Date of publication: Mar 26, 2018

David Shin

President and Representative Director: FOX Networks Group (Japan)

Date of birth: Sept. 4, 1966

Hometown: Los Angeles

Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 14 (as of March 2018)

Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?

In college, I visited Japan and stayed in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward. I was struck by the lights and chaos and I remembered something that my professor said about Japan. He said, “Underneath the bright lights and technology, Japan is still a feudal society.” Through my work in Japan, I discovered how true my professor’s words were.

Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.

Albert Schweitzer said: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
The happiest times for me have been when I’m doing the things I truly love. To find those things is not easy, but once you find them, hold onto them for dear life, because you’ve found the keys to happiness.

Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?

I was tasked to turn around a small joint venture company; something everyone said was not possible. Growing a company and fixing an ailing company can both be rewarding experiences; however, achieving what many consider impossible is sometimes even more satisfying.

Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?

Japan is a wonderful place. However, in my industry, media and television, it falls short of what other countries are doing in this golden age of television. Japan’s television is still bound by conservative attitudes and an aversion to perceived risk. I would love to help bring Japan to the world stage in television and film.

Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?

Do what you can with what Japan gives you. Japan doesn’t always give you the obvious, but it can give you many things that would be unimaginable elsewhere. You must first understand the root incentives and motivations of the Japanese people and businesses to truly do something meaningful in Japan. Japan is different, but not unique.

Last updated: Mar 26, 2018