In a partnership with Earth Celebration’s team, Jarman International is sending five media and travel professionals to help spread the word about the event, as well as develop tour ideas for next year. You can learn about each member below.

Ruth Marie Jarman – Jarman International CEO

The team’s trip to Sado Island will be led by Jarman International CEO, Ruth Marie Jarman, who will be joining Earth Celebration for the second time. 

“I feel that Japan has come into an era of true internationalization. If we think in terms of surfing, we saw the wave approaching from around 10+ years ago and now we are on that wave, trying to get enough balance to stand up and actually ride it. More companies are looking at how they can create better lines of communication between increasingly diverse teams. Regions and towns are going into much more detail about how to express their great worth to every visitor, and the concept of Kuleana (the Hawaiian word for ‘a sense of responsibility’) in tourism is gaining ground. I hope that Jarman International can support the fundamental changes going on in Japan with kindness, laughter and effective strategy. Japan is a very exciting place right now and it will surely stay that way for the foreseeable future.”

“As for Earth Celebration, I am extremely excited about visiting Sado after about five years. I still remember being in complete awe when I caught sight of Sado’s towering mountains from the ferry for the first time, and feeling speechless by Kodo’s dynamic performances. The beat of the drums and the community vibe of love that permeates the island during the festival are two of the biggest draws for me. This time, I will be taking my orange car named Mikan to help me explore this place in a way I have never done before.”

John Daub – Creator and producer of the ONLY in JAPAN YouTube series

Creator and producer of the ONLY in JAPAN YouTube series (630,000+ total subscribers across two channels), John Daub, will also participate in Earth Celebration for the second time. After his first visit, John released an episode on his main channel, capturing the inspiring story of Kodo’s drummers. You can watch it HERE. 

As a former NHK World reporter from 2008 to 2023, John has now lived in Japan for 25+ years with a YouTube career spanning over 15. He is also an inbound tourism contributor to TBS Hiruobi, having worked with a numerous companies including LIXIL, JTB, etc. 

During the pandemic, John crowdfunded 100,000 dollars with his community to help family-run firework companies hire workers in Akita, Niigata and Nagano prefectures when summer festivals were getting canceled nationwide. 

“Knowing how Earth Celebration was challenged over the pandemic without a regular audience, it will be the first event at full strength with tourism back at 2019 levels. Kodo’s music has always brought people together, collaborating with sounds from around the world. This weekend is going to be a smash hit!”

Laura Pollacco – Freelance writer and photographer

Through her experience living in Japan for over four years, freelance photojournalist, Laura Pollacco, has published articles in a variety of media including the Japan Times, Tokyo Weekender, Metropolis and more. She has offered her insightful, positive, and fun writing abilities on a variety of Jarman International projects, from posting on the Yonezawa ABC social media pages to revamping our newly-owned Deep Japan website (currently in the works). 

“My role in Japan is to share the stories of people, places and experiences that aren’t often seen. It is an immense privilege to help bring attention to these stories, and through my small contribution, I hope I can increase awareness on just how much there is waiting to be discovered here. I want to spread awareness as authentically as possible, finding true joy in the stories I cover so that if I recommend it, you know it’s because I believe in it.”

“I’m excited to head to Earth Celebration and explore an area of Japan I have never visited before. I am particularly looking forward to joining in with the festivities, listening to the music, and taking part in the workshops. For me, festivals in Japan create an atmosphere of joy and wonderment, allowing anyone to take part and learn something new. I am thrilled to be joining Earth Celebration this year!”

Sébastien Duval – Business development manager and experienced tour guide in Japan

As a business development manager and consultant for the media and travel agency, Japan Travel KK, Sébastien helps Japanese ministries, prefectures, cities and businesses in the event, tourism and hospitality industries based on 20 years in Japan and stays across 20 countries. The goal is to help revitalize local economies and fight depopulation through job creation, and promote long stays to internationals.  

“I love Japan for its fascinating culture, outdoor hot springs, diverse hiking grounds (from arctic Hokkaido to tropical Okinawa), and I’m particularly grateful to the incredible artisans and farmers who have taught me so much. I value diversity, inclusivity, sustainability, regeneration, and plant-based lifestyles.”

“Years ago, I attended Earth Celebration on my own, and those sets of concerts remain my top event memory in Japan. The music was amazing, but I was even more impressed by the traditional costumes, community vibe and overall energetic atmosphere. This year, I am looking forward to the aspect of Earth Celebration that I think makes it very special: the guest musicians. It will be very fun to experience the Ugandan group play an instrument I’ve never seen or heard before.”

“Regarding the trip to Sado Island itself, I am eager to try the water activities, including night kayaking and riding the tarai-bune (traditional wash tub boat). These new experiences will make the trip a real adventure!”

Swastika Harsh Jajoo – Manager for F-ATRAs (Futaba Area Tourism Research Association)

Swastika has been in Japan for the last six years, spending her time mostly as a student, enrolled first in a short-term exchange program in Fukuoka Women’s University and later in a Master’s and PhD at Tohoku University. She is still part of the PhD program, working towards a degree in Linguistics, while also working as a manager for F-ATRAs (Futaba Area Tourism Research Association) in inbound tourism, marketing and translation. You can read more about her story below. 

“In 2021, I had the opportunity to visit Futaba in the coastal region of Fukushima, a town I only knew of as a ‘disaster-impacted area’. The event that I took part in was called the ‘Town Story Walking Tour’, a specially-curated tour based on the interviews of hundreds of townspeople. It helped to humanize the area for me, and as a poet and storyteller myself, telling stories of people that occupied these towns before the evacuation orders were passed was as important as talking about the disaster itself. My attention was drawn to how we frame narratives when we talk about disaster resilience, and I was fortunate to be offered an internship with F-ATRAs.”

“After interning here for 3 years, I started working full-time for the organization from October 2023, which is also when I decided to take a temporary break from my PhD program. It is my sincere hope to be able to engage in community-building here by being honest to my story and the stories of people I meet.”

“My biggest motivation to move to Japan was Japanese–I started studying the language for the first time as part of the short-term exchange program in Fukuoka, and noticed how learning a new language that was so different from my own helped me rediscover my own self. I’ve moved cities and schools so many times in India that I think I was able to build a real sense of stability for myself only after moving to Japan.”

“Currently, my goals are to work on inbound tourism in Fukushima and also try to complete my PhD degree. Alongside, I want to keep experimenting with poetry and food, the two defining elements of my life. I also had the opportunity to teach Japanese to international children, and want to stay engaged with language education. I think all of my efforts, whether it be regarding tourism or language, are centered on sharing what I love with the world.”

“I think it’s really cool that Earth Celebration is organized by the taiko drumming group Kodo. In Futaba, we have a taiko group called Shineha Sendan Daiko that managed to stay together despite being forced into evacuation, so I’m generally in awe of the sense of unity that taiko groups display. I also find it very inspiring how the festival focuses on environmental awareness and sustainability, and also seeks to combine local, traditional art with international forms. I’m very excited about the drumming workshops and ‘Shukusai: Sunset Finale Harbour Concert’! This is going to be my first time on Sado Island so I’m ready to just take it all in.”

Photo credits of Kodo photos by Maiko Miyagawa and Takashi Okamoto.

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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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As audiences worldwide enjoy the drama of the Shogun series, JI partner and well-known YouTuber John Daub of “ONLY in JAPAN,” recently introduced his audience to a different story about the shogunate age, through the life story of Nakahama Manjiro, a young Japanese fisherman whose fate was forever altered following a shipwreck in 1841.

After being rescued by American whalers, Manjiro embarked on an extraordinary journey, becoming the first Japanese person to live in America. He received an education there that equipped him with unique insights and knowledge. Manjiro’s return to Japan amid the California Gold Rush era saw him take on an influential role as a hatamoto, a samurai in direct service to the shogun. His work as a translator and efforts in bridging Japan with the Western world came at a time when the nation was just emerging from years of isolation.

His observations of life and society in the United States came right before the Meiji government ended the feudal era of Japan’s history. No other Japanese person had lived abroad to give such perspectives and his influence on officials was powerful enough to inspire leaders to modernize and open the country to the world.

John Daub’s storytelling brings to light Manjiro’s significant contributions to Japan’s modernization and its relationships with the Western world. Through Manjiro’s story, viewers gain an in-depth perspective of the transformation of an individual who played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Japanese history. His adventures from being a shipwrecked fisherman to influencing the opening of Japan to international trade and diplomacy illustrate the profound impact one person can have on the destiny of a nation.

“The Manjiro Story” is not just a recounting of historical events; it’s a narrative about overcoming adversity, embracing new cultures, and forging a legacy that transcends borders. John’s latest video invites viewers into the heart of a story that, while rooted in the past, resonates with timeless themes of courage, exploration, and connection. 

Don’t miss out on this journey back in time. Watch the full episode on the “ONLY in JAPAN” YouTube channel.

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JI partner, popularly known as the YouTuber John Daub from “ONLY in JAPAN,” recently unveiled a captivating video on October 26th, titled “Thrilling 700-Year-Old Japanese Armored Racing“. This episode delves into a time-honored event in the Fukushima Prefecture of Japan.

The Soma Nomaoi (相馬野馬追) festival, an event deeply rooted in Fukushima, has been celebrated consistently for an impressive 700 years. Tracing its origin back to the Samurai era in 1323, the festival marks the onset of summer in Northern Japan. The video captures John, clad in authentic Samurai armor, immersing himself in age-old Japanese traditions, notably the thrilling armored races and a riveting capture-the-flag event.

Don’t miss out on this journey back in time. Watch the full episode on the “ONLY in JAPAN” YouTube channel.

★As per the latest update on the official website, the “Soma-Nomaoi” event will be undergoing a significant schedule change. Beginning in 2024, this traditional event will now be held on the last Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of May, instead of its usual schedule in July. For further information and updates, please visit the official website: https://soma-nomaoi.jp/

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JI partner, popularly known as the YouTuber John Daub from “ONLY in JAPAN” has just published an enlightening and poignant new video on September 29th, titled “Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Train Experience & Survivor Story.” The video promises to offer viewers a unique and personal perspective on the tragic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II, focusing particularly on the Hiroden, Hiroshima’s public transportation system.

