#Japan #Tokyo #Food Logistics #Transportation Hub #Gastronomy Tourism

Food Connects People Flow and Logistics

The upcoming 2025 Transportation and Economy Forum is set to take place on November 13, 2025, under the compelling theme, "Food Connects People Flow and Logistics". Organized by the Traffic Economics Research Institute located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, the forum promises a rich exploration of how gastronomy can play a critical role in enhancing regional economies and logistics networks.

Event Overview

The forum will feature a diverse group of experts, including:

• - Mr. Taquma Oura, Head of the Sushi City Division, Kitakyushu City
• - Mr. Yasuhiro Kamiyama, President of Hyakusenrenma Co., Ltd.
• - Ms. Naomi Sugiyama, Director of the Gastronomy Tourism Institute
• - Professor Shinya Hanaoka, an expert in Environmental and Social Engineering from Tokyo Science University, who will serve as the coordinator for the event.

Themes to Discuss

The discussions will revolve around several key themes:

• - Regional Revitalization through Food and Experience Tourism: Examining the role of agritourism and fishery-based tourism in promoting local economies.
• - Gastronomy Tourism and Media Representation of Food: How food can be leveraged in the media to attract tourism.
• - Cultivating Civic Pride and Attracting Visitors Nationwide: Strategies for boosting regional appeal and engagement.

These topics are timely as inbound tourism continues to gain traction in Japan, presenting unique opportunities for local cuisines to shine as a vital component of tourism content.

Importance of the Forum

This forum is particularly significant as it aligns with Japan's strategy of promoting food exports totaling 5 trillion yen. With advancements like cold chain logistics connecting production sites to consumers and the emergence of cross-border e-commerce driven by food tourism, the forum aims to discuss how transport solutions can further enhance these developments.

Participants will include transportation providers, researchers, students learning about economic and management issues, and anyone interested in logistics and regional revitalization. Attendees should expect to gain fresh perspectives and valuable insights that could aid them in their respective fields.

In addition, the forum's proceedings will be published in the February 2026 edition of the journal Transportation and Economy, which will focus on topics related to fish and transport.

Participation Details

• - Date and Time: November 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Doors open at 12:30 PM)
• - Venue: Hotel Grand Hill Ichigaya, East Building, 2F, "Shirakaba (West)"
• - Participation Requirements:

- In-person attendance requires prior registration (limited seats available)
- Online viewing is also available but registration is still required. Both options are free of charge.

For those wishing to participate online, a URL for viewing will be sent to the registered email address. Due to limited space, it is encouraged to sign up for online viewing if in-person registration becomes filled.

About the Organizer

The Traffic Economics Research Institute has been a pivotal force in disseminating research and findings in transport economics and management since its establishment in 1947. With the monthly publication of the journal Transportation and Economy, the institute continues to support the intersection of academia and practical application in various fields, contributing significantly to the development of transportation studies in Japan.
For inquiries regarding the forum, please contact the forum office at 03-5363-3102 or email [email protected].

The Transportation and Economy journal is available for purchase via the institute's website or on Amazon, which includes comprehensive studies on all facets of transportation.

This forum promises to be a thought-provoking event showcasing the vital connections between food, logistics, and the movement of people, making it an unmissable opportunity for stakeholders in the industry.