1. Our Consultants
  2. Mayuko Kono
Executive Officer, Regional Engagement and Co-creation

Mayuko Kono

Mayuko Kono
A community-based consultant specializing in tourism strategy development, leveraging local resources and data-driven analysis.
専門領域

経歴

She graduated from the Department of Art History, Faculty of Letters, University of Tokyo in 2000 and joined Eurasia Travel, where she was involved in planning and sales of package tours to countries in the Islamic world, as well as website management. After leaving the company, she enrolled in the Master’s Program in World Heritage Studies at the Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba. Her research focused on cultural tourism initiatives in Nara and Wakayama prefectures, and she completed the program in 2006. She has held her current position since April 2006.

主な要職・公職

  • Member of the Nagasaki Prefecture Comprehensive Plan and Comprehensive Strategy Advisory CommitteeJanuary 2025–March 2032 (tentative)
  • Member of the Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism CouncilFebruary 2015–FY 2025
  • Member of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Expert Panel on Infrastructure TourismFY 2018–FY 2025
  • Member of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Study Group on Making River Basin Flood Control a Personal Concern to Increase the Number of Stakeholders Engaged in River Basin Flood ControlFY 2023
  • Member of the Selection Committee for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s “Handmade Hometown” AwardFY 2018–FY 2023
  • Member of the Cabinet Office Committee on the Development of Guidelines for Evacuation Plans in the Event of Volcanic Eruptions, etc.FY 2015–FY 2022
  • Advisor for the Promotion of the Project for Specified Inhabited Remote Island Regions, Cabinet OfficeFY 2017–FY 2018
  • Member of the Working Group on the Promotion of Volcanic Disaster Prevention Measures, Central Disaster Management Council, Cabinet OfficeFY 2014
  • Member of the External Expert Panel on the Future of the Japan Municipal Property Disaster Mutual Aid Association (Public Interest Incorporated Association) and the Japan Urban Center Hall (Urban Center Hotel)FY 2025
  • Member of the Yamagata Prefecture New Museum Basic Concept Review CommitteeFY 2025
  • Member of the Expert Advisory Committee on the Relocation and Renovation of the Yamagata Prefectural Museum, Yamagata PrefectureFY 2023
  • Member of the Expert Panel on the Formulation of the Basic Plan for the Fukuoka Asian Art MuseumFY 2025
  • Member of the Expert Panel on Enhancing the Appeal of the Fukuoka Asian Art MuseumFY 2024
  • Fukuoka City / Fukuoka City Museum Renovation Planning CommitteeFY 2021–FY 2023
  • Member of the Nagasaki City Tourism and MICE Promotion CouncilAugust 2020–FY 2025
  • Member of the Nagasaki Prefecture Committee on Measures for Revitalizing Communities, People, and JobsFY 2019–FY 2025
  • Special Committee Member, Nagasaki Prefecture “History of Nagasaki” Value Assessment Study GroupFY 2023
  • Member of the (Provisional Name) Shinshu Michi Vision Study Group, Nagano PrefectureFY 2017 and FY 2023
  • Member of the Tokushima Prefectural Museum Council, Tokushima PrefectureFY 2019
  • Member of the Shizuoka Prefecture Tourism Development Basic Plan Formulation Advisory CommitteeFY 2017
  • Advisor to the Expert Committee on the Utilization of Hirosaki City’s Scenic ResourcesFY 2017

プロジェクト実績

担当プロジェクト

Kiyose City Tourism Association
2025年

Shin Kiyose: Contract for the Tourism Vision Formulation Project

Support for the development of a tourism vision to coincide with the establishment of the Kiyose City Tourism Association, and the conduct of a tourism trends survey in connection with this

Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture
2025年

Development of the Yurihonjo City Tourism Promotion Plan

Support Services for the Revision of the Tourism Promotion Plan in Yurihonjo City

2025年

Hotel Survey Services for Mountain Resorts

Providing advice on facility planning and concepts, as well as support for the development of business plans for hotel projects at mountain resorts

2025年

Hotel Research Services for Beach Resorts

Providing advice on the feasibility of plans and product strategies for hotel development at beach resorts

2025年

Feasibility Study for a Luxury Hotel on the Beachfront

Analysis and recommendations regarding the feasibility of a hotel development project on the beachfront

