JATA Overseas Travel Ambassador Inauguration Ceremony

2025.06.01

The Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA; Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Chairman: Hiroyuki Takahashi (Chairman of the Board of Directors of JTB Inc.)) held an Overseas Travel Ambassador Inauguration Announcement Ceremony in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo on Wednesday, May 28th, inviting Takanori Iwata, who has been appointed as the JATA Overseas Travel Ambassador for the overseas travel expansion project "More! Overseas." Iwata spoke about his enthusiasm for his role as ambassador, behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of the new web commercial he is appearing in, and stories related to his travels.

■Message from Hiroyuki Takahashi, Chairman of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

As the Chairman of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), I feel a strong sense of urgency regarding the recovery of Japanese demand for overseas travel. While inbound tourism has reached record highs, overseas travel by Japanese people is still far from pre-COVID levels, and passport ownership remains low at around 17%. To overcome this situation, we are collaborating with airlines and tourism bureaus around the world to launch passport acquisition support campaigns and disseminate information on special websites. Furthermore, to further strengthen our reach to the younger generation, we have welcomed Iwata as our "Overseas Travel Ambassador." I am confident that his strong passion for overseas travel and drive will resonate with many young people. We look forward to continuing to work together to promote the appeal of overseas travel and inspire the young people who represent Japan's future to take flight into the world.

■ Takanori Iwata appointed as "JATA Overseas Travel Ambassador"

I have been appointed as an ambassador for the Japan Association of Travel Agents' "Go More Overseas" campaign. I honestly never thought that such a role would come my way, so I was surprised, but at the same time, I feel very honored.

As I approached my mid-30s, I was beginning to feel a strong desire to see more of the outside world, both in my work and personal life. The message to "go abroad more" really resonated with me. Traveling abroad is a truly precious experience, allowing you to come into contact with values and cultures that you can't get at home. Personally, I feel that the encounters and experiences I've had on my travels have inspired me and broadened the scope of my own thinking and expression.

The promotional video was shot in Hawaii. The schedule was actually quite tight, but I was able to visit local spots that I wouldn't normally visit on a trip, which was a really refreshing experience. The video also shows my "real self" as I feel the travel atmosphere. Please look forward to it.

There will also be a plan to give away souvenirs that I have personally selected from my travels. I would be happy to share some of my travel memories with my fans.

My travel style is to not make a detailed schedule, but to go with the atmosphere and mood of the place. I particularly enjoy going to convenience stores overseas, as I think it's a place where you can get a glimpse of the lifestyle of that country. It's fun to get a feel for differences in culture and values from small differences.

I would be happy if my appointment as an ambassador helps people realize that traveling abroad is something more free and familiar. I would especially like the younger generation to proactively travel abroad and experience different values. I myself would like to take on more challenges in the outside world in the future, such as performing live overseas and engaging in artistic activities.

Nothing would make me happier than if this campaign could encourage someone to take that first step.