View this email in your browser (https://mailchi.mp/2e1f9a254186/jnto-e-news-update-november-2023?e=202c24bde...) ** Welcome to the latest Japan Meetings & Events e-newsletter for MICE Planners. ------------------------------------------------------------ Providing International Planners in Australia and New Zealand with relevant updates and important information to be able to book your next event in Japan, with confidence. All Nippon Airways (ANA) (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=d3a0ddd5f4&e=202c24bde1) announced at the end of last month that it would be resuming direct flights between Perth and Tokyo. These will run three times a week until late-March 2024, resuming once again in October 2024 with the intention of ramping up to a year-round service. Click here for more information (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=e144fc08c2&e=202c24bde1) Okinawa Japan's southernmost prefecture and chain of islands (160 of them) is known for its beautiful beaches with abundant sealife, dense forests, unique Ryukyu culture, World Heritage sites as well as qualifying as one of the world's five 'blue zones' given its high proportion of centenarians. Tonakijima island (Photo Credit for images above and below @OCVB) Okinawa Prefecture has a population of 1.45 million living amongst 49 islands (of which Okinawa is the largest) and the highest percentage of young Japanese. Located in a subtropical zone, Okinawa offers a mild climate all year round with an average temperature of over 20℃, seldom going below 10℃ even in winter, and is therefore suitable for hosting outdoor MICE events throughout the year. Transport: Okinawa is roughly 2.5 hours by plane from Tokyo. The main airport for flights to Okinawa is Naha Airport with some domestic and international flights. Buses, taxis and a monorail assist with transportation on the main island. Key Business Sectors: Tourism is the largest sector with IT, logistics and construction industries, growing. Farming agricultural crops and the processing of foods such as pineapple and sugar, is the number one manufacturing industry. What to Visit: Try to time your visit to experience one of the many centuries-old and local festivals like the tug-of-war, Shishimai (lion dance) festival and Dragon Boat races; discover the Blue Cave (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=353bf1586e&e=202c24bde1) and other snorkelling or scuba diving spots (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=bfad99f0ca&e=202c24bde1) , with endless beaches and resorts to enjoy; hike through World Heritage sites such as the beautiful Yambaru National Park (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=7502a3e035&e=202c24bde1) ; and experience the Kura Falls and kayak on Iriomote Island (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=2311c060f6&e=202c24bde1) . What to Eat: 'Awamori', a liqueur unique to Okinawa made from Indica long-grain rice and aged in clay pots to mellow it, is most commonly served with water and ice, but it can also be enjoyed straight; 'shiquasa', Okinawa's answer to the lime; Okinawa raw cane sugar, often eaten as a sweet treat during teatime; and 'soki' which are pork spare ribs soaked in awamori, soy sauce and sugar and placed in a noodle soup. (See below for more about the Ryukyu cuisine.) Click here for more information - Okinawa (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=df85d46b1d&e=202c24bde1) The Ryukyu Kingdom Okinawa Prefecture, previously called the Ryukyu Kingdom, was once an independent country before it became part of Japan. The island survived by trading with its surrounding countries, China, Japan and Southeast Asia, welcoming and entertaining their guests 'in the spirit of courtesy'. Ryukyu cuisine is a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian influences that has evolved over centuries. The cuisine is characterized by its use of local ingredients, such as pork, fish, and vegetables, and its emphasis on healthy eating. Some of the popular dishes include Goya Champuru (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=a171db6727&e=202c24bde1) (stir-fried bitter melon with tofu and pork), Rafute (slow-cooked pork belly), and Sata Andagi (deep-fried doughnut balls). The cuisine also features a variety of sweets, such as Chinsuko (shortbread cookies) and Beniimo Tart (sweet potato tart). Ryukyu dance, also known as Okinawan dance, is a traditional performing art that has been passed down through generations in Okinawa. It is a combination of dance, music, and drama that reflects the unique culture and history of the Ryukyu Islands. In 2009, Ryukyuan Dance was designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Property. Ryukyu Dance Discover new ideas for unique and immersive, cultural experiences. Adopt and Plant Coral Join in the effort to save precious coral reefs (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=5a7070c66d&e=202c24bde1) by visiting Okinawa Diving Service Lagoon where you can learn all about the science of corals and adopt a piece of your own by attaching it, together with a short message, to a concrete fragment. After growing in a controlled environment, your coral piece