In the video, John Daub highlights the resilience of Hiroshima, a city that was almost entirely destroyed on August 6th, 1945, by the dropping of an atomic bomb. The catastrophic event wiped out 108 out of 122 street cars run by Hiroshima Electric Railway Co., Ltd., known as Hiroden. Astoundingly, within just 72 hours post-bombing, Hiroden had repaired three stations near the bomb’s hypocenter and had resumed service to passengers by August 9th. 

In addition, John Daub embarks on a journey aboard Tram no. 653, the very tram that operated during the time of the bombing. Viewers also get an insight into Tram no. 651, which was derailed and burned out during the explosion, now fully restored and back on the streets serving the grandchildren of Hiroshima residents. 

Perhaps most compelling is John Daub’s interaction with a then 14-year-old conductor, who survived the bomb and returned to work just three days after the devastating event. Now 92 years old, the survivor shares his invaluable account of the ordeal, offering viewers an unforgettable personal narrative that further illuminates the tragedy of Hiroshima during World War II.

By centering the story on Hiroshima’s public transportation and those who kept it running, John Daub offers a fresh, engaging, and emotional viewpoint on the historical event. “It’s an unforgettable story and a new way to learn about the tragedy of Hiroshima during WWII, through the eyes of its public transportation,” the video description reads. For those interested in learning about world history, human resilience, and personal narratives from historical events, “Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Train Experience & Survivor Story” by John Daub is undoubtedly a must-watch.

Be sure to check out the full video on the “ONLY in JAPAN” YouTube channel for a deep and informative exploration into Hiroshima’s atomic bomb history, a tragedy that still resonates today.

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★ For John Daub’s official YouTube channel, visit: ONLY in JAPAN * John Daub

In the episode airing on August 31st, under the title “Unprecedented Orders!? The Super-wealthy Internationals Flooding into Japan,” various episodes will be introduced. In one of the leading hot spring areas in the metropolitan area, local businesses are going all out to meet requests like, “We don’t care how expensive it is; we want an upgrade.” Additionally, guesthouses with suites costing 150,000 yen per night are booked six months in advance. The episode will delve into these astonishing requests and needs of international tourists in the post-COVID era, as well as the secrets behind their popularity.

What are international tourists coming to Japan looking for?
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the unknown frontlines of inbound tourism in Japan!

★ For more details about the program, please visit this link: “Tokoro-san! This is an Incident!” (NHK General 1, Tokyo)

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If so, you won’t want to miss this video by JI partner and popular YouTuber John Daub of ONLY in JAPAN * John Daub.

In the video entitled, “How Japanese GREEN TEA is Made | Farm to Factory,” John visits SEIICHI OYAIZU Co. in Shizuoka Prefecture, the green tea capital of Japan, to learn about the process of making Sencha which starts at the farm. He follows the harvest to the factory in Shizuoka where its steamed, kneaded, and finally graded before being shipped.

This video is Part Two of a three-part series. View Part One HERE.

Also, be sure to subscribe to John’s livestream-only channel, ONLY in JAPAN * GO  where he posts four to five episodes a week from all over the country!

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Fatty, tender, and umami-rich…Japanese wagyu beef is one of the world’s most luxurious foods, ranked high among ingredients like black truffles and caviar. But what makes wagyu so special? The secret lies in nutrient-rich fodder, gender, lifespan and…classical music!?

Check out this Japan Today article written by JI Core 50 member Vicki L. Beyer to learn about wagyu from snowy Yonezawa City in Yamagata Prefecture, which has a centuries-long history of raising cattle.

JI Core 50 member and popular YouTuber of the ONLY in JAPAN channel, John Daub, also created an episode all about Yonezawa gyu, from raising the cattle to grading the meat.

Also subscribe to John’s livestream-only channel, ONLY in JAPAN * GO for pretty much daily uploads!

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JI Core 50 member and popular YouTuber of the ONLY in JAPAN channel, John Daub, gives the world an exclusive inside look at how the JR EAST Environment Access (JEA) cleaning staff keeps JR Ueno Station absolutely spotless every single day. From the JEA team’s morning meeting, to train track work, and cleaning the trains, vending machines, as well as toilets, witness the day-in-the-life of the heroes who keep the people of Japan’s everyday commute safe, reliable and comfortable. 

Check out the video below, and subscribe to the ONLY in JAPAN channel for more!

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Although the northeastern Tohoku region is full of incredible cuisine, culture and community, it is still relatively undiscovered by international visitors. Check out John’s livestreams for an exclusive look into a side of Japan that you may not have even imagined.

Subscribe to John’s ONLY in JAPAN * GO livestream channel and ONLY in JAPAN * John Daub main channel for more!

• Japanese Train Ice Bridge Crossing | JR Tadami Line
• Japan’s Hawaiian Resort Experience
• Japanese Wagyu Beef BBQ | Aomori Yakiniku Grill
• Japanese Winter Cuisine Ginger Miso Oden

Travel across Tohoku affordably with the JR EAST PASS!

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