For the second time, Jarman International CEO,

The Hamadori Coastal Area represents several locations along the coast of Tohoku (northeastern Japan). This area is particularly famous for its Soma Nomaoi Festival, which was covered by Jarman International’s Youtuber partner John Daub.

Although recovery following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 has taken time, the Hamadori Coastal Area is developing back into the vibrant location it has always been. Ruth was honored to present various ways for local companies and businesses to effectively deliver their content to international visitors as well as tips on welcoming them into a deep and meaningful Hamadori Coastal Area experience.

With educational tours for high schoolers from the UK, company trips by executives from Tokyo to explore business opportunities in the area, picturesque cycling routes along the coast, excellent beaches (for surfers and beach volleyball enthusiasts), and more, this area has much to offer. 

Ruth shares her reflection on the presentation as follows.  

“I really enjoy when we can share knowledge about how to engage with the international audience directly with businesses and organizations that are working on site. I noticed many nods from the audience and people taking notes, so I hope our information was helpful to the group. It was clear that everyone is giving their full effort to welcome visitors from around the world.”

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During the episode, Chiara also dives into her fascination of Western-influenced Japanese dishes called yoshoku, such as omuraisu (omelet on rice with ketchup) and naporitan (soft-cooked spaghetti with a ketchup-based sauce and mushrooms, sausage, etc). Chiara is also a published author, having just released here new guidebook “Hidden Japan”, which takes you through the wonders of Tokyo–off the beaten path.

The post Jarman International’s Director of Project Management, Chiara Terzuolo, was featured on NHK World’s podcast “Living in Japan” to talk about the delicious and diverse world of Japanese cuisine appeared first on Jarman International KK.

“A fellow board member at one of my meetings said, ‘it is a really serious show…will you be okay?’, and that made me even more excited about bringing some sense of hope and positivity to the situation of speedy growth in visitors to Japan”, says Jarman as she reflected on her thoughts before the live broadcast Sunday morning.

With some 2% of the Japanese public tuning in via television and radio, this reputable weekly debate show (similar to PBS NewsHour in the US) reaches business leaders, industry influencers, etc., across the country. 

The discussion centered on the current growth of international visitors and the opportunities as well as challenges Japan faces. The head of the Kamakura Tourism Association spoke of ideas to make sure local residents can ride the popular Enoden train even on days when visitors from around the world squeeze onto the iconic train for spectacular views of the ocean, Enoshima Island and Mt. Fuji.

Although there were varying ideas for how this challenge should be faced, all six panelists agreed that tourism in Japan needs to be a win-win for all. Destination management needs to be focused on making sure that no organization or locality is left behind in this surge of new business, so carefully gauging trends and where funds are ending up, will be key.

I was able to introduce the Hawaiian word ‘kuleana’ into the conversation. This word refers to the responsibility both hosts and guests have to protect the natural environment. That means making sure that an increase in tourism does not equal an increase in unhappiness for the local community or have any negative impact on precious natural and cultural resources. We also discussed how prices are rising at accommodation facilities and although many people seem to fear that clientele will decrease due to prices going up, I emphasized that the weaker yen makes it easier for visitors to pay higher rates. However, at the same time, expectations for service quality and hospitality will go up. I hoped to convey the message that Japan can have great confidence in how much the world loves and wants to visit the country, as well as make sure that everyone, including the smiling bell person at the local hotel, really FEELS the growth and benefits from it in tangible ways (basically higher salaries), says Jarman.

Japan is keen to reach 60 million visitors per year by 2030. With Japan being selected as the world’s number one destination by travelers around the world, we expect the goal will be reached. Doubling current numbers, the challenge of opening up outlying regions to eager visitors and helping host locations feel confident and positive about such sudden growth, is a very big challenge for sure. As presented by the discussion on Sunday, Jarman is ready to be deeply involved in this effort towards building a new economic pillar for Japan. The path ahead is not easy, but we want to welcome this new challenge with open arms and a big smile.

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What is the Shimanami Kaido? 

Located between the two cities of Onomichi (Hiroshima) and Imabari (Ehime), the Shimanami Kaido is arguably the most famous cycling road in Japan that travels over the Seto Inland Sea across six bridges and six islands. 

What is the “Cycling Shimanami International Residents Entry Package”?

This year, Hiroshima Prefecture has teamed up with JTB to offer international residents GUARANTEED entry to one of the most popular Shimanami Kaido courses with hotel accommodation, assistance with bicycle rentals and transportation. Sign-ups are now open on a first-come, first-served basis with only limited slots available. 

Package details (¥48,000~)

• Guaranteed entry to the Onomichi to Imabari A Course (70km)
• Two nights accommodation in Fukuyama
• Shuttle bus to start and from finish
• Hand luggage service
• Bike transport support options
• Cross bike rental option

Cycling Shimanami is always oversubscribed due to its popularity, so take this opportunity to tick it off your Japan bucket list! Book your spot HERE.

Other important notes: 

• There is a 5-hour time limit for the 70-km course. Ensure that you have appropriate cycling experience to complete the tour within the time limit
• Limited to international residents. However, one Japanese national (over 18 years old) entry per international resident entry is permitted

Learn more HERE.

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Simply register a spot online at the Expat Expo Tokyo 2021 website, and you’re all set! Learn more about the event HERE.

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Based on their decades-long experience (combined 73 years) living and working in Japan, Ruth and Adam share insightful information to help everyone in the company come together as they journey in a newly globalized world, in a fun and engaging way.

If I were to describe today’s shoot, I would use the word, “historic”. It felt very historic to be in the studio at one of the world’s largest companies with Adam, sharing our personal challenges, surprises, and observations functioning within the intricate culture of this inspiring country. Everyone in the room shared a mutual feeling that we were achieving something very meaningful. All great change starts with a small catalyst, and today, I think for all of us, was that catalyst to help move Japan forward in this incredibly exciting age of globalization.

– Ruth Marie Jarman

As travel becomes more accessible and Japan starts to welcome internationals from all over the world again, there is a need to help both parties understand that differences exist, so that everyone can hold empathy in their hearts, and ideally, arrive at a hybrid approach that collaborates the best of both cultures. 

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