The "Japan Night" pre-event for "Tourism EXPO Japan" was held in grand style.

The world's largest travel event, "Tourism EXPO Japan 2016" (hosted by the Japan Tourism Agency and the Japan Association of Travel Agents), was held from September 22 to 25, primarily at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward.

This EXPO, now in its third year, brings together the tourism industry, all sectors of industry, and regional forces to further stimulate demand for overseas travel, inbound tourism, and domestic sightseeing. Under the theme "Travel Changes Lives. Change the World.", it disseminated various tourism information and the latest global trends to both domestic and international audiences ahead of 2020.

The main exhibition featured over 1,200 organizations and companies from more than 140 countries and regions worldwide, as well as all 47 prefectures in Japan. Forums, symposiums, and stage events were also held, drawing large crowds daily.

On the 22nd, the "Japan Night" event (sponsored by JCB, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, and the Tokyo Good Manners Project), serving as both a promotional event for the EXPO and a pre-festival celebration, was held in the Nihonbashi area of Chuo Ward. Along Edo Sakura-dori, the "Nihonbashi Nigiwai Plaza" featured booths from approximately 20 shops, including regional specialty shops from across Japan and Nihonbashi stores, selling local products and creating a plaza where visitors could enjoy food and drink.

Along Chuo-dori, titled "JAPAN 'Smile' Bridge," Japanese festivals and traditional performing arts were showcased, including the Edo Firefighters' Wooden Drum Dance, Maki-furi (flag-waving), Ladder Climbing, and the Akita Kanto Festival. Spectators lining the streets enthusiastically flashed their cameras and cheered.

At Bellesalle Tokyo Nihonbashi, the "JAPAN NIGHT PARTY" was held for stakeholders, where invited guests from Japan and abroad deepened their connections.

Norio Yamaguchi, Chairman of the Japan Tourism Agency, stated, "Japan Night has evolved as a platform to share Japan's appeal and foster exchange with people worldwide. Following last year's event in the Marunouchi area, we were able to implement this second installment utilizing Tokyo's urban spaces. We hope you will fully enjoy Japan's traditions, culture, and cuisine." He also mentioned "Japan Travel Month," the first project under the comprehensive collaboration agreement between the Sports Agency, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and the Japan Tourism Agency, stating, "This is extremely groundbreaking. We hope this venue will also be used to strengthen collaboration across various sectors."

Japan Travel Month is an event running from September 21 to October 22, aiming to revitalize both inbound and domestic tourism through various events and information dissemination by the travel industry.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Keiichi Ishii stated, "The government will implement various measures, including creating a stress-free environment, to achieve the goal of 40 million international visitors to Japan by 2020. Among these, the Tourism Expo is a particularly important event, and we expect it to further promote both inbound and outbound tourism."

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga remarked, "Last year, 19.74 million foreign tourists visited Japan, with their spending approaching 3.5 trillion yen. The Abe administration views tourism as a key growth strategy and is determined to do everything possible through political leadership. We want to share everyone's voices at this EXPO and utilize them for further initiatives."

The Tourism EXPO Japan 2016 (September 22-25) attracted approximately 186,000 visitors, while the "Japan Night" event was enjoyed by about 15,000 spectators.

Official website: http://www.t-expo.jp/