The tourism event "Tourism EXPO Japan" drew 173,000 attendees.

The Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) and the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) held the second edition of the world's largest travel festival, "Tourism EXPO Japan 2015," from September 24th to 27th. (Special Sponsor: JCB; Premium Destination Partner: Aomori Prefecture; Supporter: East Japan Railway Company; Sponsors: Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Narita International Airport, East Japan Railway Company, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Department of Tourism of the Republic of the Philippines, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Mitsui Fudosan, Hito Communications, Oriental Land, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, Toshiba, Hokkaido Railway Company, Central Japan Railway Company, West Japan Railway Company, Shikoku Railway Company, Kyushu Railway Company) at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward.

The EXPO is a large-scale event held to promote overseas and inbound travel to Japan as well as domestic travel, bringing together the tourism industry and regional strengths. It was first held in 2014. Under this year's theme, "Move. Feel. Become a Journey.", organizations and companies centered on the tourism industry gathered from over 140 countries and regions worldwide and all 47 prefectures in Japan.

■ "JAPAN NIGHT" Nebuta Parade at Tokyo Station

On the 25th, the exchange event "JAPAN NIGHT 2015" (hosted by the Japan National Tourism Organization, Japan Tourism Agency, and JATA) was held in the Gyoko-dori and Marunouchi areas in front of Tokyo Station.

The event invited tourism ministers, ambassadors to Japan, and influential overseas travel agencies and tourism professionals. It showcased Japan as a tourism-oriented nation through uniquely Japanese cultural performances while fostering networking among attendees. The climax featured a large Aomori Nebuta float parading from the Imperial Palace side. The sound of massive taiko drums and the voices of dancers called Haneto echoed through the business district. Traditional performing arts, including Japanese dance, were also performed on stage, delighting attendees.

Official Website: http://t-expo.jp/