About Kumabase Inc.
Kumabase Inc. is a branding and thought-leadership consultancy based in Japan.
We help global companies clarify their message, build credibility, and establish a strong presence in the Japanese market.
Who We Are
Since its founding in 2015, Kumabase Inc. has supported organizations across technology, media,
public institutions, and small-business sectors.
Our role goes beyond communication: we help companies increase their recognition in Japan,
strengthen their presence, and identify the right business partners to accelerate market entry and long-term growth.
Our approach is direct: create clarity, build presence, and design communication that moves people.
Leadership – Shinji Tanaka
Shinji Tanaka is the Founder & CEO of Kumabase Inc. and a branding and thought-leadership strategist based in Kumamoto, Japan.
He is also the Founder and President of ASBF Japan (Asia Small Business Federation Japan) and works across Asia
supporting cross-border strategy, executive communication, and PR.
Born and raised in Kumamoto City, Shinji holds a master’s degree in Consumer Behavior from Kumamoto University.
Before founding Kumabase Inc., he worked as a full-time high school teacher (Geography and History) and
as a reporter for the Sankei Shimbun. He founded Kumabase Inc. in 2015.
Shinji studies marketing through direct observation—attending conferences worldwide and analyzing successful cases across cultures.
He develops original theories in branding, leadership, and communication, and shares them through consulting, seminars,
workshops, keynotes, and writing.
Expertise
- PR Strategy
- Thought Leadership Strategy
- Cult Branding
- Strategic Content
- Japan Market Entry Support for overseas companies
- Executive communication and narrative design
Shinji has supported global firms in refining their Japan positioning, building credibility,
and communicating with precision in a complex media environment.
He also has strong professional connections within the Japanese media industry,
giving clients a significant advantage in PR and communication.
Speaking Engagements
Shinji is an active speaker in Japan and overseas.
He delivers keynotes and workshops on branding, presence building, small-business strategy, and narrative-based leadership.
International Speaking
- London
- Sydney (SXSW Sydney 2024 – Marketing ZEN)
- Jakarta
- Yogyakarta
- Pattaya
Domestic Speaking
More than 150 keynotes and lectures across universities, corporations,
government agencies, and SME organizations.
Books & Publishing
Shinji has published 14 books, including commercial titles from major publishers and digital editions.
His work explores branding, small-business strategy, marketing psychology, and communication.
Media Writing
Shinji writes regularly for leading Japanese business and marketing media,
providing clear and practical insights for leaders navigating today’s shifting environment.
What Drives Us
Kumabase Inc. operates with a simple belief:
Clarity creates presence.
Presence creates opportunity.
We help clients communicate with clarity, build strong narratives, and establish a trusted presence in Japan —
from recognition-building to partnership development.
Contact & Address
Kumabase Inc.
Head Office: 4-54-10-1F Suizenji, Kumamoto 862-0950, Japan
Tokyo Office: 1-23-19 Kita-Shinagawa, Tokyo 140-0001, Japan