Quarterly Magazine 'Tourism and Town Development' Spring 2026 Issue Published | Featuring 'Sports Connecting Towns and People' and Regional Initiatives

The Japan Tourism Promotion Association (located in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Chairman Masanobu Komoda, Representative Director and Chairman of Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.) is promoting regional development through tourism promotion. We have now published the Spring 2026 issue of our quarterly magazine, 'Tourism and Town Development.' This issue features 'Sports Connecting Towns and People' as its special theme, covering community development centered on sports and sports tourism initiatives, and introducing new possibilities for regional revitalization. It focuses on the flow of people and interactions created not only by big events but also by clubs and competitions rooted in local communities, covering them from multiple perspectives. In addition to an interview with former Japan national football team coach Takeshi Okada, it offers concrete tips for the tourism field through various practical examples that connect sports and regions. The special project is a three-way discussion among Mr. Shigeki Murata, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, Ms. Ange Ishiyama, Representative Director of the Sharing Economy Association, and Mr. Hitoshi Saimyo, Chairman of our association. A multifaceted discussion unfolds on changes in the environment surrounding tourism and future directions. Furthermore, a series of articles is starting in preparation for the '2027 International Horticultural Expo (GREEN×EXPO 2027),' which will be held from March 2027. For the first installment, we interviewed Mr. Shiro Wakui, who serves as chairperson. Main contents of this issue: Three-way discussion with the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, special feature on sports tourism, practical examples and interviews from various regions and organizations, etc. ■ Publication Overview • Magazine Title: Quarterly 'Tourism and Town Development' Spring 2026 Issue (No. 563) • Special Theme: 'Sports Connecting Towns and People' • Publication Date: April 30, 2026 • Specifications: A4 size, 56 pages • Price: 1,300 yen (1,182 yen + tax) Please take a look from the following URL. https://www.nihon-kankou.or.jp/home/ebookFiles/no563/sample/index.html?pNo=1 [Special Project 'Tourism to a 'Strategic Industry' – New Forms Created with Regions'] ~Japan's tourism future envisioned by the '5th Basic Plan for Tourism Nation Promotion'~ Mr. Shigeki Murata, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, Ms. Ange Ishiyama, Representative Director of the Sharing Economy Association, and Mr. Hitoshi Saimyo, Chairman of the Japan Tourism Promotion Association, discussed the future of tourism in Japan. [Special Feature 'Sports Connecting Towns and People' (Excerpt from interview)] 'Sports x Tourism' is currently attracting attention, including community development and regional revitalization through sports. Beyond big events, the flow of people created through community-rooted initiatives leads to the creation of new value. Etc. Click here for purchase and subscription. Japan Tourism Promotion Association Regarding content: Planning Department, Public Relations 담당 E-mail: kohoml@nihon-kankou.or.jp Regarding sales: General Affairs Department, Publications 담당 E-mail: book@nihon-kankou.or.jp https://www.nihon-kankou.or.jp/home/