Senior Consultant / Director, Health Tourism Research Institute
Kanae Usui
Kanae Usui
She conducts surveys and research on the physical and mental health benefits of travel. Her work primarily focuses on developing healthcare programs that leverage local resources and supporting healthcare-related initiatives led by government agencies.
専門領域
経歴
She graduated from Waseda University in 2001 with a major in psychology. She is a Certified Health and Fitness Instructor accredited by the Health and Physical Fitness Foundation and a Certified Hot Spring Therapy Instructor accredited by the Japan Health Development Foundation.
After working as a therapist specializing in natural therapies, particularly thalassotherapy, and later at a consulting firm, she joined the Health Tourism Research Institute in 2007.
While involved in medical tourism operations, she also contributed to initiatives such as the Health Tourism Quality Assessment Project, helping to establish the Health Tourism Certification System.
More recently, she has been engaged in projects related to COVID-19 countermeasures in the tourism industry and the promotion of workation initiatives.
主な要職・公職
- Shizuoka Prefecture Wellness Project Advisor2025
- Tokushima Prefecture Healthcare Business Support Advisor2022–2023
- Lecturer in Introduction to Health Tourism, University of the Ryukyus2018–2020
プロジェクト実績
主な実績
- Survey on Revitalizing Hot Spring Resorts by Leveraging Hot Spring Resources (Ministry of the Environment / 2017)
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare2025年FY 2025 Health Promotion and Other Programs for the Elderly
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
2025年
FY 2025 Health Promotion and Other Programs for the Elderly
A Research Project on the Design of Events to Promote Social Participation Among Older Adults Through Sports and Cultural Activities
- Senior Consultant / Director, Health Tourism Research InstituteKanae Usui
- Associate Senior ConsultantKaoru Onodera
Aichi Prefecture2025年Survey on the Creation of a Forest Service Industry as Part of the FY2025 Higashi-Mikawa Revitalization Vision 2030 Priority Projects
Aichi Prefecture
2025年
Survey on the Creation of a Forest Service Industry as Part of the FY2025 Higashi-Mikawa Revitalization Vision 2030 Priority Projects
With the aim of creating a service industry that leverages forest spaces in the Higashi-Mikawa region, we refined existing model plans, developed new ones, provided human resource development, and offered business support to local operators. In addition, we worked to attract visitors through the creation of promotional materials, participation in events, and test tours, thereby contributing to the self-sustainability of local businesses and the establishment and expansion of the forest service industry.
- Senior Consultant / Director, Health Tourism Research InstituteKanae Usui
Ministry of the Environment2025年Reiwa 7 FY: Nikko National Park Enjoyment Project—Formulation of the Next Step-Up Program and Related Tasks
Ministry of the Environment
2025年
Reiwa 7 FY: Nikko National Park Enjoyment Project—Formulation of the Next Step-Up Program and Related Tasks
Regarding the initiatives of the “Enjoy Nikko National Park” Project, we summarized the achievements and progress of the Step-Up Program 2025 and, through repeated consultations with stakeholders, formulated the next Step-Up Program 2030. We established quantitative and qualitative goals and evaluation metrics, and clarified future policies aimed at strengthening collaboration between the local community and businesses and enhancing the value of the national park.
- Director, Regional Consulting Co-creation DepartmentTatsunobu Hashimoto
- Senior Consultant / Director, Health Tourism Research InstituteKanae Usui
Ministry of the Environment2025年FY 2025 Project to Establish an Adventure Travel Reception System Centered on the Tokunoshima World Heritage Center
Ministry of the Environment
2025年
FY 2025 Project to Establish an Adventure Travel Reception System Centered on the Tokunoshima World Heritage Center
An initiative to establish an infrastructure for hosting adventure travel (AT) with the Tokunoshima World Heritage Center as its base. Through collaboration with local businesses and experts, we refined tours that allow visitors to experience stories unique to Tokunoshima and developed new content.
- Director, Regional Consulting Co-creation DepartmentTatsunobu Hashimoto
- Senior Consultant / Director, Health Tourism Research InstituteKanae Usui
Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture2025年FY 2025 Minamata Onsen Promotion Project
Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture
2025年
FY 2025 Minamata Onsen Promotion Project
In preparation for the launch of the "Sports × Hot Springs" recovery program—which combines Minamata’s hot spring resources with sports—we expanded the program’s content, conducted test tours, and explored ways to establish a sales infrastructure. Based on expert advice, we developed a model plan designed to enhance the program’s value for physical and mental recovery.
- Director, Regional Consulting Co-creation DepartmentTatsunobu Hashimoto
- Senior Consultant / Director, Health Tourism Research InstituteKanae Usui
Forestry Agency2024年FY 2024 Forest Content Development and Promotion Project
Forestry Agency
2024年
FY 2024 Forest Content Development and Promotion Project
This initiative aims to revitalize mountain villages by promoting the forest service industry—which views forest resources not merely as a source for the timber industry but as "forest spaces" to be utilized across various sectors such as health, tourism, and education. To facilitate partnerships between mountain villages and companies or organizations interested in utilizing forest-based content, the initiative produces informational brochures and videos, evaluates the effectiveness of participating companies, and hosts forums.
- Senior Consultant / Director, Health Tourism Research InstituteKanae Usui
執筆コラム
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Public Relations, Corporate Planning Department
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