MC&A just launched a company blog, The Gathering Place! It’s a space for storytelling, inspiration, and insight where they’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes moments, destination spotlights, and ideas to help bring their clients next program to life.
MC&A kicked things off with a few stories that highlight who they are and what drives the team, and they’ll be adding new industry-focused content regularly to help keep clients and employees in the know and inspired.
Check it out here: The Gathering Place
Mizuho Miura
Company: JTB USA
Department: DMC Leisure USA
DPS
Favorite Place I’ve been to: Kyoto
Favorite Food: Seafood
Place I’d like to go to: Brazil
I would like to grow as a person.
Fun Fact: I studied abroad in Australia when I was a Freshman in high school.
If you're new to the company or, your department welcomed a new colleague, please send their information to hr@jtbamericas.com. Let's give them a warm welcome and make them feel at home!
On April 8, employees of JTB International (Canada) had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Yamakita, President; Mr. Takeda, CFO; and Mr. Kaneko, Head of Business Strategy & Promotion from JTB Corp. Joining them were members of the JTB Americas management team.
The event took place in the cafeteria of our newly renovated office building, where employees and management members gathered at several tables. They enjoyed a delicious Japanese bento lunch while engaging in lively conversations, ranging from favorite karaoke songs to restaurant recommendations. The highlight of the day was the photo session with Mr. Yamakita. Many employees eagerly took pictures with him, remarking that "he looked just like he does on TV!
What are some current challenges or opportunities?
One of the most exciting opportunities we have is our newly established partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which began in 2025. In addition to MLB as a whole, this direct relationship allows us to offer exclusive and premium experiences to fans in Japan. We’re working hard to develop new services and offerings that fully leverage this partnership Looking ahead, the U S will be hosting several major global sporting events, including the Olympics & Paralympics, the World Baseball Classic, and the FIFA World Cup. We are currently exploring how JTB Group can best position itself to take part in these incredible opportunities.
What do you like most about working in this department?
What we love most is being involved in the world of sports—something that inspires and excites people across all generations. There's a unique thrill in turning the electric atmosphere of a stadium into a memorable travel experience for our customers. Seeing the joy on their faces makes all our efforts worthwhile.
Any stories you'd like to share with JTB employees?
The MLB Postseason is notoriously difficult to plan around due to its unpredictable schedule. However, we managed to create a product despite the challenges and welcomed several guests to Los Angeles. One customer told us, “JTB was the only company offering a travel package for the Postseason. Thanks to that, I got to watch this rare game and see Shohei Ohtani up close it’s a memory of a lifetime.” Moments like this remind us of the true value of our work: creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences through the power of sports.
BEOF Miami
The first Brighter Earth & Our Futures Event of 2025 was held in Miami! Thank you to everyone that attended, making the event so fun!
Attendees participated in an Pre-Event Mixer, Amazing Race activity, Bus Tour, Dinner with Salsa dancing and a Beach Clean up!
There was a total of 84 participants attending the BEOF event! We look forward to seeing you all in Honolulu and Las Vegas!
To Joy Tamura (JTB Americas)
To Codi Park (JTB USA), Colleen Kan (JTB USA) and Amie Laureta (GBS Europe)
I would like to share my appreciation to the JTB OBS Team Codi Park, Colleen Kan and Amie Laureta.
We have been under a lot of pressure with a lot of things going on and even with all of this they are always so helpful and kind and always smiling which just gives me a lift when I need it. They truly are the best team I could ever work with and I am very thankful to them all.
From Rachel Goodman (GBS Europe)
I really wanted to give a shout out to Joy Tamurashe has been my rock through many changes in BT and has always been patient and understanding. She supported me through recent issues and always takes time out of her busy day to connect when I need her help. Just seeing her smile and hearing her relaxing voice bring relief in stressful times! I really appreciate her!
From Susan Bolstar (JTB USA)
To Carolyn Shaff (MC&A)
To Emily Scoles (MC&A)
I would like to recognize our Account Coordinator Emily Scoles as an outstanding member of our team. She assists the travel directors with all our airfare and rental car issues. She is always available and in a good mood, quick thinking, and fun to work with.
From
Ed Mehmel (MC&A)
I’d like to express my appreciation for Carolyn Shaff for her outstanding work on our recent program, TD Icon. We are so impressed with how she handled this client, representing multiple departments from Sales to Program Development to Operations, which is not easy! This was a very demanding and complex group. Her attention to the client’s needs and her calm and professional demeanor are all to thank for our success. Thank you again and again, Carolyn – amazing job and we are so happy to have you on our team! Mahalo,
From Hanna Chang (MC&A)
Easter at TPT
Travel Plaza Transportation
Travel Plaza Transportation hosted an Easter event, "Hip Hop Hippity Hop," that brought smiles and excitement to our office! Each employee had the chance to choose an egg with a number and write their name on it.
George Faustorilla
Congratulations to our lucky employees who won prizes and thank you to everyone who participated!
Takeshi Tamura
Elward Taira
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