#Japan #Tokyo #local business #Japan Airlines #Travel Academy

Celebrating One Year of Travel Academy

Japan Airlines (JAL) hosted a special seminar on September 26, 2025, at EZOHUB TOKYO in Shinagawa to celebrate the first anniversary of its unique educational program, the Travel Academy. Approximately 30 participants joined this milestone event, engaging in discussions and networking around local business and community development.

Event Overview

The event was split into two main parts. The first part featured three engaging sessions led by popular instructors from the seven courses offered throughout the past year. Each instructor shared insights on different aspects of local entrepreneurship:

Session 1: Introduction to Local Side Businesses

Instructor: Higa Furuta, CEO of Umari Co.

Furuta introduced participants to the concept of creating local businesses, providing real-life examples from Kagawa Prefecture, particularly Mitoyo City, where he has been actively involved in over 100 projects aimed at reviving local economies. He emphasized that the innovation of community businesses requires a well-designed cooperative approach and illustrated how the Travel Academy serves as a hub for connecting those interested in tourism and local community engagement.

Session 2: Classes on Japanese Islands

Instructor: Kenta Yamashita, CEO of Small Island Branding Co.

Yamashita, who returned to live on Kamikoshiki Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, shared compelling stories of revitalization efforts, including the reconstruction of a defunct tofu shop. He discussed the challenges faced by island communities and illustrated how learning from island culture can lead to new sustainable practices and regional designs.

Session 3: Becoming a Micro Winery Owner

Instructor: Atsushi Otaki, Executive Director of the Japan Wine Grape Cultivation Association

This session focused on unique initiatives in Japanese winemaking. Otaki reflected on the past year's classes, where participants had rare opportunities to visit wineries, learn about winemaking, and engage hands-on in operations. He highlighted the growing appeal and production of Japanese wines, noting that the number of wineries has crossed 500, marking a significant trend in the global wine market.

Networking and Community Engagement

Following the seminar, a networking session allowed participants and instructors to exchange thoughts freely. First-time attendees had the chance to hear from seasoned participants who shared their experiences and insights from previous programs, enhancing their connection to the Travel Academy community.

New Course Announcements

The seminar also featured the launch of a new class taught by Higa Furuta, titled "Designing Wealth: Introduction to Local Business Opportunities in Setouchi." This program focuses on the broader definition of wealth, guiding participants not just to financial prosperity but towards enriching their lives meaningfully.

Upcoming Classes:

• - Wealth Redefined: January 28, 2026, both in-person and online.
• - Enriching Life through Asset Formation: February 10, 2026, both in-person and online.
• - Practical Asset Design in Local Contexts: February 25, 2026, online.

Local Business Hands-on Program:

In mid-October 2026, a highly engaging two-day program will take place in Mitoyo City, providing practical experiences in local businesses. Details and registration will be available soon.

Island Class Insights:

Another upcoming class will take participants to Okinawa Island, where they'll explore sustainable practices in a uniquely carbon-neutral region. Participants will learn to implement ideas that can benefit their own communities based on the lessons learned.

Final Note:
For more information, including detailed schedules and class registratoins, visit the Travel Academy's official website: Travel Academy.