Report: Universal Tourism Symposium 'Tabi wa Michizure, Yowa no Tane'

On November 7, 2024 (Thursday), the universal tourism symposium "Tabi wa Michizure, Yowa no Tane" (旅は道づれ 余話のたね, roughly "Travel with Companions, Seeds of New Stories") was held for the first time at SCC Sendagaya Community Center (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo). People with disabilities, tourism operators, and specialists took the stage to discuss the challenges and possibilities of travel that everyone can enjoy regardless of disability or age.

The event was organized by MinQ, a civic project promoting universal tourism. ISVD participated as a cooperating organization.

Opening (18:00--18:10)

MC Kenta Furuya opened the event, followed by MinQ Project Manager Mayumi Terada and Yusuke Terada, who shared their vision: "We want to create a society where exciting outings are the norm for everyone."

Part 1: About the MinQ Project (18:10--18:30)

Yusuke Terada, a wheelchair-using YouTuber, spoke about the potential of universal tourism based on his own experiences.

"Going out increases the chance encounters in life. Those encounters create connections and shape the future."

Part 2: Panel Discussion — Universal Tourism in Japan (18:30--19:10)

Drawing on the lived experiences of wheelchair users and people with hearing impairments, tourism operators and specialists engaged in discussion.

Panelists:

• Akira Muramatsu (Achi Hirugami Tourism Bureau)
• Koki Hayashi (YouTuber, "Main High Channel")
• Nancho Usagi (influencer)
• Hiroyuki Yokota (Airbnb Japan)
• Tomohiro Fuchiyama (Universal Tourism Advisor)

"Lack of information" and "barriers of awareness" were identified as shared challenges, reinforcing the importance of connecting people with disabilities and service providers.

Part 3: Travel for People with Visual Impairments (19:30--20:00)

This session focused on travel for people with visual impairments, with speakers sharing support methods and personal experiences.

Speakers:

• Taku Miyake (ophthalmologist and occupational physician)
• Ryuta Hanzawa (Dialogue in the Dark)
• Makoto Ishizuka (photographer)
• Tomohiro Fuchiyama (Universal Tourism Advisor)

New ways of enjoying travel through sound and touch were introduced, drawing strong interest from the audience.

Networking Session (20:00--20:50)

The latter half featured open networking time for speakers and participants. Photo sessions and instant photo (Cheki) opportunities were offered, creating a space for attendees to connect over universal tourism.

ISVD participated as a cooperating organization, handling design direction and spatial production for the symposium. Under the concept of "making social themes pop," ISVD was responsible for the overall art direction, production of event T-shirts and photo booths, and venue design. The aim was to present the specialized topic of universal tourism in an approachable atmosphere accessible to newcomers.

MinQ's activities were covered by several media outlets around the time of the symposium:

• October 17, 2024: abn Nagano Asahi Broadcasting aired a feature on MinQ's activities
• November 20, 2024: TV Shinshu "news every." broadcast an in-depth report on the MinQ project
• December 7, 2024: NHK "Dodododo! Shinshu Ichioshi" featured Yusuke Terada's universal tourism coverage in Achi Village
• December 18, 2024: NHK "Shutoken NEWS" broadcast the same content for the Tokyo metropolitan area

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