may then be planted in the waters just off Cape Manza. Take a short boat ride and snorkel down to the ocean floor to see where your coral will help contribute to the future of Okinawa’s marine life. Ishigaki-yaki Pottery Studio The beauty of Ishigaki wares come from the reflection of the sea of Okinawa - 'Ishigaki Blue', a unique technique that you can experience in this hands-on pottery class (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=03bc3308cf&e=202c24bde1 ) which fuses pottery and glass together and results in a beautiful and brilliant piece of your own. (The adjoining photo is the classical work of the representative oil spot “YUTEKI TENMOKU” technique.) Karate - 'The Martial Art of Peace' As the birthplace of Karate, the Okinawa Karate Kaikan (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=d47c5f19d1&e=202c24bde1) venue was built in 2017 to preserve and develop its history and culture of Karate as well as serve as an important venue for international tournaments and seminars. Visitors can enjoy karate sessions regardless of experience and learn the essence of the traditional martial art. It offers a dojo space (a training hall), training rooms, and seminar rooms that can be used for non-karate activities. Contact the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau for more info (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=26014904fc&e=202c24bde1) Okinawa offers up a host of natural venues. 'Mont Blanc' Miyako Cruise "Mont Blanc" (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=b8071cfdf5&e=202c24bde1) is Okinawa Prefecture's first underwater restaurant cruise ship, showcasing its abundant marine flora and fauna. Offering gorgeous interiors that accentuate the spectacular view from the ship's windows, the Aqua Lounge is an open space with a 3-metre-high ceiling, where you can relax and enjoy the underwater scenery without changing your clothes. Enjoy the blue sea of Miyako during the lunch cruise, and the sunset, moonlight, and starry sky during the dinner cruise where you can savour the head chef’s signature buffet or multi-course menu. Cave Cafe at the Valley of Gangala Valley of Gangala Experience a cave party in the Valley of Gangala (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=0725be39f2&e=202c24bde1) , a treasure house of surreal yet natural landscapes, created after the collapse of a limestone cave hundreds of thousands of years ago. It is still an ongoing excavation site due to finding traces of the prehistoric Minatogawa people, ancestors of the Japanese, and so far, the world's oldest fishhook, dating back 23,000 years, has been discovered here. At the entrance to the valley is the Cave Cafe (pictured above) which groups can reserve for parties or live performances. Download Okinawa Planning Resources here (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=725707500a&e=202c24bde1) HOSHINOYA OKINAWA In the coastal village of Yomitan on Okinawa Island, is the seaside resort of HOSHINOYA Okinawa (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=f640ab6db4&e=202c24bde1) , surrounded by stunning scenery. Guest villas run along the expanse of coastline providing views of the ocean that stretch to the horizon. Interiors honour local dye artisans featuring their traditional art on the main bedroom walls. The hotel also provides a range of experiences (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=3707d9fb7b&e=202c24bde1) from private whale watching and scenic horse riding to learning the secrets of Okinawan longevity. HYATT REGENCY SERAGAKI ISLAND OKINAWA Secluded on the pristine beach of Seragaki Island with its own private lagoon, each of the hotel's (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=7bb93c8e73&e=202c24bde1) 343 guestrooms enjoys breathtaking azure ocean views. Japan's only Hyatt beach resort now offers an energising ecotourism activity, the Seragaki Island Clownfish Restoration Project, where guests can enjoy a snorkelling or diving experience around the clownfish-nurturing project zone whilst learning about conservation and marine resources. ANA INTERCONTINENTAL MANZA BEACH RESORT Located near one of Okinawa's most scenic spots 'Manza Cape', on a luxurious private beach is the ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort. (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=bf19ae99a4&e=202c24bde1 ) Surrounded by white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs, there is a wide range of water and wellness activities to choose from. Rooms have private balconies with stunning views of the ocean and their decor matches the white sand and blue of the water. Upcoming Meetings and Events in Japan (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=e51fc8e1ee&e=202c24bde1) Visit Japanmeetings.org (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=065b0c626e&e=202c24bde1) Download Resources for MICE Planners (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=9a71df7472&e=202c24bde1) View the Japan Virtual Site Tour (https://gainingedge.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ecff7b7b23ff03219da8552ad&id=0040afc902&e=202c24bde1) ** Thank you. 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