#Japan #Choice Hotels #Yokkaichi #Roots Internship #Katariwa

Choice Hotels Japan Aims to Support High School Students with Foreign Roots

Choice Hotels Japan, a subsidiary of Greens Co., is extending its reach by launching the "Roots Internship" program in partnership with the certified NPO, Katariwa. Introduced on August 12, 2026, this initiative aims to provide career support to high school students with foreign backgrounds.

Understanding the Roots Internship Program

The Roots Internship program focuses on fostering interaction between high school students of foreign origin and companies, allowing them to exchange ideas and deepen mutual understanding. The program not only emphasizes the importance of career exploration but also offers students insights into their potential future paths and the working environment in various industries.

This endeavor marks the third collaboration between Choice Hotels Japan and Katariwa, showcasing a commitment to empowering youth through unique learning experiences. The students involved in this year's program had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the hospitality industry, learning about Choice Hotels Japan's operations and the brand's core values.

The Role of Choice Guest Club™

At the heart of this initiative is the Choice Guest Club™, a membership program established by Choice Hotels Japan. This program enables members to earn points—known as "choices"—for each dollar spent on hotel stays. Consequently, these points are converted into charitable contributions directed towards solving social issues within three key domains: environment, education, and employment. The innovative model not only offers members discounts and benefits for their stays, like long-term stay options, but also integrates educational experiences that highlight sustainable practices and social responsibilities.

More information about the program and its impact can be found at Choice Guest Club.

Experience on the Day of the Event

On the day of the event, nine high school students participated in this enriching program. They not only learned about the operations behind the hotel business but also visited the hotels and engaged with staff to understand various roles within the hospitality sector.

After the hotel tours, the students participated in a collaborative brainstorming session with Choice Hotels Japan employees. This engaging activity revolved around the theme of creating a hotel experience that caters to individual needs and preferences. The students proposed ideas centered on enhancing products and services from the perspective of potential customers, which contributed towards their learning and understanding of the industry.

A Commitment to Continuing Support

Moving forward, Choice Hotels Japan is dedicated to creating a cycle of revitalization through travel, contributing positively to both the global community and local environments. The company will continue its charitable contributions to the three organizations, including Katariwa. It also plans to cultivate deeper partnerships with these organizations, allowing guests to feel a tangible connection between their stays and broader social changes.

About Katariwa

Founded in 2001, Katariwa is an educational NPO focused on fostering a societal environment where every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the chance to develop future-oriented skills. Their mission involves connecting underprivileged children with learning opportunities and providing exploratory educational experiences to over 150,000 students annually. More on their work can be found at Katariwa.

About Choice Hotels Japan

Choice Hotels Japan, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greens Co., oversees hotel franchises and operations under various brands, including Comfort Hotels and Comfort Suites. Acting as the master partner of Choice Hotels International in Japan, the company has successfully established a presence with hotels across all regions of the country. You can learn more about their extensive offerings at Choice Hotels Japan.

About Greens Co.

Greens Co. operates globally, managing over 7,500 hotels across more than 46 countries. Their sustainable vision, "TRY! NEXTJOURNEY," embodies their commitment to environmentally and socially responsible hospitality. Through initiatives aimed at community service, environmental stewardship, and a focus on achieving the SDGs, Greens Co. aims to continue strengthening its social contributions and community trust over the coming decades. More about their commitments can be found at Greens Co..