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Introduction to the Japanese Society of Tourism and Hospitality Educators

About the Japanese Society of Tourism and Hospitality Educators

The Japanese Society of Tourism and Hospitality Educators was established in 2002 with the purpose of “conducting research on tourism and hospitality education, facilitating cooperation and coordination, and contributing to the promotion of tourism and hospitality education” (Article 4 of the Constitution). In 2007, it was designated as a Cooperating Academic Research Organization of the Science Council of Japan.

Greetings from the President of the Japanese Society for Tourism and Hospitality Educators

Greetings from the President

Tetsu Nakamura (Professor, College of Tourism and Hospitality, Tamagawa University)

My name is Tetsu Nakamura from Tamagawa University. I am currently serving as the 11th President of the Japanese Society of Tourism and Hospitality Educators (JSTHE). This role challenges me, yet I am greatly honored to have been assigned this duty.

JSTHE held its first annual conference in March 2002 and has now entered its 25th year. In 2007, it became a “Cooperative Academic Research Organization of the Science Council of Japan”.

Regarding JSTHE’s distinctive features: first, unlike many tourism-related academic societies in Japan, JSTHE specializes in “education.” Second, our membership is diverse. We have about 200 members from backgrounds such as university and high school faculty, private-sector professionals, government officials, local organization representatives, and graduate students aiming to become educators or researchers. Among the faculty members, both academic researchers and practitioners with real-world experience are active participants.

In my view, JSTHE’s value is in providing members with a place. Here, people in tourism and hospitality education gather, regardless of their backgrounds. They share results, exchange information, and expand networks, focusing on education. It is also important to use JSTHE’s initiatives to improve tourism and hospitality education, develop talent, and contribute to society.

JSTHE publishes a peer-reviewed journal once a year, hosts an Annual Conference, and holds Research Meetings twice yearly. A key JSTHE feature is workshops in the Annual Conference. Each workshop focuses on several themes based on members’ needs and trends. Participants actively discuss and exchange information under a moderator’s guidance. Since 2022, we have conducted workshops on internationalization in simple English. Research presentations at the Annual Conference include academic and educational practice topics. To encourage collaborative research, we established a group research grant system and a subcommittee system. In this way, JSTHE provides tourism and hospitality education stakeholders with a place to meet, exchange ideas, and build networks.

I have identified four key themes that JSTHE should address to guide our activities and future direction.

First, we must reaffirm the significance of tourism and hospitality education in Japan. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism-related faculties and departments had been established at universities across the country, and thanks to the growth of inbound tourism, they had achieved a certain level of prominence in Japan. During the pandemic, many high school students avoided enrolling in tourism-related faculties and departments, but overall, it appears things have finally returned to normal. However, some universities are now considering reviewing the need to maintain their tourism-related faculties and departments. At the same time, there is a gap between what the government and businesses expect from university tourism and hospitality education and the current efforts by universities. Given this situation, JSTHE should work with many of our members to demonstrate to the public the continued significance of tourism and hospitality education.

Second, responding to new trends. As you are aware, the educational environment is changing significantly. Furthermore, the expectations and demands placed on education by the business world and society are likely to change. Generative AI is developing rapidly, and we need to discuss within JSTHE the impact this will have on education and research. While the need to cultivate students’ competencies in data science and to advance interdisciplinary education has been highlighted, how should tourism and hospitality education respond? Promoting internationalization is also a key theme, but it presents significant challenges. We intend to create opportunities for members to share their expertise and experience within JSTHE, while also occasionally inviting external experts to enhance our collective knowledge.

Third, collaboration with external partners. This has been a topic of discussion within JSTHE for over a decade, which serves as evidence of its recognized importance in tourism education. While the approaches are diverse—ranging from connecting universities with high schools to partnerships among educational institutions, businesses, local governments, and community organizations—we need to continuously update our methods, educational design, and approaches to engaging with external partners.

Fourth, we must focus on diverse educational opportunities. In JSTHE, our attention inevitably focuses on educating current students. However, looking at the themes of recent conference presentations, there are also topics related to continuing education for working professionals. This may be an issue that educational institutions will need to address in the future.

I sincerely wish for the participation of all those interested in or actively engaged in tourism and hospitality education, so that we may maintain and further develop JSTHE. I would greatly appreciate your guidance, encouragement, and cooperation.

 (March 2026)

Invitation to Join the Japanese Society of Tourism and Hospitality Educators

The Japanese Society of Tourism and Hospitality Educators (JSTHE) is an organization dedicated to advancing and enriching tourism and hospitality education through research and educational practice. 
We warmly invite you to join us in exploring and promoting innovative approaches to tourism and hospitality education.

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Please follow the instructions below to apply in writing. Applications are reviewed by the Board of Directors. Once approved, we will send you payment instructions for the membership fee.