"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Video Message from Prime Minister Ishiba to Tourism EXPO Japan 2025

[Place]
[Date] September 25, 2025
[Source] Prime Minister's Office of Japan
[Notes] Provisional translation
[Full text]

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning. I am Ishiba Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan.

It is my great pleasure to offer heartfelt congratulations on the grand opening of Tourism EXPO Japan 2025 Aichi/ Central Japan, welcoming participants from across Japan and around the world.

This is one of the world's largest travel events, held annually in Japan. This year, more than 1,200 companies and organizations from 82 countries and regions are exhibiting, alongside participants from every corner of Japan.

I hope the more than 100,000 expected visitors will discover the numerous charms of Japan's destinations, that professionals will enjoy fruitful business discussions, and that both inbound and outbound tourism will grow―bringing more travelers to local regions.

Tourism is a cornerstone industry for regional communities and a key pillar of my administration's initiative "Regional Revitalization 2.0." This year, inbound visitors surpassed 20 million at the fastest pace ever. Travel spending reached approximately 4.8 trillion yen by June, which is 23% more than last year. We must build on this momentum and ensure its benefits reach every part of the nation.

I am especially pleased that, this year for the first time, nine prefectures of the Chubu and Hokuriku regions, including host prefecture Aichi, are jointly showcasing their appeal. Such collaboration is invaluable.

Same as last year, a special area has been set up to support the recovery of the Noto region. The government will continue working tirelessly toward reconstruction after the Noto Peninsula earthquake.

EXPO 2025 OSAKA, KANSAI, JAPAN will close in just 18 days, and I extend my sincere thanks to the many overseas visitors who attended it. Looking ahead, International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Japan (GREEN×EXPO 2027) will be held in March 2027. I hope this international exposition of flowers and greenery will inspire even more people to visit Japan and explore its diverse regions.

In closing, I wish every success for Tourism EXPO Japan 2025 and the continued promotion of travel exchange both at home and abroad. Thank you.