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The 6th Tourism Town Development Forum

On November 5, 2025, Kokugakuin University, specifically its Faculty of Tourism and Town Development, will host the 6th Tourism Town Development Forum in Tokyo. This year's theme, "Tourism Development for Future Generations," will center around sustainable community realization and the important role of tourism in addressing current regional challenges.

The forum aims to provide a platform for discussions involving prominent figures engaged in community development through tourism. With the significant challenges facing urban and rural areas, such as population explosions in cities and depopulation in the countryside due to low birth rates and youth migration, tourism development is recognized as a vital solution. The forum has previously attracted representatives from various sectors, including government officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Japan Tourism Agency, and the Ministry of the Environment, along with DMO personnel and travel agents, summing up to roughly 350 participants, including online viewers.

Past attendees have expressed valuable feedback, highlighting the unique opportunity to hear from a diverse range of speakers involved in tourism-related efforts.

This year’s forum will feature three guest speakers with diverse backgrounds:
1. Masato Ichihara, an architect and the leader of urban development projects in Nagoya's Endoji Shopping District, which emphasizes community ties and revitalizes unused spaces.
2. Takito Ueno, who is involved with the Naruko Rice Project in Miyagi and promotes connections through rice cultivation while focusing on sustainable agriculture.
3. Hideko Matsui, representing the Tomonoura Town Development Workshop, who has been active in preserving historical landscapes in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima.

The discussions will delve into how tourism can contribute to sustainable development in various local communities, drawing from the panelists' rich experiences. The forum will take place in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person attendance and online viewing via Zoom, with specific time slots allocated for each agenda item:

• - Date and Time: November 5, 2025

- Part 1: 15:00 – 15:20
- Part 2: 15:20 – 18:00

• - Location: Kokugakuin University, Shibuya Campus, Tokiwamatsu Hall, Tokyo

- Address: 4-10-28 Higashi, Shibuya, Tokyo (approximately 13 minutes from Shibuya Station)

Program Overview

Part 1:
1. Opening remarks by Masayuki Harimoto, President of Kokugakuin University.
2. Greetings from Kazumi Kuwano, President of the Japan Ryokan Association.
3. Introduction of the department by Yukio Nishimura, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Town Development.

Part 2:
4. Symposium Theme: "Tourism Development for Future Generations."
- Coordinator: Professor Yukio Nishimura
- Assistant: Students from the Faculty of Tourism and Town Development
- Panelists:
- Masato Ichihara (Architect)
- Takito Ueno (Naruko Rice Project)
- Hideko Matsui (Tomonoura Town Development Workshop)

Important Notes

• - There will be no on-campus parking available, so attendees are encouraged to use public transport.
• - Interested participants can link to the online viewing option for general access.

Kokugakuin University’s Faculty of Tourism dedicates itself to fostering sustainable town development that leverages local history, culture, and nature while contributing to regional societies. You can find more about the faculty here. Additionally, press releases and updates can be tracked through the university’s PR site.