Hello! I had the opportunity to attend the IGLTA opening session, and what a venue it was—overlooking a beautifully lit Osaka Castle! The illuminated castle provided a breathtaking backdrop for this special event, where I was lucky enough to spend some time with Shintaro Koizumi.

Impressive Venue and Session Highlights

From the terrace, Osaka Castle stood in clear view, setting a mystical atmosphere that felt like being invited onto a private stage. The key focus of the session was “diversity” and “inclusion,” and the discussion explored new possibilities in both tourism and business—truly fascinating to witness.

Although I often attend overseas or LGBTQ-related events, this time the theme was centered on domestic tourism in Japan. It offered fresh perspectives and learnings, giving me a lot to think about.

Reuniting with Mr. Koizumi

Joining me at the session was Shintaro Koizumi, a pioneer in LGBTQ marketing for many years. Every time we meet, our conversations spark around questions like “How does respecting diversity benefit society?”—and once again, our exchanges were incredibly stimulating.

During breaks, we shared insights on how companies’ initiatives have evolved over time and our hopes for the future. I always learn something new from Mr. Koizumi’s views, and I’m grateful for our ongoing connection.

Thoughts and Future Plans

The session itself brought together numerous experts and professionals, resulting in a lively exchange of ideas. A key question posed to everyone was how to achieve “creative diversity,” and what actions we, as individuals, can take. The brainstorming that followed was truly inspiring.

I’ve long been dedicated to promoting Japan’s appeal while maintaining a global outlook, and to spreading awareness of LGBTQ issues and diversity. Attending this session helped me refine that path even more clearly.

Conclusion

An enchanting evening with Osaka Castle as the backdrop and an energetic opening session—it all passed in a flash, but it was a fantastic chance to encounter various viewpoints and learn from them. I was also delighted to reconnect with Mr. Koizumi. Moving forward, I’m committed to using diversity and inclusion as the cornerstone for enhancing tourism and business in Japan and around the world. Stay tuned for more event reports and updates on my upcoming activities!