Cabinet Office
2025年

Survey on the Behavior and Attitudes of Residents and Visitors in Designated Inhabited Remote Island Areas

We conducted a survey to examine the utilization status, outcomes, and perceived value of the Remote Island Revitalization Grant aimed at revitalizing remote islands near national borders, with the goal of verifying its effectiveness and making recommendations for improving the program’s future structure. We conducted a questionnaire survey targeting three categories—residents, quasi-residents, and visitors—on three remote island shipping routes, as well as interviews with local governments in the target areas regarding the effectiveness and challenges of existing programs.

  • Executive Officer, Regional Engagement and Co-creationMayuko Kono

執筆・メディア出演・講演等

The Complete Works of Tourism Studies, Vol. 6: "The Theory of the Tourism Industry" (co-authored)

Hara Shobo March 2015
Volume 6 of the series (the fourth installment) analyzes the structure and current state of the tourism industry. Featuring contributions from practitioners and experts in the accommodation, transportation, travel, and other tourism-related sectors, this volume provides an in-depth look at each industry—from its historical development to market trends, industry structure, and future challenges.

2026年

Lecture
Special Lecture, Graduate School of Risk Management, Nihon University
July 9, 2026
Protecting Tourists and Revitalizing Tourism: The Significance and Practice of All-Hazards Tourism Crisis Management

2025年

Lecture
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
November 7, 2025
FY 2025 2nd Water Source Region Future Conference: "Toward the Expansion of Infrastructure Tourism: Key Points for Building Systems and Promoting Attractions, as Seen in Case Studies"
Lecture
Hosei University Center for Regional Studies
September 13, 2025
Community Development Symposium: "The Future of Regional Management and the Role of the Tourism Industry"

2024年

Lecture
Konan City Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)
September 17, 2024
Konan City Tourism Project 2024 Workshop: "Toward the Utilization of Historical and Cultural Resources for Tourism"
Lecture
Kanagawa Prefecture Tourism Promotion Council: Tourism Crisis Management Workshop
June 6, 2024
"Toward Strengthening Tourism Crisis Management Systems in Preparation for Natural Disasters"
Lecture
Hokkaido Oshima Regional Development Bureau
March 14, 2024
Seikan Region Forum × Jomon Forum: "Toward the Utilization of Historical and Cultural Resources for Tourism"
Lecture
Japan Heritage: Let's Go to Kamakura Council
January 22, 2024
Japan Heritage "Let's Go to Kamakura" Symposium
: "Discover Japan Heritage and Rediscover Kamakura—Kamakura's Charm and Innovation: More Than Just an 'Ancient Capital'"

2023年

Lecture
Tokushima Prefecture: Training Program for Cultural and Tourism Promotion Coordinators
September 27, 2023
"Reflecting on Sustainability at Tokushima Prefectural Culture Forest Comprehensive Park"
Lecture
Kochi Prefectural Council of the Alliance for the Promotion of Road Improvement
May 15, 2023
FY 2023 Kochi Prefecture Conference on Promoting Road Improvement: "Tourism, Vitality, and Roads—The Role of Roads in Regional Management"
Cast
Nikkei Special "News in 60 Seconds" / TV Tokyo
May 3, 2023
An Overview of Infrastructure Tourism

2022年

Lecture
Tokushima Prefecture
December 13, 2022
Tokushima Prefecture: Training Program for Cultural and Tourism Promotion Coordinators—“Utilizing Cultural Resources for Tourism”
Lecture
Tochigi Prefecture Tourism and Local Products Association
December 9, 2022
FY 2022 Tourism Industry Workforce Development Program: "Strategic Marketing and Promotion"
Lecture
Japan Road Association (Public Interest Incorporated Association)
December 1, 2022
FY2022 3rd Session (34th Overall) Road Engineering Study Group: "Tourism and Roads: The Role of Roads in Regional Management"
Lecture
Tohoku University Volcanology Research Human Resources Development Consortium
October 31, 2022
FY 2022 Special Seminar on Volcanic Disaster Prevention: "Volcanoes, Tourism, and Disaster Prevention" – Toward Strengthening Tourism Crisis Management Systems in Preparation for Natural Disasters –
Writing
Promoting Regional Revitalization: Unlocking the Full Potential of Tourism Resources—Foreword: “Infrastructure Is a Filter That Changes How We View the World”
Interview
Japan Road Association (Public Interest Incorporated Association)
August 2022
Monthly Magazine "Roads," August 2022 Issue: Lead Interview "Tourism and Roads: Rediscovering the True Appeal of 'Roads'"
Lecture
Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Federation (Public Interest Incorporated Association)
July 15, 2022
Tourism Risk Management Training: "Let's Start Tomorrow: Crisis Management for Your Facility and Community"

