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The Council on Travel and Learning's Ambitious 7th Phase

The Council on Travel and Learning, operating under the umbrella of ANA Holdings, has officially launched its seventh phase as of May 29, 2026, marked by a kickoff event. This initiative aims to strengthen collaborations among various sectors—business, government, and academia—to implement travel as a vital educational tool.

Behind the Council's Structure

The Council is composed of a secretariat, board members, participating organizations, and individual members. It focuses on three main activities: project planning, research, and public relations. By working with local municipalities, educational institutions, and businesses across Japan, the Council has successfully created diverse opportunities for learning.

During its sixth phase, the Council rolled out unique programs both domestically and internationally, scientifically validated the benefits of travel, and explored the integration of AI in learning—earning high praise from its members.

Objectives for the 7th Phase

In this seventh phase, the Council will leverage its accumulated expertise in program development and scientific evidence to strengthen collaborations among business, government, and academia. The central theme will be the societal implementation of travel-based education. The Council aims for 'Travel and Learning' to become widely accepted and integrated in everyday educational settings, corporate training, and regional revitalization initiatives while focusing on three strategic axes:

1. Implementing Travel-Based Learning Programs: The Council will deploy practical programs that address local challenges and resources in educational institutions, businesses, and municipalities nationwide, accelerating domestic and international expansion and establishment.

2. Scientific Validation of Travel's Benefits: By deepening insights from extensive surveys and technology (such as AI), the Council seeks to visualize and substantiate the educational effects that travel can provide, establishing robust value standards that support societal implementation.

3. Expanding Communication and Community Building: To increase awareness of the Council's activities, significance, and practical examples of societal implementation, diverse media will be utilized for proactive and effective information dissemination. This phase also aims to expand networks among members to create broader societal impacts.

Leveraging Expert Networks

In the seventh phase, the Council will harness its network of experts across various fields, working collectively with a range of stakeholders to combine 'Travel' and 'Learning.' The goal is to unlock potential learning possibilities for all generations through actionable initiatives.

Insights from the Previous Phase

The Council has conducted various 'Learning Journeys' during its sixth phase, showcasing the effective blend of travel and education.

Board Members

• - Chair: Rieko Komiyama, Professor at Tokyo Gakugei University Graduate School and Director of Recruit Study Sapuri Educational AI Research Institute.
• - Board Members: Taku Samejima, Professor at Komazawa Women's University, Masatada Kobayashi, Executive Officer at Rakuten Group, and Yoshiaki Tsuda, Senior Executive Officer at ANA Holdings.

Membership Invitation

The Council currently has 41 member organizations and 7 individual researchers, welcoming new members to join anytime. Interested parties can reach out through the official website. Official HP

About the Council

The Council on Travel and Learning was established in June 2020 with the vision of scientifically evaluating the benefits of travel through the lens of educational engineering, happiness studies, and tourism studies. It aims to propose travel as a next-generation method for educational institutions and adult education. Its founding director was Haruki Deguchi, the former president of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, who served until the end of the fourth phase.