Hello! My name is Washizuka, and I joined the Americas Group in April. Please call me “Wassy”!
I love traveling and have visited 98 countries and regions so far. Among them, the United States is one of my favorite places. I’ve always dreamed of working there someday, so I’m truly excited about this opportunity.
In Japan, we have a saying: “袖振り合うも他⽣の縁 - Sode furiau mo tasyo no en - (Even a slight brushing of sleeves is a bond from a past life).” It means that even a small incident, like brushing sleeves with a stranger on the street, is not merely coincidental but is a connection from a previous life, so every encounter should be cherished.
Out of all the companies in the world, I feel very fortunate to have met all of you through the JTB Americas Group. I hope to build great relationships and enjoy working together with everyone.
I’m truly looking forward to working with all of you and building meaningful connections as we grow and succeed together.
Profile
Since joining JTB in April 1997, he has built a strong and diverse career, holding key roles across corporate sales, human resources (with a focus on recruitment), marketing, business planning, and luxury travel sales. He has also contributed to strategic initiatives in the leisure and corporate planning sectors and gained international experience at JTB Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore. He loves to travel, and his favorite food is Japanese curry rice. Among the many places he has visited, Easter Island is a standout. He hopes to one day explore the Okavango Delta and the Seychelles. Now based in California, he enjoys the dry, sunny weather.
Study Session with JUJ Staff
JTB Hawaii Travel, LLC - Customer Service, Kona
On April 17, 2025, a study session was held on the Island of Hawaii (the “Big Island”) with the Arrangements departments of JTB USA-Japan, JHT-Arrangement Sales & FIT Sales, and JHT-Customer Service Kona Airport staff. We shared information about the current group arrangements on the Island of Hawaii, such as customer and information flow at Kona Airport, transfers, guides, hotels, restaurants, sightseeing spots, etc. The purpose of this session was to understand the attractions and features of the Big Island of Hawaii, which are different from those of Oahu, and to provide appropriate advice and suggestions at the arrangement stage. We hope that this study session will facilitate group arrangements to the Big Island of Hawaii and that many customers will be able to enjoy the islands to the fullest!
BEOF Brazil Partnership with Casa Marta e Maria
The program was developed in partnership with Casa Marta e Maria, which houses around 80 women in vulnerable situations. Quickly Travel, after meetings with the leadership of the Marta e Maria house, identified the difficulties faced by these women to integrate themselves into society, after traumas from the most diverse challenges. With the support of customers and employees of Quickly Travel, whose leadership is made up of 60% female professionals, we supported the Marta e Maria house, helping to motivate, and encourage these women, impacted with such a difficult situation.
We invited the Yakult, a female driven company, who developed a project that assists women adapt back into the work place, that has been successful for decades.
Tomoka Akimura Achieves MBA Milestone
We have exciting news to share!
Tomoka Akimura from Destination Management Unit, Sports Business Team, recently earned an MBA from Waseda Business School (Graduate School of Business and Finance) in Japan known for its top-tier sports business program. We were fortunate to sit down with her and hear about her inspiring journey, from long nights of study to applying her skills on the global stage.
As I progressed in my career, I began to feel that I lacked the knowledge to see the overall picture of management and the ability to think strategically. Wanting to strengthen my expertise in the sports business field, I decided to apply to Waseda Business School —this marked the beginning of my new challenge. The two years I spent earning my MBA and conducting research in sports business were incredibly stimulating and full of growth. Surrounded by highly motivated peers from various age groups and industries, I was constantly inspired by new perspectives and I had a truly wonderful time.
Waseda Business School is known for its top-tier MBA program and has one of Japan’s leading track records in sports business. I chose to specialize in this field because I saw great value in learning directly from professors with both academic expertise and real-world experience.
Throughout the week and on weekends, I spent most of my time on group discussions, preparing presentations, and dedicating time to the preparation and review of class materials. The classes were interactive and emphasized participation and teamwork, making the experience both practical and intellectually stimulating.
In my second year, I conducted research and wrote my thesis on sports business while working in the United States. Balancing time zones, coursework, and professional responsibilities was not easy, but it significantly strengthened my time management skills and perseverance.
I currently work at JTB USA in the sports business field, primarily contributing to projects related to MLB and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Looking ahead, our team is preparing to support major international events such as the World Baseball Classic, FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as those initiatives begin to take shape. Leveraging the knowledge, experience, and network gained through my MBA, I aim to further support the growth of JTB USA’s l b l t b i th h t iti lik MLB nd other uing to tak
GoLocal Hawaii
MC&A
Aloha Partners & Friends!
We are excited to share with you the very first edition of our GoLocal Hawaii series…kicking things off right where it all began for MC&A: on the island of O‘ahu! In our GoLocal series, we highlight some of our team’s favorite spots and experiences across the islands – the hidden gems that go beyond the “tried and true.” It is no secret that Hawaii’s deeply rooted culture and stunning beauty, paired with the Spirit of Aloha, is what keeps our islands a top destination of choice for clients and attendees alike. And as your destination experts in the islands, we want to share our insider scoop - from neighborhood bars and local eateries to tucked-away treasures and can’t-miss happenings around town. These are our best-kept secrets, keeping you inspired to return again & again.
