TANAKA’S ROOM
Message from the Representative
Over the past 30 years, I’ve seen countless successes — and just as many failures — in theme parks and guest attraction businesses, both in Japan and around the world.
And through these experiences, I’ve come to believe that there are two essential driving forces for success in this industry.
One is powerful, differentiated content that makes people say “WOW!”
The other is the passion — the heartfelt desire to make guests smile — and the ability to express, communicate, and sell that passion effectively (I intentionally say “sales” rather than just “marketing”).
When these two wheels move together, the business moves forward. Everything else will naturally follow.
But what truly builds guest loyalty, day after day, is not just grand ideas. It’s the steady, detailed efforts — the surprising touches, the small delights — that quietly exceed expectations and stay in people’s hearts.
That’s exactly where we come in. We work alongside our clients, crafting thoughtful strategies, supporting operations, and helping them bring their vision to life.
Personally, I also put myself on the front lines — creating and promoting original Ninja content for global audiences. Sharing the survival wisdom, mental strength, and communication skills of Ninja culture in English is one of my passions.
It’s my hope to spread the Ninja spirit — not as fantasy, but as a powerful content rooted in real history and values — from Japan to the world. And ultimately, everything I do comes down to our vision: Creating a joyful and peaceful world where everyone can encounter laughter and excitement.
Life is short. Every encounter is special. I look forward to creating something unforgettable together.
And through these experiences, I’ve come to believe that there are two essential driving forces for success in this industry.
One is powerful, differentiated content that makes people say “WOW!”
The other is the passion — the heartfelt desire to make guests smile — and the ability to express, communicate, and sell that passion effectively (I intentionally say “sales” rather than just “marketing”).
When these two wheels move together, the business moves forward. Everything else will naturally follow.
But what truly builds guest loyalty, day after day, is not just grand ideas. It’s the steady, detailed efforts — the surprising touches, the small delights — that quietly exceed expectations and stay in people’s hearts.
That’s exactly where we come in. We work alongside our clients, crafting thoughtful strategies, supporting operations, and helping them bring their vision to life.
Personally, I also put myself on the front lines — creating and promoting original Ninja content for global audiences. Sharing the survival wisdom, mental strength, and communication skills of Ninja culture in English is one of my passions.
It’s my hope to spread the Ninja spirit — not as fantasy, but as a powerful content rooted in real history and values — from Japan to the world. And ultimately, everything I do comes down to our vision: Creating a joyful and peaceful world where everyone can encounter laughter and excitement.
Life is short. Every encounter is special. I look forward to creating something unforgettable together.
Representative Director
Hiroaki Tanaka
Representative’s Profile
PROFILE
- Born in Setagaya, Tokyo, he spent his childhood playing around Matsumoto Castle and Asama Hot Springs, and later grew up near Korakuen Amusement Park (now Tokyo Dome City).
- Majored in Forestry at the University of Tokyo. Traveled across Japan, visiting over 100 youth hostels and forests from Rebun Island to Yakushima.
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After joining a major general trading company, he was inspired by Professor Philip Kotler’s work in marketing and went on to earn an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management in the United States.
He then spent six years in New York, gaining hands-on experience with leisure facilities such as hotels and golf resorts. -
Upon returning to Japan, he aspired to join the launch team of Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
Through a newspaper job posting, he was hired and became deeply involved in the park’s opening, guest retention strategies, and introducing major attractions like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man as an executive in both the Planning and Marketing Divisions. - Later, inspired by KidZania’s groundbreaking model from Mexico, he played a key role in launching KidZania Tokyo, the company’s first overseas venture. As head of the corporate sponsorship division, he managed partnerships with more than 50 sponsor companies. Then, he held executive roles in various leisure facilities.
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In May 2016, with Norman Elder—a pioneer who contributed to major theme park projects like Tokyo Disneyland’s launch and other international openings—he founded Elder Tanaka & Associates Inc.
Since then, he has specialized in consulting for theme park and leisure facility development and guest attraction strategies.
His experience includes contributing to the launch of LEGOLAND Japan and introducing globally popular content to Japan for the first time. - He has also been involved in launching several projects featuring Japan’s globally recognized IP and new indoor park concepts created from scratch.
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Memberships:
Member, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
Academic Member, Japan Society of Consumer Behavior Studies
Member, International Ninja Research Association (Ninja Name: Toraemon)
Related Businesses
NINJA KARAKUERI SEMINAR
(NINJA Life Hacks for Modern Survival)
NINJA FOREST
CONTACT
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