2021年

Lecture
National Institute of Local Government Administration
December 6, 2021; February 8, 2022; June 28, 2022; August 10, 2022; December 5, 2022; August 10, 2023
Lecture on "Promoting Tourism through the Utilization of Local Historical and Cultural Heritage"
Lecture
Wellness Tourism Training Course 2021 / Shiga University
September 1, 2021
Tourism Crisis Management: Start Tomorrow and Keep It Up
Writing
The Society for Cultural Resources Studies, *Journal of Cultural Resources Studies*, Vol. 19 (FY 2020), Special Issue: “The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Arts”
Published on June 30, 2021
The Reality of "Travel Experienced Through the Five Senses" in the New Normal Era
Lecture
Specialized Course in Infrastructure Tourism / National Land and Transport College
July 15, 2021; July 5, 2022; July 4, 2023; July 9, 2024
How to Create Value in "Viewing," "Learning," and "Gathering" for Infrastructure

2020年

Cast
Viewpoints and Issues / NHK
December 8, 9, and 29, 2020
The Amabie Craze and the Value of "Folklore"
Lecture
FY 2020 Specialized Course: Telecommunications Training / National Land and Transport College
December 3, 2020
Disaster Preparedness and Folklore: Unleashing the Power of Imagination

2019年

Lecture
The 143rd Environmental Salon / Center for Environmental Information Science (General Incorporated Association)
December 10, 2019
Strengthening Local Tourism Crisis Management Systems: What Can You Do to Promote Mutual Aid During Disasters?
Lecture
2019 Founding Anniversary Public Lecture / Iwaki Association of Corporate Executives
November 18, 2019
Toward Increasing Visitor Numbers by Leveraging Iwaki’s Potential: Building a City Where Residents and Visitors Coexist 20 Years from Now
Lecture
Inbound Seminar / Tochigi Prefecture
August 21, 2019
Toward Strengthening Crisis Management Systems for International Visitors to Japan
Cast
Good Morning Japan / NHK News
August 17, 2019
Special Feature: "Fireworks Festival Cancellations: What Are the Challenges for Local Communities?"

2018年

Lecture
Lecture on Inbound Tourism / Miyagi Prefecture Eastern Regional Development Office
January 9, 2018
Revitalizing Local Communities Through Inbound Tourism! ~An Era Where Foreign Visitors Explore Shrines, Savor Sake, and Shop for Local Produce in Japan~
Moderator
"Symposium on Capital City Disaster Preparedness and Religious Facilities"—The Role of Religious Facilities in Preparing for Large-Scale Disasters—/Tokyo Federation of Religious Organizations
December 7, 2018
Panel Discussion: "The Role of Religious Facilities During Major Disasters"
Lecture
"Symposium on Capital City Disaster Prevention and Religious Facilities"—The Role of Religious Facilities in Preparing for Large-Scale Disasters—/Tokyo Federation of Religious Organizations
December 7, 2018
"Current Status of Reception Systems at Religious Facilities in Tokyo During Normal Times and Disasters"
Writing
Expressways and Automobiles / Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Expressway Research Association
October 2018 Issue
Essay: “From ‘Roads’ as a Function to ‘Roads’ as a Resource for Expressing the Community”
Lecture
Inbound Crisis Management Seminar / Aomori Prefecture (Hachinohe, Aomori, Hirosaki, Mutsu)
September 10–13, 2018
"Toward Strengthening Crisis Management Systems for International Visitors to Japan" ~ Initial Response to Disasters and Personal Emergencies Such as Injuries and Illnesses ~
Lecture
The 4th Cultural Property Conservation and Restoration Technology Exhibition: Special Lecture / Japan Management Association (JMA)
July 20, 2018
Regional Challenges and Future Prospects for the Use of Cultural Properties in Tourism
Lecture
Purification and Training Association / Tohoku Six Prefectures Shinto Youth Council
June 5, 2018
Balancing the Cutting Edge with Timeless Essence: The Potential of Temple and Shrine Tourism
Conversation
Research Newsletter "Ad Studies" Vol. 63, Spring 2018
March 25, 2018
Special Feature: The Future of Learning and Museums—"What Is Expected of Museums Today"

