Hokuriku Shinkansen Opening Forum in Ishikawa "New Hospitality Techniques from Hokuriku" Event Held

The "Hokuriku Shinkansen Opening Forum in Ishikawa" was held on February 28 at Kanazawa City Culture Hall. It was organized as part of the "Discover Hokuriku Project" (hosted by the project committee: Hokkoku Shimbun, Fukui Shimbun, Hokuriku Shimbun, Ishikawa Prefecture, Fukui Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture), which aims to discover and enhance the appeal of the three Hokuriku prefectures. The forum explored regional development strategies to sustain the increase in visitor traffic and other exchanges expected with the opening of the new shinkansen line.

Showa Women's University President Mariko Bando delivered a keynote address titled "Creating Attractive Regions." She emphasized that attracting repeat visitors is essential to maximizing the positive effects of the Hokuriku Shinkansen. She discussed the need to avoid pursuing short-term profits and convenience, the importance of creating new attractions alongside traditional ones, and the value of promoting appeal in one's own words. She concluded, "Sincerity is the greatest hospitality and leads to building vital social trust within the region. The Shinkansen is merely a tool, a catalyst. I hope you will harness your wisdom and utilize it effectively."

The panel discussion "What is Community Development Leveraging Shinkansen Launch?" featured panelists Masashi Nonaka, Executive Officer and Kanazawa Branch Manager of West Japan Railway Company; Mr. Bando; Hiroyuki Manya, Representative Partner of Kaga Onsen LLC; Keiji Sakai, Managing Director of Eiheiji Town Tourism and Products Association; and Hiroyuki Akashi, President of Regional Exchange Center Planning. Kazuyoshi Hayakawa, Ishikawa Prefecture Tourism Producer, served as coordinator. The discussion focused on attitudes and initiatives to sustain the effects brought by the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Key points raised included the importance of continuing efforts to enhance the Hokuriku region's brand power, cultivating human resources to foster competitiveness, and the value of rediscovering local appeal by shifting perspectives.