Meet Your Hosts
A Convention by Guides, for Guides
The first-ever international tourist guide convention in Japan – created by guides, shaped by guides, and experienced through the eyes of those who know their region best.
This Convention is not a standard tourism product. It’s a living, breathing event designed by professionals who open doors that remain closed to the ordinary visitor. Thanks to the local network and expertise of our guide community, you’ll experience hidden corners, behind-the-scenes access, and deeply personal encounters – the kind of moments that can’t be booked from a catalogue.
But this is more than a guided experience. It is a mutual learning journey. The host team of K-iTG (Kyushu Association of Interpreters, Translators and Guide-Interpreters) has spent months preparing the programme – and in doing so, they’ve gained new skills, new insights, and a new global perspective.
They are not just organisers – they are your future friends, colleagues and co-learners.
🎓 What We Learned – The Lasting Impact of Hosting
Being the Host Committee of the WFTGA Convention 2026 has been a transformative journey for our entire team. Through the guidance and collaboration with WFTGA trainers and international colleagues, we’ve gained not only inspiration but also practical, professional development that will shape our work for years to come.
Thanks to WFTGA’s support, we were able to take part in:
- A language training programme, improving our ability to guide in English and connect globally
- Hands-on workshops on tour design and dramaturgy, learning how to craft tours that are emotionally engaging and culturally meaningful
- Advanced sessions on core guiding skills – from storytelling and group management to sustainability and risk awareness
- Best practice exchange with guides from all over the world – helping us see our own city through new eyes
This experience has empowered us not only as individuals, but as a community of professionals. Hosting a WFTGA Convention is more than an event – it leaves a sustainable legacy by building local capacity, strengthening networks, and raising the standard of guiding for the entire region.
We are proud to share what we’ve learned – and even prouder to continue learning with you.
🤝 A Personal Invitation from the Host Committee
“Make Your Dream Come True” – and join us in beautiful Fukuoka, Japan.
We are honoured to welcome tourist guides from across the globe to our city.
We want you to see our home the way we see it – through connection, insight and pride.
Let’s become ‘Fukuoka Ambassadors’ together!”
Chair of Convention Team
🏯 About the Host Association:
K-iTG
The Kyushu Association of Interpreters, Translators and Guide-Interpreters (K-iTG) was established in 2018 and became the first officially registered training institution for tourist guides in Japan, accredited by the Japan Tourism Agency.
Based in Fukuoka, K-iTG provides regular training for national-licensed interpreter-guides, both virtually and in person. Programmes include seminars on history, culture, risk management, culinary topics such as Japanese sake, and advanced language interpreting skills.
By hosting this Convention, they not only aim to present their hometown with pride – but to learn, grow and evolve as professionals on the world stage.
The Team behind the scene
Admin
Total planning / Coordination, Decision making / Approval, Contact with WFTGA ExBO, Operational management
Members of admin task force:
Sam, Mizu, Hilo, Mitchy, Soichi, Izumi, Miyo, Sallie, Marika, Natsu + Dept Heads
Sam Takashima
Mizu Mizutani
Finance
Budget management, Package pricing,
Tresurer (Bank Account Activity,Billing, Payment)
Members of finance task force:
Hilo, Izumi, Sara, Soichi, Izumi + K-iTG-office
Hiroaki (Hilo) Hanano
Izumi Shimada
Public Relations,
Funding
Negotiation with National / Local Supporters,
Funding (Subvention, Sponsor, Advertising provider)
Members of public relations, funding task force:
Sam, Mizu, Hilo, Mneo, Sara, Teddy, Akio, Takashi
Mneo Wakabayashi
Hiroaki (Hilo) Hanano
Human Resources
Members of human resources task force:
Kay, Soichi, Kate, Izumi, Akiko, June
Kaoru (Kay) Shibata
Junko (June) Furukawa
Marketing / PR
WFTGA Newsletters(6),
SNS, Website, Local Media (Press Release)
Members of marketing / pr task force:
Kazumi, Sara, Mneo, Mitchy, Akiko, Mizu, Miki, Rie, Akio
Kazumi Letessier
Michiko (Mitchy) Ichihara
Program
Program managiment (Slotting, Presenters’ issue),
Legacy Program, Workshop, Spouse program
Members of program task force:
Miyo, Sallie, Suzuki, Mitchy, June, Kate, Akiko
Michiko (Mitchy) Ichihara
Noriko (Suzu) Suzuki
Registrations,
Participants affairs
Registration procedure (inc. Registration System), Guest Inquiry Serrvice, Visa support
Listing of the Participants,
Hospitality Desk & Onsite Registration Desk
Members of registrations,
participants affairs task force:
Kay, Soichi, Kate, Izumi, Akiko + K-iTG Office
Soichi Tatsuzato
Kyoko (Kate) Katayama
Accommodations,
F&B, Gala Dinner
Hotel management (Booking, Contract, Allotment), Arrangement of Catering & Meals (Tea Breaks, Lunch, Welcome Cocktail, Casual Dinner, GALA Dinner, etc.)
Members of accommodations,
F&B, gala dinner task force:
Soichi, Mitchy, Miyo, Sallie, Marika, Izumi, Akiko
Izumi Shimada
Akiko Nakagami
Venue, Materials, Outsourcing
Venue arrangement (Decorations, AV Supply), Materials for participants (Printing, Digital distribution), Technologies (Hybrid System, Innovative tools)
Members of venue, materials, outsourcing task force:
Soichi, Mitchy, Miyo, Sallie, Izumi, Akiko, Marika
Izumi Shimada
Miyoko (Miyo) Aizawa
Tours & Transportation
Planning, Budgeting & Arrangement of Tours (City Tour, Pre/Post-Tour, Spouse program) & Transportation
Members of venue, tours & transportation task force:
Suzuki, Mitchy, Sara, June, Akiko + K-iTG Branch Managers
Chie (Sara) Hoashi
Junko (June) Furukawa
Contingency
Insurance, Medic, Security
Members of contingency task force:
Hilo, Kay, Soichi, Kate
Hiroaki (Hilo) Hanano
Soichi Tatsuzato
Natsuko (Natsu) Matsushita
Takashi Hamasaki