2017年

Lecture
Aomori Prefecture Tourism Crisis Management Seminar / Aomori Prefecture, Aomori Prefecture Tourism Federation (Public Interest Incorporated Association)
November 24, 2017
Toward Enhancing Regional Branding Through Tourism Crisis Management Measures
Facilitator
TOKYO Inbound Seminar / Tokyo Metropolitan Government
October 13, 2017
Panel Discussion: "Strategies for Enhancing Value and Differentiation in the Accommodation Industry Amid the Growth of Vacation Rentals"
Lecture
Workshop on Improving the Inbound Tourism Reception Environment / Aomori Prefecture
September 11, 2017 (Mutsu City) and September 12, 2017 (Hachinohe City)
5 Key Points to Understand for the Development of Inbound Tourism in Aomori Prefecture
Lecture
"The 3rd Exhibition on Cultural Property Conservation and Restoration Technologies" Special Lecture / Japan Management Association (JMA)
July 21, 2017
Special Lecture at the "3rd Exhibition on Cultural Property Conservation and Restoration Technologies"
Panelist
The 30th National Institute for the Humanities Symposium: "Japanese Culture Across the Seas: Reflecting on Its Value and Applications" / National Institute for the Humanities
June 3, 2017
Toward Enhancing Regional Brand Power Through Tourism Crisis Management Measures
Cast
"Preview! Evening News" / NHK Radio 1
May 31, 2017
Evening Hot Talk: "The Current State and Challenges of World Heritage Sites" – What Are the "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Regions"? –
Panelist
2017 FY Annual General Meeting Symposium: "Natural Disasters: What Can Tourism Do?" / Japan Society for Tourism Studies
May 27, 2017
One strategy for leveraging Japan’s international ties in the tourism sector
Lecture
The 38th Shinto Priest Research Conference / Fukushima Prefectural Shinto Shrine Association
May 11, 2017
Future Prospects for Shrine Tourism
Lecture
Miyazaki Disaster Prevention Personnel Training Workshop: FY2016 Miyazaki Prefecture Tourism Crisis Management Seminar / Miyazaki Prefecture
March 27, 2017
Enhancing Regional Resilience Through Tourism Crisis Management Measures
Lecture
Committee on Cultural Traditions / Liberal Democratic Party
March 9, 2017
Utilizing Cultural Resources for Tourism in the “Post-2020” Era
Lecture
Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Marketing Seminar / Nagasaki Prefecture, National University Corporation Nagasaki University ICT Infrastructure Center
March 7–8, 2017
Developing Tourism Destinations from a Marketing Perspective
Lecture
Seminar on Utilizing Tourism Resources / Nagasaki Regional Employment Creation Council
March 6, 2017
Methods for Utilizing World Heritage Sites and Tourist Resources
Lecture
General Assembly of the Federation of Shinto Shrine Associations of Tokyo and Seven Prefectures / Tokyo Shinto Shrine Association
February 20, 2017
Community Revitalization Centered on Shrines
Lecture
Tourism Business Management Seminar / Aomori Prefecture
February 3, 2017
Developing Tourism Destinations from a Regional Management Perspective
Lecture
The 115th Regular Meeting of the Eishokukai / Eishokukai
January 30, 2017
The Future Potential of Shrine Tourism
Lecture
Symposium on Enhancing Regional Disaster Preparedness / National Fire Agency, Mie Prefecture, Shima City, Mie Prefecture Fire Association
January 29, 2017
Disaster Preparedness from a Tourism Perspective

Connect with Us

JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co.

Public Relations, Corporate Planning Department

105-7106 Japan 1-5-2 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo6F Shiodome City Center,