Kick-off event for a new volunteer guide program

On Friday, June 19, Governor Masuzoe attended a kick-off event for a new volunteer guide program.

The program, in which volunteer guides walk around popular tourist areas, offering assistance and sightseeing information in foreign languages, was launched on June 19 starting with the Shinjuku and Ueno areas. There are plans to expand the program to other areas frequented by foreign tourists. A contest to name the team of volunteer guides was held, with the name “Omotenashi Tokyo” selected.

The governor offered words of encouragement to the volunteers, saying, “When we travel abroad, if someone offers us assistance in Japanese, it is something that we never forget. With the Tokyo 2020 Games just five years away, I want everyone to demonstrate the spirit of omotenashi, Japanese hospitality, with the understanding that the success of the Games is dependent upon the creation of a welcoming environment. I hope that as the pride of Tokyo, you will promote the many attractions of city to the world throughout your activities.”