Table of Contents
Employee Spotlight
Expanding Golf Sales through GDO Collaboration
P.R.I.D.E. Team Brown Bag - Everyday Inclusion: 5 Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Colleagues at Work
Strengthening Partnership: Leadership Visit to Quickly Travel in Sao Paolo
Quickly Travel Honored by Accor in an Evening of Celebration
Celebrating JBO’s Nomination for Ensemble’s Partner of the Year Award
JTB Hawaii Group & JTB USA Step Out to Support Local Charities
Quickly Travel JTB Brighter Earth Project 2026
Running Boston, Sharing US Sports Culture Department of the Month: JTB Americas Corporate Planning
Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN Celebrates 10 Anniversary th 1-Day Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Yoho National Park Tour
Quickly Travel delivering Vivo Northern Region Incentive Trip
Honolulu Festival Appreciation Lunch
Newsletter Poll Results for June
Summit Quickly Travel: Tax Reform Impacts on Corporate Tourism
Past Newsletter Access
EmployeeSpotlight
Reiko Stiver
Company: Tachibana
Department: Guide Service
Favorite Place I’ve been to: New Zealand
Favorite Food: Sushi
Place I’d like to go to: Portugal
I am looking forward to connecting with our clients and sharing our beautiful home on O’ahu with them. I have just revisited hula dancing and would love to dance for our clients!
Company: JTB USA
Department: DMC Leisure FIT Pkg
Favorite Place I’ve been to: Hakone and Yosemite National Park
Favorite Food: Ramen, Sushi, Steak and Tacos!
Place I’d like to go to: All other US States
I am looking forward to giving extra ordinary experience to customers, introducing new destinations and fulfilling customer’s satisfaction.
EmployeeSpotlight
Kristopher Watanabe
Company: Tachibana Enterprises
Department: Operations
Favorite Place I’ve been to:
Northern USA
Favorite Food: Japanese Food
Place I’d like to go to: France
I am looking forward to experience authentic moments that capture picture perfect moments of heartfelt happiness.
EXPANDING GOLF SALES THROUGH GDO COLLABORATION Golf & Tours
Tachibana Enterprises recently launched a new partnership with Golf Digest Online (GDO), one of Japan's leading online golf reservation platforms. Through this collaboration, golfers in Japan can now book select Hawaii golf courses through GDO, helping us expand our reach to the growing FIT (Free Independent Traveler) market.
The project supports our strategy of diversifying sales channels and creating new opportunitiesfor Hawaii golf products. This launch reflects the dedication of our Golf Operations team, who worked closely with GDO over several months to complete the system setup, coordination, and testing required for a successful launch.
We look forward to growing this partnership and welcoming more golfersfrom Japan to Hawaii. Special thanks to our Golf Operations team and Toshi Watanabe (Sales & Marketing) for their hard work in making this collaboration possible.
5 Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Colleagues at Work 5 Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Colleagues at Work
In celebration of Pride Month, the MC&A P.R.I.D.E. Team recently hosted a thoughtful and engaging Brown Bag session titled “Everyday Inclusion: 5 Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Colleagues at Work.” The session was led by KishaLynn Elliott, Executive Director of San Diego Pride, who shared valuable insights on fostering inclusion in meaningful, everyday ways.
KishaLynn opened with an important reminder: You don’t need to be perfect to support inclusion you simply need respectful intention and a willingness to learn and adjust. This message set the tone for a practical, empowering discussion focused on building a more inclusive workplace culture year-round.
Key Key
Takeaways Takeaways
1. Use Inclusive Language
Language plays a powerful role in creating a sense of belonging. KishaLynn encouraged participants to:
Use individuals’ correct names and pronouns
Avoid making assumptions about identity or relationships
Choose language that is inclusive and welcoming, steering away from unnecessary gendered terms
2. Address Small Harm Early
Everyday moments matter. Addressing small issues early can prevent larger problems and foster respect:
Gently correct instances of misgendering
Interrupt inappropriate jokes or comments
Speak up calmly and respectfully when something doesn’t feel right
I3. Don’t Put LGBTQ+ Colleagues in the Educator Role
While lived experiences are valuable, it’s important not to rely on colleagues to do the teaching:
Take initiative to educate yourself
Avoid asking invasive or overly personal questions
Practice active listening without defensiveness
4. Make Support Visible and Consistent
Inclusion isn’t a one-time effort it’s ongoing:
Normalize inclusive practices across teams and spaces
Show support consistently throughout the year, not just during Pride Month
Build trust through reliable, inclusive behavior
5. Build Psychological Safety A truly inclusive workplace fosters openness and belonging: Listen with empathy and respect
Create space for honest conversations
Support environments where everyone feels safe to contribute fully
If you missed the session or would like to see it again, go to P.R.I.D.E. Team Brown Bag Talk - Everyday Inclusion with KishaLynn Elliott-20260605 090225-Meeting Recording.mp4
Thank you to everyone who participated in this meaningful discussion, and to our P.R.I.D.E. Team member, Martha Henderson, for organizing another impactful event. Let’s continue to carry these practices forward—during Pride Month and every day.
STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP: LEADERSHIP VISIT TO QUICKLY TRAVEL IN SÃO PAULO
From April 24–26, the Americas Leadership, Mr. Tatezawa, CEO, Mr. Washizuka, VPCP, and Ms. Hamagami, CHRO visited our affiliate company Quickly Travel (QT) in São Paulo, Brazil, with an objective to deepen collaboration and strengthen alignment across the JTB Americas group. During the visit, QT department leaders shared their business priorities, functional strategies, and forwardlooking perspectives, enabling productive dialogue and reinforcing shared objectives.
As part of the visit, the delegation also met with external stakeholders to better understand the local environment. At Japan House one of only three global locations alongside Los Angeles and London it was notable to see strong visitor traffic and genuine interest from the local community. The exhibits effectively blended traditional and modern Japanese culture, highlighting Japan’s broad cultural reach. Discussions at the Consulate-General of Japan in São Paulo further underscored a shared commitment to supporting Japanese nationals and strengthening ties in the region, including continued support for QT’s business.
Sincere appreciation is extended for the QT team's professionalism and warm support provided throughout the visit. This engagement reaffirmed our commitment to building a stronger, more connected organization and advancing sustainable growth together.
Quickly Travel
Honored by Accor in an
Evening of Celebration
We are kicking off the month by highlighting a milestone that reinforces our leadership in the corporate travel market. On April 1st, Accor hosted an exclusive event at the Macáya restaurant (Pullman Ibirapuera) in São Paulo to celebrate successful partnerships with top TMCs.
During the gathering, the hotel chain emphasized the trust and the solid commercial relationship we have built together over the years. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a symbolic recognition trophy, accepted by Gervasio Tanabe, our Marketing and Commercial Manager.
This award sets the tone for our work so far, symbolizing the excellence we strive to deliver in every service. It is a recognition we share with our entire team and clients, reaffirming that Quickly Travel remains a benchmark for quality and strategic partnerships.
Celebrating JBO’s Nomination for
Ensemble’s Partner of the YearAward
Since joining the Ensemble community in 2015, JBO has continued to strengthen its role as a trusted partner in the high value travel sector. Building on our long standing expertise in high value, customized travel services for inbound visitors to Japan, we have deepened our collaboration with Ensemble’s network travel agencies, as well as travel advisors of other leading consortia.
The Luxury Escapes services provided by the Japan Bound Operations Team (JBO) were nominated for the “Ensemble Award — Partner of the Year Award: DMC, Rest of World.” We are honored that our contributions to the travel industry and the Ensemble community were recognized through this prestigious nomination. Although we were not selected as one of the award recipients announced at the Ensemble Horizons general meeting in Las Vegas on May 6, we are grateful to have been acknowledged as a nominated company within the community.
Through these partnerships, we have reinforced our relevance and consistently supported partners in delivering exceptional, tailor‑made experiences for their clients.
JTBHAWAIIGROUP ANDJTBUSASTEP OUTTOSUPPORT OC C S
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, more than 40 enthusiastic employees from JTB Hawaii Group and JTB USA, along with their beloved ohana of family and friends, laced up their sneakers for the 2026 Visitor Industry Charity Walk.
Established in 1978 by the Hawai’i Lodging & Tourism Association, this historic annual tradition brings the visitor industry together to raise crucial funds for hundreds of local non-profit organizations across the islands.
The morning began early at Magic Island, where the JTB team gathered under the morning sun for an energetic pre-walk group photo. From there, the team embarked on the famous 4.5-mile course through the heart of Waikiki.
What makes this charity event truly unique is the legendary hospitality found along the route. Participants were treated to an array of spectacular culinary stops hosted by local resorts. Highlights of this year's walk included savory Kalua Pig Sliders at The Prince Waikiki Hotel, the perennial "walker's favorite" pork belly by Wolfgang Puck at the Royal Hawaiian, refreshing Acai Bowls at the Moana Surfrider Hotel, and cool gelato at the Outrigger.
The fun did not stop at the finish line. Walkers celebrated completing the course with a massive spread of comfort food, including fresh pizza and classic Rainbow Drive-In chili and rice with hot dog bowls. The afternoon concluded with lively games and camaraderie, wrapping up another successful year of giving back to the community we love.
Mahalo to everyone who walked, donated, and showed their JTB pride!
QUICKLY TRAVEL QUICKLY TRAVEL
JTB BRIGHTER EARTH JTB BRIGHTER EARTH
Quickly Travel hosted another edition of the JTB Brighter Earth Project, organizing a visit to the Grand Hyatt Hotel to monitor sustainable initiatives in the hospitality sector. The hotel implements concrete responsible tourism practices, such as composting organic waste into fertilizer and using reused water in the staff laundry. The property also utilizes LED lighting for energy efficiency and returns used coffee capsules to manufacturers for proper disposal. Another highlight is the Amazon Project, a space dedicated to water reuse and transforming waste materials into art. The visit reinforces Quickly Travel's commitment to awareness and the development of a more conscious tourism industry.
RUNNING BOSTON,
SHARING U.S. SPORTS CULTURE
Tyler Sugai, who recently joined JTB USA from JTB Corp through the Global Challenge Program, completed the 130th Boston Marathon with a finish time of 2:51:57. As one of the world’s most historic marathons, Boston brought together qualified runners from around the world and filled the city with incredible energy. His goal is to run marathons in 100 cities around the world, and Boston became his 32nd city and 35th full marathon finish.
For Tyler, the race was not only a personal accomplishment, but also a reminder of how sports can inspire people, energize communities, and create experiences that can only be felt on site. Through his role at JTB USA, he hopes to share the excitement and value of U.S. sports culture starting with Japan and expanding to the world.
Check out this extended article!
Department of the Month
JTB Americas Corporate Planning
The Americas Corporate Planning team is led by Vice President & CP GM Tomonori Washizuka(Tom) and is supported by 6 team members.
WHAT THEY DO
Corporate Planning serves as the “control tower” of JTB Americas Group. We handle group strategy, budgeting, governance, risk management, and M&A, while also playing an active role in R&D by developing and testing new business ideas.
WHO THEY SUPPORT
Our main customers are internal: executive management and our group companies across the Americas. We support their decision-making so things can move forward smoothly, even if our work isn’t always visible.
MEMBERS
Tom Washizuka
Kentaro Suzuki
Phil Huynh
Tetsuro Otsubo
Takashi Yoshida
Dave Watanabe
Gen Higano
WHAT MAKES THIS TEAM SPECIAL
By supporting different businesses, regions and companies, we get to be directly involved in how the company is run. From early decisions to hands-on execution, CP offers a rare chance to see ideas through from start to finish
Department of the Month
JTB Americas Corporate Planning
CURRENT FOCUS
One ongoing challenge is balancing speed and governance - moving quickly while keeping things under control.
At the same time, CP has growing opportunities to support new business devellopment, structural reforms of existing businesses, andprojects that span multiple regions.
We recently welcomed a new company, Imprint, into the JTB Americas Group. Behind the scenes, CP was closely involved in supporting the process through negotiations, coordination, and various preparations.
NewDateAnnounced! August29,2026|8:00AMStart
HonoluluRainbow EKIDENCelebrates 10thAnniversary
The Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN, hosted annually by JTB Hawaii Travel, is one of Hawaii’s most popular community running events. The event typically attracts approximately 1,500 participants, including runners and supporters, and features a team relay race, a 5K Fun Run & Walk, and a Kids Challenge with a one-mile obstacle course for children ages 5 to 12 This year, severe weather caused by a Kona Low storm brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flooding across the state. Following the Governor’s emergency declaration and with participant safety as the highest priority, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the event. The rescheduled 10th Anniversary Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Hawaii’s summer season typically offers sunny skies and stable weather, creating ideal conditions for a fun and memorable race experience We look forward to celebrating this milestone event with participants and supporters from Hawaii and around the world.
1-DAYLAKELOUISE,MORAINELAKE&YOHONATIONALPARKTOUR
On June 1, Calgary Tours introduced its seasonal 1-Day Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Yoho National Park TourThe journey continues through the heart of the Canadian Rockies with visits to the legendary Lake Louise and the awe-inspiring Yoho National Park. This spectacular day features some of the most photographed landscapes in Canada, from the turquoise waters of Lake Louise set against Victoria Glacier to the emerald-hued Moraine Lake nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. In Yoho National Park, marvel at remarkable natural formations and engineering wonders while learning about the geological forces that shaped this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Iconic Lake Louise: Visit Lake Louise for two hours of free time
A World-Class Dining Experience (Optional) : Enjoy a deluxe lunch at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.
Moraine Lake (Seasonal): Witness the stunning, turquoise waters of Moraine Lake, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Yoho's Engineering Feat: Discover Yoho National Park and admire the famous Spiral Tunnels, a unique railway engineering marvel.
Emerald Beauty & Geology: Capture stunning photos of Emerald Lake, known for its brilliant color, and witness the power of the Natural Bridge over the Kicking Horse River
Worry-Free Travel: All transportation and logistics are handled, ensuring a fully immersive and worry-free journey
Departure City: Calgary / Banff
End City: Calgary / Banff
Duration: 1 Day
Local Pick-up Tours
Service Language: Mandarin、English
dQuicklyTravel NeliveringVivo IorthernRegion ncentiveTrip
Our MICE team planned and executed the incentive trip for the North Region, winner of Vivo’s 2024 Masters Campaign. The event took place from March 6th to 8th, 2026, bringing 80 participants to Natal for an agenda focused on recognition and integration.
We managed the entire logistics operation at the Serhs Natal Grand Hotel & Resort, handling everything from group arrivals to activity coordination. Our work ensured that the venue and transportation functioned precisely, allowing the winners to enjoy the destination without operational concerns.
Managing a group of this size requires technical planning and hands-on execution. We worked behind the scenes to ensure every stage of the program was met, delivering a service that reinforces the commitment we have with our clients. At Quickly Travel, we plan and execute each project with precision, from the briefing to the final experience.
Appreciation Lunch
On May 28, 2026, JTB Hawaii and the Honolulu Festival Foundation held a BBQ lunch at the Pine Street Office to show appreciation for everyone’s dedication and being part of the 30 Honolulu Festival despite the severe weather conditions. th
Newsletter Poll
May is "Get Caught Reading Month" and June is "Audiobook Appreciation Month"! What is your #1 book genre?
MYSTERY FANTASY BMEMOIRS/ IOGRAPHY
Other genres that received votes were: Action/Adventure, History, Romance, Science-Fiction, Bible, Historical Fiction, Horror, Self-Development, and Thrillers
Books recommended by employees:
Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World-and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling (Non-Fiction)
Mother of God by Paul Rosolie (Non-Fiction)
Red Queen by Juan Gomez-Jurado (Mystery)
The Help by Kathyrn Stockett (Historical Fiction)
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (Fantasy)
Holy Bible/Bible (Religious Text)
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason (Non-Fiction)
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom (Memoir)
Verity by Colleen Hoover (Thriller/Romance)
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Satire/Thriller)
波動の法則 (Law of Waves) by Ikuro Adachi (Spiritual)
Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon by Reese Witherspoon & Harlan Coben (Thriller)
Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (Thriller) anything written by Harlan Coben (Mystery/Thriller)
The poll for the August newsletter is available on Dayforce Hub!
You can also CLICK HERE to access the poll!
Summit Quickly Travel:
Tax Reform Impacts on Corporate Tourism
Quickly Travel - Commercial & Marketing
The Summit Quickly Travel kicked off its 2026 agenda in São Paulo with a vital debate on the impacts of the Tax Reform for the tourism, events, and corporate travel sectors. The meeting gathered 31 professionals to discuss the changes that will shape the market in the coming years. Technical guidance was led by Juliana Porchat de Assis and Eric Nagamine, specialists from FAS Advogados. They detailed the transition to the dual VAT model, which will replace taxes such as ICMS, PIS, Cofins, and ISS, as well as the creation of the Selective Tax. This implementation will be gradual, with the transition period lasting until 2033. Our role was to facilitate access to strategic information, helping our partners anticipate scenarios and make secure decisions in the face of legislative changes.
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