Innovation in Motion: Vibrant New Look for Our EV Buses!
GBU AWARDS 2024 Submissions
JTB University Global Trainees
Meet Our Employees!
BEOF 2025 Update!
L.A. Office Mixer
Tachibana Enterprise Update: Streamlining for Growth
Exploring the World
2024 Honolulu Marathon
Café JTBA: Sip & Mingle Photos
Newsletter Poll
JTB Corp on TV
California Wildfires
Did you already read our special edition of newsletter?
Click here to read an important message from our management team.
Japan Showcase by JNTO
GBS USA M&E Japan Bound
Operations
The Japan Bound Operations team had a huge success at the Japan Showcase! The Japan Showcase is an inbound travel event organized annually by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). It is aimed at travel agencies who handle travel to Japan, with a goal of enhancing their sales and arrangement capabilities. JTB USA is the official promoter for the Gifu Prefecture, and we presented the unique attractions and experiences that Gifu Prefecture offers. We tailored our presentations to match participants' knowledge about travel to Japan and Gifu, highlighting key attractions and essential information. Also, we introduced highvalue optional tours currently being developed in collaboration with local DMCs, who promote these tours and gather feedback.
During the presentations, participants showed great interest in Gifu's natural beauty, traditions, and culture through visual materials. This reaffirmed that Gifu offers a wealth of attractions to meet the expectations of travelers to Japan.
The Japan Bound Operations team worked to emphasize sustainable travel practice and promote lesser known destinations. In highlighting these hidden gems, we focus to ensure a balanced and responsible approach to tourism. It not only helps to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of popular sites, but also supports the local economy of less visited areas. Our commitment to sustainable tourism reflects in our dedication to create a positive impact on both the environment and the communities we serve.
Krisztina Nádasdy, HR Manager for Eastern Europe and HR Business Partner for Japan Specialist at Kuoni Tumlare, is based in Hungary. She spent 2 weeks training in the Human Resources offices in Torrance and in Honolulu, as part of the JTB Corp OJT Training Program!
A fun fact about Hungarians: they are descendants of the Huns... nomadic warriors who were known for their military achievements, amongst other things.
Krisztina applied for the OJT Training program in hopes of learning how we do our human resources processes in the U.S. as compared to their processes in Eastern Europe. We all found out we had similarities! A few exceptions though, but they have just as many employment laws as we do in the U.S.
Some of the takeaways for Krisztina is this experience provided her an “out-ofthe-box” experience and broadened her horizons.
Innovation in Motion: Vibrant New Look for Our EV Buses!
Travel Plaza Transportation, LLC
We’re excited to unveil the stunning new designs for our EV (electric vehicle) buses, bringing a fresh wave of color and culture to your journey throughout Honolulu. Each bus has been wrapped with vibrant designs inspired by the beauty of Hawaii:
Hibiscus – Celebrating nature’s elegance with bold floral patterns; Ocean – Reflecting the serene and endless beauty of the sea; Pineapple – A symbol of hospitality and tropical charm.
These designs represent our commitment to sustainability and the unique spirit of Travel Plaza Transportation.
Our EV buses don’t just look good—they’re meticulously cared for. Our drivers take pride in keeping them spotless, ensuring a clean and comfortable ride every time. Meanwhile, our skilled mechanics pay close attention to every detail, ensuring top-notch performance and safety.
Ride with us and experience excellence in every journey!
GBU AWARDS 2024 Submissions
A Reminder About GBU (Global Business Unit) AWARDS 2024
Submissions!
While the application details may have been shared by your Corporate Planning General Manager (CP GM) the end of last year, this is a friendly reminder to participate in the GBU AWARDS 2024. These awards celebrate exceptional achievements and innovative initiatives across the JTB Group, fostering global synergy and highlighting exemplary contributions.
