[4th Speaker Announcement] Kyoto Mayor Matsui, Critic Miyazaki, and Kumano Kodo Pioneer Brad Towle to Speak at 'THE INBOUND DAY 2026'

mov Inc. (CEO: Makoto Watanabe, Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo; hereinafter 'mov'), which operates multiple businesses in the inbound tourism sector, including one of the industry's largest inbound business media outlets, 'Honichi Lab,' has announced additional speakers for the conference 'THE INBOUND DAY 2026 - The Current State of Inbound Tourism -' to be hosted on Friday, August 7, 2026.

A special session featuring Koji Matsui, Mayor of Kyoto—a leading tourist city—and Tetsuya Miyazaki, a critic known for his sharp analysis of society, has been confirmed. Additionally, Brad Towle, the key figure who elevated the 'Sacred Kumano Kodo' into a globally recognized tourist destination, will also take the stage.

Specialists confronting the inbound tourism challenges faced by local municipalities will deliver sessions offering hints and guidelines for the future of Japanese tourism.

THE INBOUND DAY 2026 is currently seeking sponsorship partners. As the number of slots is limited, those interested in plan details or materials are encouraged to inquire early.

Click here for sponsorship inquiries

Click here for THE INBOUND DAY 2026 Special Page

Speaker Profiles

Kyoto City Koji Matsui: Mayor of Kyoto

<Biography>

Born in Kyoto City in 1960. Graduated from Rakusei Junior and Senior High School, and the Department of Liberal Arts, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo (International Relations). Joined the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in 1983, serving at the Prime Minister's Office and playing a central role in administrative and financial reform. First elected to the House of Councillors in 2001 and served as Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary. After retiring from politics in 2013, he taught at Keio University for 10 years. Assumed office as Mayor of Kyoto in February 2024.

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Critic Tetsuya Miyazaki

<Biography>

Born in 1962. Graduated from Keio University. Conducts critical activities focusing on political philosophy, bioethics, Buddhist theory, and subculture analysis.

Served as an expert member of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy, Cabinet Office.

Has appeared on 'Ariehen∞Sekai' (TV Tokyo) and 'Bungeishunju PLUS', among others. Author of books including 'Adult Advanced Vocabulary That Makes a Difference in Conversation' (SB Shinsho), 'Solving the Mystery of the Cat That Lived a Million Times' (Chikuma Shobo), and 'Buddhist Dispute - Questioning the Essence from Dependent Origination' (Chikuma Shinsho).

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Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau Brad Towle: International Tourism Promotion and Development Director

<Biography> Originally from Canada. After various experiences including working as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in former Hongu Town, Wakayama Prefecture (now Tanabe City), a ski instructor in Hokkaido, a mountain guide in the Rockies, and hosting staff at the Canada Pavilion during Expo 2005 Aichi, he has been working at the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau (International Tourism Promotion Staff) since 2006, utilizing his native language skills and sensibilities. He is dedicated to disseminating information and improving local reception capabilities to attract highly motivated international independent travelers to the 'World Heritage Kumano', whose cultural landscape is globally acclaimed.

◾️ List of Speakers (Titles omitted, random order)

Shuichi Kageyama: Chairman of the Board, Royal Hotel, Ltd.

Koji Matsui: Mayor of Kyoto City

Tetsuya Miyazaki: Critic

Apisilp Trunganont: Chief Product Officer, Internet Marketing Co., Ltd. (Pantip.com)

Ryo Hoshino: CEO, Ocean Inc.

Takuya Matsuo: Executive Officer/CMO, Strategic Lead, ZIPAIR Tokyo

Toshihiro Onuma: Head of Japan and Greater China, Geo Partnerships, Google LLC

Masafumi Nakaniwa: Senior Account Executive, Enterprise Sales APAC, Tripadvisor

Miki Sakurai: Strategic Partnerships Development Manager, Search & Gemini, Google LLC

Tong Zhao: Strategic Partnerships Development Manager, Geo, Google LLC

Nobuaki Shinano: Head of Sales, Booking.com

Marina Fujii: Confectionery & Food Division, Nestlé Japan Ltd.

Brad Towle: International Tourism Promotion and Development Director, Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau