Date of publication: Oct 22, 2018

Nathan Hoernig

CEO: Humble Bunny KK

Date of birth: March 16, 1983

Hometown: Crown Point, Indiana

Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 12 (as of October 2018)

Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?

My grandmother being Japanese, my first encounter was when I was young and she would cook large Japanese feasts for my family. That’s where the warm feelings started. In 2001, after four years of Japanese study in high school, I came to Japan for a two-week homestay and loved everything.

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

Ensuring the success of others first and foremost is the noblest path to one’s own success.
Even as a boy at Christmas, I’ve always loved giving presents more than getting them. Now, ending the day with a feeling that I played a pivotal role in the growth and well-being of my family, and Humble Bunny’s web and digital marketing clients, I’m able to establish stronger relationships and enjoy life.

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

In late 2017, a high-profile company came to Humble Bunny with a challenge to create a digital product that their other vendors had all said was impossible — my belief is that there's always a way. We took it on, came up with a high quality solution and then delivered and launched a product experience we can confidently say the world had never seen. Achieving the impossible is an energizing prospect.

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

As of now, I have two goals. The first is to shed light and insight on the complexities of Japanese culture so that companies can better their marketing and growth here. We have a product and process that facilitates this and it’s innovating the way companies market and sell in Japan. My second goal is to live a life surrounded by meaningful and warm relationships — people I have helped and love.

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

Take advantage of your cross-cultural environment to learn objectivity, humility, patience and who you are as a person. Living in another culture is a remarkable opportunity to evaluate and organically develop your own identity and personal culture. By keeping your heart and mind malleable to Japan’s culture and unique mindset, you end up with a take on life, people and relationships that can add value to your personal relationships, and also give you a huge communication and professional advantage in your work and career.
Also, if you find you’re working too many hours, get out ASAP and come work with Humble Bunny. Life and your time is too precious to waste in an office all day. Experience the culture, food and nature.

Last updated: Oct 22, 2018