Japan Celebrates 1 Million U.S. Visitors

Dignitaries, suppliers, travel agents and the media came together last month at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles to celebrate a milestone: 2015 was the first time Japan received 1 million American visitors within a calendar year. The event included food prepared by chef Akira Hirose of restaurant Maison Akira and a presentation by Patricia Shultz, author of “1,000 Places to See Before You Die.”

“This is the first year we have reached this important milestone,” said Yoshinobu Ota, executive director of the Japanese National Tourism Organization’s Los Angeles office. “Japan is a unique destination with fascinating elements for tourists including beautiful natural scenery, traditional cultures, futuristic technology and delicious yet healthful food. Japan is always looking forward to welcoming more American tourists with our spirit of hospitality.”

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