"Toward the principle of creation, not of following precedent."

This is the goal I have decided after much thought when we launched Shichigahama Tourism.

In recent years, there has been global emphasis on the concept of SDGs and the acceptance of diversity. However, Wakako Suzuki feel that in this whirlwind age of uncertainty, it is very difficult to create an experience that is relatable for everyone in the world with a standardized program manual.

“What I value in creating a plan is to formulate a program that conveys what we want people to experience in Shichigahama, now, in this moment. To do this, it is necessary for "locals to share their community in their own language," says Ms. Suzuki.

Shichigahama is full of townspeople with various specialties and livelihoods. It’s also home to a wealth of local charms and rich natural resources. By combining the unique characteristics of these elements, Shichigahama Tourism creates an infinite number of unique experience programs.

She says, "By having only locals serve as instructors in each program, I create new communication between members who are ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ the community. Everyone can come to think about this town in their own way.”

She aims to create a "new form of tourism" that combines the ideas of each member involved. By building more realistic, community-based programs, they hope to create meaningful experiences, not only for participants, but also for the hosts.

“In order to have a meaningful experience, it is essential to ‘face yourself”. Only by doing this, can we turn moments into experiences, and experiences into memories,” says Ms. Suzuki passionately.

“Together, with everyone involved, we hope to welcome a new future in Shichigahama. We want to create a new style of inclusive, experiential tourism that facilitates unexpected encounters that aren’t found in any manual!”