Host Welcome | Hokkaido Airports

Transcript

Masaki Yamazaki:Thank you, Mr. President. Today, I would like to share one clear message. Hokkaido is ready to become a new global growth market. For a long time, Hokkaido has been Japan's frontier. People from all across Japan came here. Investments followed, and Hokkaido developed as a land of opportunity, discovery, and new beginnings. Moreover, for Japanese people, Hokkaido has also long been the place many Japanese aspire to visit. In fact, Hokkaido has consistently ranked number 1 as the prefecture Japanese people most admire, and it has also remained Japan's number 1 domestic tourist destination. But why? Hokkaido offers something truly unique It is famous for its snow, a place where world-class powder snow falls all the way down to the coast, while a major Japanese city of 2 million people, Sapporo, lives right there. But it is far more than a winter destination. From mountains and forests to rivers, lakes, and coastline, nature offers experiences Throughout the year. And then there is food— seafood, agriculture, and dairy. Hokkaido is one of Japan's leading food-producing regions. For example, Hokkaido is surrounded by 3 different seas, each producing distinct seafood, unique flavors, and different culinary experiences throughout the year. As the season changes, So do the ingredients. That is why sushi in Hokkaido is unlike sushi anywhere else in Japan. This combination of nature, food culture, and urban life makes Hokkaido unlike anywhere else in the world. And now, Hokkaido is ready for its next chapter. Hokkaido is no longer only Japan's frontier. It is becoming the world's new frontier. Not only for Japanese travelers, not only for Asia, but travelers, businesses, and investors from around the world. As Hokkaido enters next phase of growth, Hokkaido Airports will play a crucial role. We operate 7 airports across the region, but we do not see them as 7 separate facilities. We see them as one Hokkaido, 7 global gateways. Each gateway opens the door to a different part of Hokkaido. Our objective is not simply to grow each airport individually. Our objective is to grow Hokkaido as a whole. Our visitors— more visitors, longer stays, more reasons to return, and ultimately stronger connectivity and aviation demand. A significant shift is now underway. Asia remains essential, but Hokkaido is increasingly connecting with markets in Australia, New Zealand, and North America. This is more than simply adding new routes. It means the market for Hokkaido itself is expanding, and this is where we see the next great opportunity to open Hokkaido to the world. As a gateway to Hokkaido and supporting Japan's northern frontier, Hokkaido Airport is ready to play that role. Furthermore, we do not want to be an airport operator, that simply asks airlines to fly here. We want to be a strategic partner for growth. New routes cannot be created by airlines alone, or of course airports alone. We must work together with airlines, tourism organizations, local communities, and businesses to create new demand. Let me return to my main message. Now Hokkaido is ready to become the world's new frontier, a destination of choice not only for Japanese and Asian travelers, but for people from around the world. Hokkaido still has tremendous untapped potential. Through our 7 Global Northern Gateways, we want to connect that potential to the world. Hokkaido Airports is ready to grow together with all of you through new routes, new travelers, new business opportunities, and new growth. We look forward to writing the next chapter of Hokkaido's growth with you. Thank you very much. Thank you, John.

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