[Organized by Okinawa Prefecture] Attracting Inbound Tourists from English-Speaking Countries! Training on the Latest Global Examples of Elopement and Couple Anniversary Tourism
Attract Inbound Tourists from English-Speaking Countries! The Latest Global Examples of Elopements and Training on Anniversary Tourism for Couples (audio:Japanese/The first step is to create a new account.）
Domestic Reception System for the Reiwa 7 Couple Anniversary Tourism Project (Domestic Demand Stabilization Project)
will be held under this framework. As part of measures to strengthen our reception capabilities, we will hold training sessions and other events to provide valuable information and thereby enhance our reception capabilities.
This seminar is designed to strengthen sales of Okinawa resort weddings. It will introduce value-added examples to Okinawa resort wedding planners, as well as content and case studies related to experiential value, to help them better market these services to clients.
[Program Overview]
1. Date and Time: August 1, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
2. Venue
Location: Okinawa Industrial Support Center, Conference Room (Small) 306
Online https://bit.ly/2EOi4vH
Zoom Meeting ID: 82112402198
Passcode: 2471○
3. Eligible Participants
This event is open to anyone involved in the Okinawa resort wedding and couples' anniversary tourism industries, as well as anyone else who is interested.
4. Tuition: Free
5. Application Deadline
July 29, Reiwa 7
▶ Registration:https://forms.gle/cdZYXHX2cjdUeuvaA
Training Content:
- What Is an “Elopement”? Learning Through Real-World Examples from Around the World
– We showcase examples of “intimate weddings for just the two of you”—a popular trend in Las Vegas, Europe, Bali, Hawaii, and other destinations—through videos and photos.
– Why is elopement gaining popularity right now? We explore the background and values behind this trend. - Relationship to Couples' Anniversary Tourism
– Here are some examples of “anniversary-wedding” elopements that can be held in Okinawa.
– Tips for creating experiential proposals tailored to life events such as honeymoons, marriage proposals, and vow renewals. - Check out the latest video on 2025 wedding and elopement trends!
– Study “trendy” styling and design by watching Reels and short videos posted by international influencers.
– Analyzing Production Techniques That Resonate with Gen Z and Millennials! - “Learn What ”Cool” Means! An Explanation of Visual Styles Popular in English-Speaking Countries
– What are these “sophisticated weddings for adults” that are popular in English-speaking countries like?
– Explains the key elements for creating Instagram-worthy photos, including photography techniques, props, locations, and color coordination. - Strategies and Tips for Attracting Inbound Couples from English-Speaking Countries
– The Importance of Social Media, Video, and Storytelling
– How to Convey “Peace of Mind, Exclusivity, and Luxury” to High-Spending Customers – What Does Globally-Minded Customer Service and Content Design Entail?
＊＊＊＊＊Training Outcomes＊＊＊＊＊＊
We can consider the following: ✅ Why is it appealing? (From the staff’s perspective)
- Seeing "the world's cutting edge" = refreshing your sensibilities
I get to experience cool weddings and wedding concepts from around the world that I wouldn't normally encounter in my day-to-day work.
It really resonates with young professionals who worry, “Is my sense of style outdated?”
It’s especially visually stimulating for the film crew, hair and makeup artists, and stylists**! - “Elopement” Becomes a New Weapon
People tend to think that an elopement means “no big wedding = fewer opportunities,” but…
→ On the other hand, knowing that it involves “a small number of customers with high-value orders” and “a high degree of flexibility” broadens your range of customer service options and boosts your motivation.
Since it can also be applied to proposals for couples' anniversaries, it resonates with frontline staff as a "way to boost sales." - Gaining insight into the perspective of English-speaking inbound travelers = increasing your career value
As opportunities to interact with international customers increase, → understanding “how to interact with them” and “what goes over well” is a major asset. Mid-level staff members who are focused on advancing their careers are particularly likely to realize, “Knowing this is really useful!”
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▶ Registration:https://forms.gle/cdZYXHX2cjdUeuvaA
✅ Profile of Mie Watanabe
BEyond Weddings & Events, Owner & International Wedding Planner
A wedding planner based in Kyoto who organizes destination weddings throughout Japan. After studying International Culture and Contemporary American Studies at Tezukayama Gakuin University and gaining extensive experience at Watabe Wedding, she founded "BEyond Weddings & Events" in 2017. Specializing in intimate weddings, elopements, vow renewals, and proposal productions, she excels at “creating ceremonies that reflect the couple’s unique personalities and leave a lasting impression.” She is also highly proficient in English and offers planning and translation support for international visitors to Japan. She welcomes planning requests not only in Kyoto but nationwide, from Hokkaido to Okinawa.
Previous Employer: Watabe Wedding
University: Tezukayama Gakuin University, International Culture, Contemporary American Studies
BEyond Weddings & Events' Services:
Destination weddings, intimate weddings, elopements, vow renewals, proposal staging, and English translation support during the planning process
Based in Kyoto
We offer planning services throughout Japan!
Business Activities
https://www.beyondweddings.jp/japanese
Summary of Service Areas and Features
Base: Kyoto City
Service Area: Nationwide (including Okinawa, Hokkaido, and remote islands)
Language Support: Bilingual Support (Japanese and English)
Services Offered: Destination Weddings / Elopements / Vow Renewals / Proposal Planning / Interpretation Services Available
Career: After working at Watabe Wedding, I started my own business in 2017.
Organizer: Okinawa Prefecture