Japanese and Peruvian traditions meet around a community table as tourist guides celebrate friendship, culture and the journey toward Peru 2028

On September 3, 2026, approximately 30 tourist guides gathered in a Peruvian backyard in the Washington, D.C. area to welcome KiTG host organizers  Mizu Mizutani and Hilo Hanano for an evening of food, culture and friendship.

Hosted by Peruvian-born entrepreneur Mistral Anampa, the potluck celebration brought together Guild guides who had traveled to Japan for the 2026 WFTGA Convention as well as those looking forward to future journeys to WFTGA Conventions . The theme, “When Sushi Meets Ceviche,” captured the spirit of the evening: different cultures coming together around one community table.

Among the evening’s highlights was a special  handover between Mizu and Mistral, symbolizing the friendship and cultural exchange connecting Japan, and Peru. Mistral and Ed Movius then delighted the guests with La Marinera, Peru’s national dance, offering a lively and graceful “little taste of Peru.”

A particularly meaningful moment was the presentation of a small Freedom Bell by Maricar Donato, Global Brand Ambassador, as a token of peace and friendship. The bell recalled the powerful symbolism of the Peace Bell at Nagasaki Peace Park, which had inspired the message behind the gift: that friendship begins by listening, connecting and building bridges across hope and love.

The evening concluded with a simple message captured in the group photograph, as guides waved and called out in different languages: See you in Peru 2028! 

From Japan 2026, and now toward Peru 2028, the journey continues—one friendship, one story and one community table at a time.

Thank you for sharing this meaningful event with WFTGA. We fondly remember our time in Japan and we look forward to being together again in Peru!