insights can be derived from data.”
In other words, in Business Analysis, data analysis is just one of the tools.
Its core lies in a comprehensive approach that identifies the root causes of business challenges using various methods and optimises the business as a whole.
Globally, there are only a limited number of graduate programmes that specialise in Business Analysis, which was one of the key reasons I chose Victoria University of Wellington.
Q. What were you doing before studying in New Zealand?
Before coming to New Zealand, I was involved in supporting the overseas expansion of local companies in Hokkaido.
Through this experience, I developed a strong interest in the business potential between New Zealand and Japan.
It has been about eight months since I arrived in New Zealand in July 2025, and I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful people — from university peers and local friends to individuals from the Japanese Embassy and the Japan New Zealand Business Council (JNZBC).
Thanks to these connections, I am enjoying a very stimulating and fulfilling daily life.
Q. What would you like to share through your articles?
Having been deeply immersed in Japanese (Hokkaido) culture, I would like to share:
The “real-life experience” of living in New Zealand
“Business insights” gained through interactions with local people
Some of the topics I hope to cover include:
“What is daily life in New Zealand really like?”
“How challenging is postgraduate study in New Zealand?”
“How is Japan perceived from a New Zealand perspective?”
I hope to provide useful and practical insights that can be of value to readers.
Thank you very much for your support!
Closing Author of this article: Taiki Ito
Currently enrolled in the Master of Business Analysis programme at Victoria University of Wellington
Contributor to blog content for Japanese audiences as part of the “Jandals in Japan” podcast team, which shares practical insights connecting Japan and New Zealand
Key affiliation: Japan New Zealand Business Council (JNZBC)
[From the Founder of Ask Me NZ]
This article marks the first instalment of a series written by Taiki Ito, who was the first to reach out and express interest in collaborating with Ask Me NZ.
When I visited Wellington in January 2026, I had the opportunity to meet Ian Kennedy (Chair) and Sarah McLauchlan (Executive Director) of the Japan New Zealand Business Council (JNZBC).
During that meeting, Taiki was introduced to me as one of the key Japanese individuals I should meet while in Wellington. I had the pleasure of meeting Taiki on the same day, and we quickly connected.
I am truly honoured to begin this article series together and to explore opportunities for longer-term collaboration aimed at strengthening the relationship between Japan and New Zealand.
If you are interested in Taiki’s work and activities, please feel free to reach out via the Ask Me NZenquiry page.