Individual Awards: Submission deadline – March 27, 2025
If you have not reviewed the details, please contact your CP GM (cp@jtbamericas.com) for access. Please ensure all required documents are submitted by the deadline . We encourage all JTB Americas Group companies to join.
JTB University Global Trainee
This year, we are excited to welcome three JTB University Global Trainees, Ai Sato, Mizuha Sugawara, and Yurika Nagahama from Japan!
As part of our Global Trainee Program, they will have an opportunity to work across the company and gain exposure to various aspects of our organization. We are confident they will play an important role in fostering collaboration and sharing insights within our global team. Their internship begins in their respective assigned companies on April 1, 2025.
Please give them a warm welcome, and let’s work together to ensure their journey with us is rewarding and successful!
More about them in the next issue!
Employees Spotlight
Manami Onishi
Company: JTB USA
Department: GBS M&E Sales
Favorite Place I’ve been to: Hawaii
Favorite food: Tiramisu
Place I’d like to go to:
Venice/Cappadocia
I am looking forward to creating cultural exchanges and wonderful experiences for people through sports
Company: JTB USA
Department: DMC Corporate
Favorite Place I’ve been to: Hawaii
Favorite food: Japanese BBQ
Place I’d like to go to: Europe
I am excited to make tours for travelers!
Nikki Anne Hatagawa
Company: Tachibana Enterprises
Department: JAS
Favorite Place I’ve been to: Hawaii
Favorite food: Yakitori
Place I’d like to go to: Maldives
I am looking forward to developing my skills, contribute to the team’s success and deliver outstanding service.
Company: Tachibana Enterprises
Department: JAS
Favorite Place I’ve been to: Canada
Favorite food: Tacos
Place I’d like to go to: Spain
I am looking forward to traveling using tourist benefits.
Yoko Kaji
BEOF 2025 Update!
Thank you to the 518 participants who responded to the BE & OF survey, representing over 70% of eligible participants. Your ideas and feedback have been invaluable in shaping this year’s plans. We also appreciate those who helped gather responses during this busy period.
We are thrilled to share that 363 participants have registered for this year’s events:
Miami: 96 participants
Honolulu: 105 participants
Las Vegas: 162 participants
For those unable to attend, thank you for providing insight into your circumstances. Your feedback is instrumental in understanding current challenges and will enhance our planning efforts. These numbers will guide us in finalizing hotels, events, and CSR activities. Updates will follow soon, and we thank you for your support.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for updates as plans come together. We’re excited to deliver an unforgettable experience. See you soon!
Mainland
L.A. Office Mixer
We are excited to share that our recent mixer event at the L.A. office was a success! It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and meet new ones. The event was filled with great conversations and laughter.
Thank you to everyone who attended. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!
Stay tuned for exciting events coming soon...
Tachibana Enterprise Update: Streamlining for Growth
Tachibana Enterprises, LLC
To streamline operations and focus on our core offerings, Tachibana Enterprise closed the My Gift Hawaii Department, effective January 01, 2025. This change allows us to concentrate on our primary services, which includes Golf Tours, Optional Tours, Japanese Answering Service, Tour Guide Service, and Nippon Rent a Car.
In addition, we are reintroducing our Sales and Marketing Department, led by Mr. Toshiyuki Watanabe. He will oversee all sales and marketing efforts across the entire enterprise, focusing on strengthening our brand, enhancing customer relationships, and driving growth.
These strategic moves are designed to improve efficiency and ensure that we continue to provide exceptional services to our clients. We are excited about these changes and look
ExploringtheWorld
Masaki Ito JTB Americas, HR
At the end of 2024, I traveled to Scandinavia for the first time! We went to Jukkasjarvi, 200km above the arctic circle and got to see the Northern Lights, stayed in a hotel made of ice and made new friends!
