Japan Tourism Agency celebrates the U.S.-Japan Tourism Year in New York with cultural showcases, record-breaking milestones, and Michelin-starred cuisine.

The Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), in collaboration with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), hosted a remarkable event titled “Bonds Across the Ocean” at Gotham Hall, New York, aligning with the UN General Assembly week. More than 250 media representatives, travel advisors, and key players from the travel and food industries, along with visiting Japanese dignitaries, gathered to mark the 2024 U.S.-Japan Tourism Year, celebrating the mutual promotion of tourism between the two nations. The event showcased exquisite dishes by Michelin-starred chef Samuel Clonts, an impressive karate demonstration, interactive experiences, and a special appearance by former sumo wrestler Yasokichi Konishiki.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing Japan’s latest travel highlights. He spotlighted Sado Island Gold Mines, newly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the seasonal delicacies of seafood and sake from Ishikawa prefecture in the Hokuriku region, and the upcoming Osaka Expo 2025, which will run from April to October next year. He also noted that U.S. visitors to Japan hit a record-breaking 1.77 million by the end of August, with expectations to reach 2.5 million by year’s end.

Chef Samuel Clonts, the mastermind behind the Michelin-starred Sixty Three Clinton, introduced the audience to the culinary delights he and his team had crafted, featuring fresh, high-quality Japanese ingredients. Special guest Yasokichi Konishiki led the crowd in a lively sake toast, kicking off the evening’s festivities.

The event continued with an electrifying karate demonstration by Japan’s national women’s team. Konishiki, the first non-Japanese-born sumo wrestler to attain the prestigious ōzeki rank, later shared his personal insights into Japan’s tourism, recounting his favorite travel experiences in the country.

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