#Japan #Shibuya #JCB #Hawaii Idea Contest #Campus Mile

Students Redefine Travel to Hawaii

In a collaborative effort by three prominent companies—JCB, Japan Airlines (JAL), and JTB—the Hawaii Idea Contest was recently hosted, showcasing fresh travel concepts envisioned by students. The final round took place on December 4, 2025, at SHIBUYA QWS, located on the 15th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square. This unique contest invited students to devise ideas that would make Hawaii a top travel destination for their generation.

The Event Highlights

The event featured presentations from six teams of students selected from across the nation, showcasing their innovative ideas. Each team demonstrated how their concepts would make Hawaii more desirable and accessible to young travelers. The three collaborating companies expressed their aspirations for the contest:

• - JCB: Desiring to leverage the creativity of youth to discover new attractions in Hawaii, drawing from their extensive experience in providing perks and experiences in Hawaii over the years.
• - JAL: Aiming to inspire a renewed enthusiasm for Hawaii amongst the younger generation while expressing gratitude for the island, which has been a significant part of its international travel operations since 1954.
• - JTB: Seeking to rediscover Hawaii’s charm through the unique perspectives of students, ultimately creating a fresh and engaging way to experience the islands, whether for families or multi-generational trips.

The judges were wowed by the caliber of presentations, and ultimately, Team Campus Mile emerged as the winners. Their proposal of a travel concept allowing visitors to feel a deeper connection to Hawaii resonated strongly with the judges. The victorious team won a cash prize of 1 million yen, a travel package to Hawaii, and the opportunity to collaborate with JCB, JAL, and JTB to design future tours.

A Show of Creativity and Passion

During the competition, students displayed a remarkable passion and creativity in showcasing their visions for travel in Hawaii. One of the judges, Ryogo Matsumaru, encouraged the competitors, urging them to recognize the magnificence of their ideas and to take pride in their creativity.

Nagomi, another judge, expressed admiration for the wide-ranging appeal discovered through the students’ lens of Hawaiian culture and hospitality. The atmosphere was positive and supportive, as students shared their ideas that captured the essence of what makes Hawaii magical.

Impromptu Idea Battles

As a special highlight, Matsumaru and Nagomi presented their own innovative travel ideas in an impromptu session, showcasing their competitive spirit while drawing on the themes of adventure and cultural engagement. Matsumaru proposed a scavenger hunt that included solving mysteries, entwining fun with exploration, while Nagomi presented a culinary experience titled 'Hawaii Food Trip', emphasizing tasting the unique flavors of the islands and contributing to visitors' joyful experiences through food.

Recognizing the Winner: Team Campus Mile

The success belonged to Team Campus Mile, which creatively integrated Hawaiian culture and nature with the contemporary lifestyle of young travelers. Their innovative approach to sharing Hawaii’s real charm through social media and experiential ideas garnered high praise from the judges. The concept articulated the essence of transformative experiences for young travelers, making memories that would last a lifetime—a bond further strengthened through the framework of social contribution activities linking Hawaii and daily life in Japan.

After winning, the team was ecstatic, mentioning how unexpected the victory felt. They expressed enthusiasm to not only enjoy their upcoming trip to Hawaii but also to inspire others to see overseas travel positively. As a result of the contest, the three organizing companies plan to collaborate with the winning team on a project aimed at increasing Hawaii's allure to younger visitors, cultivating new experiences.

About the Collaborating Companies

JCB: Established in 1961, JCB is the only international payment brand originating from Japan, offering services to over 160 million members globally. It continues to expand its network and services, embracing innovation to meet customer expectations.

Japan Airlines (JAL): Founded in 1951, JAL aims to provide safety and exemplary service as it operates a fleet of 232 aircraft, offering connectivity to 395 airports around the world. It strives to be the world's most beloved airline.

JTB: JTB focuses on creating exchanges through tourism, guiding initiatives that connect people and cultures while fostering innovation that supports local businesses and communities in the travel sector.