This training is part of the FY2025 Couple Anniversary Tourism Project, under the domestic demand stabilization initiative.
It aims to strengthen Okinawa’s domestic reception system by offering training programs and useful informational sessions.

This seminar is designed to enhance the sales strategies for Okinawa resort weddings by introducing planners to high-value-added case studies, experiential content, and examples they can use to better promote and sell their services to clients.

Event Overview

1. Date and Time: August 1, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

2. Venue:
   Okinawa Industry Support Center, Small Conference Room 306
   Online: Zoom Meeting Link
   Meeting ID: 821 1240 2198
   Passcode: 24711◯

3. Who Should Attend:
   Open to anyone involved in Okinawa resort weddings or couple anniversary tourism, or anyone interested in these topics.

4. Fee: Free

5. Application Deadline: July 29, 2025
   ▶ Apply here: https://forms.gle/cdZYXHX2cjdUeuvaA

Training Content

What is “Elopement”? Learning through Global Case Studies
– Explore intimate “just the two of us” weddings popular in Las Vegas, Europe, Bali, and Hawaii through videos and images.
– Understand the values and reasons behind the growing popularity of elopements.

Elopement and Its Connection to Couple Anniversary Tourism
– Discover elopement case studies that combine weddings and anniversaries in Okinawa.
– Get inspired by experiential ideas for life events like honeymoons, proposals, and vow renewals.

Check Out the Latest 2025 Trends in Weddings and Elopements
– Review trending reels and short-form videos from international influencers.
– Analyze what resonates with Gen Z and Millennials in terms of style and presentation.

Mastering the “Stylish Look”! Visual Styles Popular in English-Speaking Markets
– What does a “sophisticated adult wedding” look like overseas?
– Learn how to enhance photography, props, locations, and color coordination.

Strategies and Tips to Attract English-Speaking Inbound Couples
– The power of social media, video, and storytelling
– How to communicate “luxury, safety, and exclusivity” to high-spending customers
– What defines globally attuned customer service and content design?

Benefits of This Training

✅ Understand Why It’s Appealing — From a Staff Perspective
– Stay updated with the “world’s cutting edge” trends and boost your own creative sensitivity
– A great opportunity for staff who fear their sense of style is becoming outdated
– Especially impactful for photographers, hair/makeup artists, and coordinators

✅ Elopement as a New Sales Weapon
– While elopements may seem like a threat to big weddings, in fact:
→ Smaller groups mean higher value per client and more creative freedom
– Broadens the scope of services and motivates staff
– Applicable to anniversary proposals, making it a new sales avenue

✅ Understand the English-Speaking Inbound Market
– As interactions with foreign guests increase, knowing “how to serve them” becomes a major advantage
– Especially beneficial for mid-level staff aiming to grow their careers

▶ Apply here: https://forms.gle/cdZYXHX2cjdUeuvaA

Featured Speaker: Mie Watanabe
President of BEyond Weddings & Events | International Wedding Planner

Based in Kyoto, Mie Watanabe is a wedding planner specializing in destination weddings throughout Japan. She studied International Culture and Contemporary America at Tezukayama Gakuin University and gained extensive experience at Watabe Wedding before founding BEyond Weddings & Events in 2017.

She is known for creating intimate and heartfelt ceremonies tailored to each couple, including elopements, vow renewals, and proposal events. Mie is fluent in English and offers bilingual planning and translation support for international clients. She welcomes weddings from Hokkaido to Okinawa, including remote islands.

Profile Summary

• Location: Kyoto, Japan

• Service Area: Nationwide (including Okinawa, Hokkaido, and remote islands)

• Languages: Japanese & English (bilingual)

• Services: Destination weddings, elopements, vow renewals, proposal planning, interpretation

• Career: Formerly at Watabe Wedding; launched BEyond Weddings & Events in 2017

• Website: https://www.beyondweddings.jp/japanese

Organizer: Okinawa Prefecture
Commissioned by: Couple Anniversary Tourism Project Consortium

Consortium Members:

1. Okinawa Resort Wedding Association

2. Ryukyu Kayak Studio Co., Ltd.

3. Bridal House Chuchu Okinawa Co., Ltd.

4. REC Co., Ltd.

5. Good Luck Corporation

6. Okinawa Watabe Wedding Co., Ltd.

7. MARRY MARBLE Co., Ltd.

Contact Information:
〒900-0026 51-2-509, Okuboyama-cho, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
TEL: 050-5810-7835
Email: info@tabi-wedding.com
Contact: Akihiko Uechi