Kathryn Wortley

6 days ago | japantimes.co.jp | Kathryn Wortley

Lifting the lid off a large ceramic pot with a flourish to reveal his aged shoyu, chef Nobuaki Fushiki tells me that with soy sauce, “taste is born with time.”As the distinctive aroma of umami wafts into the air at Zenbo Seinei — a Zen wellness retreat designed by Shigeru Ban and located in the north of Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture — I’m instructed to place a dash of the rich brown liquid on a small plate.

1 week ago | lonelyplanet.com | Kathryn Wortley

More people are expected to travel by air in 2025 than ever before, with 5.2 billion passengers forecast to take at least one flight between January and December, a 6.7% increase year-over-year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). And there is no sign of any slowdown. Since global air traffic rebounded to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, travelers are increasingly eager to take trips by air.

2 weeks ago | ttgasia.com | Kathryn Wortley

Japan is focusing on India as a major growth market for tourism following a record number of arrivals from the country in 2024, driven by increased air connectivity, streamlined visa processes, and the depreciation of the yen against the Indian rupee. The uptick in Indian visitors, for both leisure and business travel, is expected to continue through 2025, supported by promotion from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), more direct flights, and expanded code-sharing arrangements.

2 weeks ago | ttgasia.com | Kathryn Wortley

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has launched a new sign language badge to better support deaf travellers ahead of the 2025 Deaflympics, an international multi-sport competition for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, which will be held in Tokyo in November. The move, designed to enhance the airline’s barrier-free services, is part of the ANA Group’s commitment to “creating a sky welcoming everyone”. The new badge depicts a heart formed by two intersecting fingers, symbolising connection through hands.

2 weeks ago | ttgmice.com | Kathryn Wortley

The Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau has unveiled new services for inbound incentive groups that stay in the city at least one night during this fiscal year (April 2025 to March 2026). The level of support depends on the number of international visitors and the number of overnight stays. With a combined 200 nights, groups will be able to receive a welcome ceremony by ninjas at Fukuoka Airport. Meanwhile, a combined 400 nights generates a choice of traditional performances and experiences.