The Establishment of the Sports Hospitality Promotion Council
In a significant advancement for Japan's sports industry, a new organization called the
Sports Hospitality Promotion Council (SHPC) has been formed. This initiative, spearheaded by
Tobu Top Tours Co., Ltd., alongside industry titans such as
Kinki Nippon Tourist,
JTB, and
Pia, aims to maximize the social and economic value of sports. The primary goal is to contribute to the development of Japan’s sports sector and invigorate local communities.
What is Sports Hospitality?
Sports hospitality merges sports with various tangible and intangible value-added services, creating a unique proposition referred to as
'priceless special experiences.' This innovation enhances the worth of sports events and encourages engagement through shared experiences among attendees. Furthermore, it serves to showcase local attractions, fostering community pride and involvement.
Vision and Mission of SHPC
The council’s vision is to engrain hospitality practices into Japan’s sports scene, generating new flows of people and economic benefits. The missions laid out by SHPC include the following:
- - Expanding opportunities for participation within the sports hospitality realm.
- - Cultivating a new wave of business operators to lead this sector.
- - Raising awareness for innovative viewing styles that offer great emotional and social value to sports fans.
Overview of SHPC
- - Name: Sports Hospitality Promotion Council (SHPC)
- - Founded: April 2026
- - Representative Director: Hiroki Tagawa
- - Board Members: Harumi Kagawa, Toshihiro Kawabata, Takahiro Fukui, Katsuya Wakisaka
- - Supervisors: Hiroshi Kazamatsuri, Noriyuki Sakamoto
- - Members Include: Tobu Top Tours, Kinki Nippon Tourist, JTB, Pia Co.
- - Location: 12th Floor, Japan Sport Olympic Square, 4-2 Kasumigaoka-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- - Website: SHPC Website
Upcoming Training Program
The SHPC is excited to announce its first
Sports Hospitality Training Program, set to take place during the
20th Asian Games in Nagoya this autumn. This special event is powered by
Pia Co., a key member of the council, providing critical hospitality packages at the games.
Three Key Highlights of the Training Program:
1.
Visit to Aichi International Arena: Participants will explore the latest hospitality facilities slated to open in 2025.
2.
Experience Room Hospitality: Attendees will experience a premium off-venue hospitality setup that has garnered global attention.
3.
Expert Guidance: Beyond the facility tours, there will be comprehensive explanations and insights from hospitality operation professionals.
Program Details:
- - Date: October 2, 2026 (Friday), 12:15 PM - 6:00 PM (tentative)
- - Venue:
- Off-Venue Hospitality at
ONE ASIA WORLD in Hisaya Odori Park
- Room Hospitality at
Aichi International Arena
- - Target Audience: Businesses and municipalities interested in sports hospitality (general public participation is not allowed).
- - Participation Fee: 30,000 yen (tax included)
Schedule for the Day (Tentative):
- 12:15 PM: Gather at the designated location in OAW Hospitality Lounge
- 12:30 PM: Tour of ONE ASIA WORLD (OAW)
- 2:30 PM: Walk to Aichi International Arena
- 2:50 PM: Gather at Aichi International Arena C gate
- 3:00 PM: Venue opens, registration begins
- 3:30 PM: Overview of the Judo Hospitality Program
- 4:00 PM: Networking session
- 5:00 PM: Insights into hospitality operations, including event logistics and catering
- Enjoy sports viewing and dining until 8:00 PM
What is ONE ASIA WORLD (OAW)?
During the tournament, the ONE ASIA WORLD (OAW) will operate within Hisaya Odori Park as the official celebration fan zone, allowing visitors to experience the thrill and excitement of the games in an urban environment. OAW is designed to act as a cultural crossroads for sports, food, music, and business showcases.
The hospitality areas, including the
ONE ASIA HOSPITALITY LOUNGE, are tailored for event stakeholders, companies, and invited guests, fostering interactions and connections in a premium urban setting. For more info, visit
ONE ASIA WORLD Website.
Experience Room Hospitality
The Room Hospitality program provides an exclusive experience within private suites at the venue, where participants can enjoy meals and beverages while watching the competitions. In this tour, guests can not only enjoy networking and view sporting events, but also learn about the operational insights from hospitality professionals. This program offers a unique educational value, highlighting the intersection of hospitality and sports business.