The Japan International Influencer Association (JIIA) will hold a free online seminar on July 16, 2026 (Thu) for municipalities, tourism-related organizations, regional companies, SMEs involved in the tourism/inbound sector, and corporate representatives interested in PR for products/services targeting foreign visitors. The seminar is titled "~New Means to Promote Creating Related Populations, What is WEB3~ Practicalities and Points to Note in Utilizing Foreign Influencers~."

The government has set a goal of 60 million foreign visitors and 15 trillion yen in foreign visitor spending by 2030, and the inbound market is expected to remain a crucial growth area supporting the Japanese economy. However, a major challenge is how to ensure this growth extends beyond major cities and famous tourist spots to regional municipalities, local companies, SMEs, and businesses offering products/services to foreign visitors, enabling them to capture demand and connect it to regional economies and business growth. Regions possess numerous attractions that can be promoted internationally, including culture, food, nature, industry, and craftsmanship. Similarly, many corporate products and services have the potential to appeal to foreign visitors and overseas markets. However, to effectively deliver these to foreign visitors and foster visits, purchases, and ongoing relationships, new communication strategies utilizing digital technology and foreign influencers are required, in addition to conventional tourism PR and advertising measures.

Against this backdrop, this seminar will provide a systematic understanding over 1.5 hours of the concept of creating related populations using Web3, case studies of regional revitalization through gamification, and practical considerations such as contracts, taxation, and advertising regulations when utilizing foreign influencers.

The first part will feature Mr. Taku Iwashita, who established the Japan Web3 Tourism Association in 2022 after working at JTB. He will explain methods and concepts for turning travelers and regional fans into related populations using new internet technologies such as NFTs, DAOs, and digital resident IDs, along with specific examples of initiatives.

The second part will feature Mr. Kozo Yamada, who was involved in program production at TV Tokyo after graduating from the University of Tokyo and later founded DEA Inc. in Singapore. He will present case studies of solving social issues and promoting regional participation through Web3 and gamification, including the citizen participation infrastructure game "Pictre."

The third part will feature Mr. Shunsuke Saito, founder of APOC Inc. and a member of the association's Legal and Regulatory Committee, who has led foreign influencer PR for over 100 companies, including listed corporations. He will provide a clear explanation of practical points and legal regulations to prevent unexpected troubles when utilizing foreign influencers.

Additionally, a special program will include greetings from a Spanish creator coalition and the Korean Influencer EC Association.

This seminar is free for anyone to attend, regardless of experience, including representatives from municipal tourism departments, tourism associations, DMOs, inbound-related businesses, and regional companies/SMEs, as well as corporate representatives interested in PR for products/services targeting foreign visitors, expanding sales channels, and international information dissemination. Those wishing to attend must register in advance via the application form below.

[Seminar Overview] Organizer: Japan International Influencer Association (JIIA) Format: Online Date & Time: July 16, 2026 (Thu) 14:00-15:30 (scheduled) Participation Fee: Free (advance registration required) Details: https://www.j-iia.org/web3-and-influencer-compliance-online-seminar/ Application Form: https://forms.gle/v3CimJv1TCKguxSWA

For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact the Japan International Influencer Association ([email protected]).

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Japan International Influencer Association

The Japan International Influencer Association is an organization that collaborates with companies and local governments to create an environment where foreign influencers residing in Japan and influencers from various countries can thrive. We support activities such as cultural exchange, multicultural coexistence, regional revitalization, tourism, and industrial information dissemination. Our aim is to create new value and forms of coexistence by connecting diverse human resources, both domestic and international, with local communities. We strive to become a highly public-interest international platform that contributes to the realization of a sustainable and open society.

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event
  • Organizations: JIIA / JTB