Holly Loulan National Sales USA
Michael and I went to Provence, France for our 10-year wedding anniversary. We toured lavender fields and vineyards of Chateau Neuf du Pape. We visited a gorgeous historic chateau for a Michelin star fine dining dinner after driving a motorcycle with side car to a winery. We got to experience a chef’s dinner in the servants’ quarters of a cardinals’ castle dwelling outside the pope’s residence in Aix en Provence. We meandered through ancient, historic, beautification awarded hilltop Provencal towns all week and I even borrowed this vintage CV car from the hotel and drove stick shift for the first time in 20 years down and back up narrow cobblestone roads! We had the most wonderful experience while making one of a kind memories together.
We want to hear your stories! If you traveled somewhere recently, please submit a Travel Article/Picture to HR@jtbamericas.com
2024 Honolulu Marathon
JTB Hawaii Travel, LLC
The Honolulu Marathon was held on December 8, 2024, with 36,121 runners participating; of which, 10,338 were from Japan. A total of 655 runners were from our JTB tours.
In 2024, we revived the tent service to welcome finishers for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, to support runners who participated with JTB. The tent provided refreshments of food and beverage to runners who completed the marathon, making it a very popular tent.
In addition, JTB Hawaii employees cheered on the runners at several points along the course, livening up the event and giving energy to the runners.
We look forward to seeing many participants in 2025 as well.
Café JTBA:
Sip & Mingle Photos
In November 2024, JTBA Group employees were invited to participate in 10-minute coffee breaks with peers from different departments so they could get to know each other in a more personal setting. Participants submitted photos/screenshots with their partners.
NewsletterPoll
January is National Hot Tea Month, 1/12 is National Hot Tea Day, and Japan celebrates their National Matcha Day on 2/6 so lets talk about tea!
What is your favorite type of hot tea?
Green/Matcha - 15
Black - 6
Herbal - 2
White - 1
“I don’t drink tea” - 3
What is your favorite variety/blend of tea?
Chocolate Chamomile
Darjeeling
Earl Grey
English Breakfast
Fauchon - Apple Tea
Genmai-cha
Green tea
Green Tea + Honey + Lemon
Jasmine Green Tea
Kirkland Tea
L picia Jingle Bells
Matcha Matcha Latte
Nara Sencha
Noni Green Tea
Orange Peel
Orange Pekoe
Raspberry Limeade
Shizuoka-cha (Yabukita-cha)
Tetley - British Blend
Twinings - Black Tea Earl Grey
Unsweetened
Don’t have a favorite?
Looking for a new tea to try?
Try one of the above!
arl Grey was the most popular, followed by Matcha Latte!
1/31 is National Hot Chocolate Day which leads us into Celebration of Chocolate Month in February! What is your favorite type of chocolate?
Megumi Nakayama (JTBA) had fun at the “Chocolate Education & Tasting” tour at the Mānoa Chocolate factory
Mari Umezawa (USA) enjoys her tea collection including various Earl Greys and Lupicia’s Muscat teas.
Aki Stewart (USA) shares her favorite teas: Matcha bowl and Matcha Latte with Oat milk & Agave.
The poll for the next newsletter is now available on Dayforce Hub! You can also CLICK HERE to access the poll!
JTB Corp on TV
You may have heard that Mr. Yamakita, President of JTB Corp, was recently featured on a Japanese TV program.
He talked about JTB's efforts to tackle overtourism issues in Japan, as well as unique new tours which our affiliate company, Europemundo, launched a few years ago.
It was emphasized that JTB is not just a travel agency any longer. We are engaged in a business in which we create interaction among people. It is very important for us to recognize it, especially with our talent acquisition efforts.
The link to the article and videos are below: https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/cambria/backnumber/2024/1212/
California Wildfires
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. The destruction has been immense, and many have lost their homes and loved ones.
We are heartbroken to share that one of our own employees lost her home in the fires. We stand with her and all those affected, offering our deepest sympathy. Together, we will rebuild and emerge stronger.
Please see the message from Noriko below.
If you need additional resources, please contact HR@jtbamericas.com
