MESSAGE

“My name is Shoji Kawamori, and I am delighted to take over the baton from my beloved director Yoshiyuki Tomino, and assume the position of Chairman of the Anime Tourism Association.

Anime has become a major genre representing Japanese culture, and is loved by many people in Japan and abroad.

I have always used domestic and international travel as a source of inspiration for the development of my original work. I feel that exposure to unfamiliar lands, cultures and ecosystems invigorates one’s body and mind.

The Anime Tourism Associations has the potential to provide new value not only to anime fans, but also to the general tourist public, and to promote the attractions of various regions of Japan. Not only does it bring new life to the tourism industry, but it also provides an opportunity to rediscover the traditional charms of each region by promoting an understanding of local products, culture and traditions.
In assuming the position of Chairman, I consider it my responsibility and mission to further develop the achievements of Director Tomino and all of his predecessors.

The first is to strengthen cooperation commensurate with each region, while taking account of the need to curb overtourism. Regions that have been the setting for anime frequently attract attention as tourist destinations, but this can sometimes lead to an overburdening of the region. In cooperation with local communities, we need to blend animation with local culture to create a deeper attraction. Ideally, entertainment should contribute also to making the most of tourism resources that are rooted in the region.

The goal of the Anime Tourism Association is to promote not only tourism but also local communities and culture, and to create excitement and interaction through anime. We look forward to your guidance and encouragement in our future activities.

Let’s work together to open up new possibilities for anime tourism!

General Incorporated Association Anime Tourism Association

Chairman: Shoji Kawamori”