#Japan #Batteries #Mie #Mie Prefecture #伊勢神宮

Mie Prefecture Welcomes Comedy Duo Batteries as 2025 Navigator

On July 18, 2025, Mie Prefecture held the highly anticipated "Mie Travel Reception 2025" to showcase its incredible offerings, from the renowned Ise lobster to the famous Matsusaka beef. Known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural attractions like the Ise Grand Shrine and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kumano Kodo Ise Route, Mie is eager to promote its unique tourism appeal.

The event was highlighted by the appointment of the comedy duo Batteries, particularly member Teruya, as the "Mie Oinai Navigator 2025." Alongside esteemed guests such as singer and Ise-Shima Ambassador Nanase Aikawa, and other local dignitaries, the reception shed light on the treasures of Mie Prefecture. They shared valuable insights into the significance of the ceremonial Ise pilgrimage and the upcoming Daijosai ceremony that will occur every 20 years. Aikawa, emphasizing the importance of the Yamagu Festival, reflected on her personal experiences of witnessing its beauty despite challenging weather conditions during the event.

The first part of the reception began with greetings from Governor Katsuyuki Ikemi, who expressed his excitement to promote Mie's relativity and its myriad attractions. He mentioned that "Mie is filled with goodness, yet we locals aren’t skilled at advertising. That’s why after nine years, we decided to hold another reception to attract visitors."

Following the Governor's speech, Deputy Director Kimura from the Japan Tourism Agency and President Gamo from the Japan National Tourism Organization took to the stage to share their visions for promoting tourism in Hokkaido and beyond. They echoed the messages of Aikawa, Otowa, and Kiyomi Chikusa as they discussed the profound history and ritualistic beauty embedded in the tradition of Ise Shrine offerings. Their discussions not only celebrated the legacy but also captivated the audience with the concept of time travel through historical preservation.

Following the enriching talks, Yoji Yokoyama, President of the Mie Garden Tourism Council, introduced innovative tourism concepts in Mie, promoting the revival of the true Ise pilgrimage experience as key to boosting inbound tourism. Also featured were information announcements on campaigns in the Shima area by representatives from JR Tokai and Kintetsu Group Holdings.

The climax of the event was the formal appointment of Teruya from Batteries as the Mie Oinai Navigator 2025. Governor Ikemi, emphasizing the critical role of Teruya’s influence, encouraged him to lend his charisma to promote Mie further. In a heartfelt response, Teruya acknowledged the challenges faced in promoting Mie's unique items, particularly how Aichi occasionally steals the spotlight. He voiced his commitment to working hard to spread knowledge about Mie outside the prefecture, aiming for broader recognition.

Following this, his comedy partner Ace joined the conversation, expressing a willingness to assist and collaborate as co-navigators for the region. After the first segment concluded, the event transitioned into a festivity featuring a sumptuous buffet of Mie’s gourmet offerings. Various tourism businesses also set up PR booths to entice guests with Mie’s portfolio.

The duo’s engaging performance of Mie-themed comedy resonated strongly with the audience, leaving everyone in high spirits and laughter, as they presented sketches centered around the region, fostering a deeper connection with the local culture.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Mie Travel Reception 2025
• - Date & Time: July 18, 2025, 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM (Press Registration Starts: 10:30 AM)
• - Venue: Hyatt Regency Tokyo, B1F "Century Room"
• - Speakers Include: Governor Katsuyuki Ikemi, Batteries (Teruya & Ace), Nanase Aikawa (Ise-Shima Ambassador, Singer), Satoru Otowa (Deputy Director of the Shrine Agency), Kiyomi Chikusa (Writer, Part-time Lecturer at Kogakkan University), Yoji Yokoyama (Chairman of Mie Garden Tourism Council), Shinsaku Saito (Tokai Railways Co., Life Creation Group), Kana Takata (Kintetsu Group Holdings, Ise-Shima District)