Tyson Batino is an entrepreneur, educator, and business leader based in Japan who has built a career around empowering people through education, culture, and community. After moving from the United States to Japan, Tyson turned his passion for learning and leadership into a series of successful ventures that help others thrive personally and professionally.
He co-founded One Coin English, one of Tokyo’s most popular and community-focused English conversation schools, offering affordable lessons that make language learning accessible to everyone. Building on that success, Tyson went on to lead Japan Switch and BFF Tokyo, platforms that support foreigners living in Japan with practical guidance, cultural insights, and opportunities for personal growth.
Tyson Batino’s approach combines business strategy with empathy and innovation. He believes that great companies are built not only on profits, but on purpose—creating real value for the people they serve. His leadership style emphasizes mentorship, transparency, and the development of people as the foundation of lasting success.
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In this episode, Tyson shares his journey from teaching English to building multiple education-focused businesses, the lessons he’s learned about leadership and resilience, and his vision for helping others build fulfilling lives abroad. He also discusses what it takes to start and grow a business in Japan, how to create meaningful workplace cultures, and why curiosity and adaptability are the keys to success in any environment.
Bio
Tyson started his adventure in Japan as an Eikaiwa teacher, transitioned to ALT, and then to Interac Trainer.
He also started one of the best websites for job and japanese learning information at bfftokyo.com using his HR background and tips and tricks he used to pass JLPT N1 and a website and podcast on starting a business in Japan
