Date of publication: Apr 02, 2018

Mark Davidson

Director, Government & External Affairs: Amway Japan

Date of birth: July 19, 1960

Hometown: Barrington, Rhode Island

Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 15 (as of April 2018)

Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?

By chance my roommate in graduate school was Japanese. Getting to know him got me interested in U.S.-Japan relations. I changed my field of study, wrote my thesis on bilateral diplomatic history and was invited to Sapporo to speak at an academic conference. Subsequently, as a U.S. diplomat, I served four separate tours at the U.S. mission to Japan, and am now back in the private sector. Thanks, roomie!

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

I am inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.’s precept that, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” The United States and world face hugely complex challenges. But life is better today for more people than ever before. We must continue resisting falsehood, intolerance and injustice, confident that history shows us that while human progress is uneven, it is possible. Yes, we can.

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

I am proud that, in serving as a diplomat in six countries, I may have contributed to strengthening the interests of the United States, as well as promoting mutual understanding between my country and other nations. Now, in my second career, I am proud to support Amway, a company grounded in social responsibility and committed to "helping people live better lives" in Japan and around the world.

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

On the job, I hope to dispel popular misunderstanding about Amway and help people in Japan realize how our best-in-category consumer products and flexible business opportunities benefit individuals and Japanese society as a whole. In life, I aspire to be the husband my wonderful wife and father our two beautiful and intelligent daughters deserve.

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

I haven’t figured out Japan yet; I guess that’s why I keep coming back! Even after living here six different times totaling 15 years, I learn something new every day. It's easy to become inured to the extraordinary civilization that defines life here. I try to remain constantly surprised and delighted by the diligence, courtesy, and deliciousness that I encounter every day. In short, my advice is: keep open eyes, an open mind and an open heart.

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Last updated: Apr 02, 2018