Media

HKU students to help promote the recovery of the Japanese tourism industry

23 May 2011

 

Thirteen student members of the University of Hong Kong's Japanese Society, A.A.H.K.U.S.U., will travel to Japan tomorrow (May 24) as part of an initiative to support the country's tourism industry following the deadly March 11 earthquake and tsunami. They will also visit Keio University, Asakusa in Tokyo.

During their five day/four night stay, the students will visit Tokyo and Hokkaido in a bid to encourage visitors to return to areas that, although distant from those impacted by the disaster, have seen tourist numbers plummet. The Japanese Society Chairperson, Ms. Echo Chan Sze Kuen, who is among the thirteen students taking part in the trip, had this to say about the initiative, "This is my first visit to Japan and I feel so excited. We cannot wait to be there. We hope that our example will inspire Hong Kong people to regain confidence in Japan and make them feel as excited as we are to travel there."

The students will be accompanied by Dr. Yoshiko Nakano, Associate Professor in Japanese Studies at the University of Hong Kong, and Ms. Willa To, a staff member at All Nippon Airways which is sponsoring their stay. Following their trip, the students will share their experiences with the wider Hong Kong community through Facebook, blogs, and online forums.

The University's students, staff, and alumni have been generous in supporting the victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Activities organized by the Faculty of Arts, School of Modern Languages and Cultures, Department of Japanese Studies, Japanese Society, and Japanese exchange students alone raised over HK$70,000. The May 24 visit was organized at the suggestion of a student answering a call for ways of providing relief to Japan other than financial.

Details of the students' visit to Japan are provided below:

ANA-HKU Japanese Society Smile Japan Initiative
Duration: May 24 to 28, 2011 (5 days/4 nights)
Destinations:
Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru, Furano (lavender farm), Asahikawa (Asahiyama Zoo), Shirogane hot springs
Tokyo: Keio University, Asakusa
Participants: 13 Committee Members of the Japanese Society, A.A.H.K.U.S.U. (All first year students who are majoring in Japanese Studies.), Dr. Yoshiko Nakano, Associate Professor in Japanese Studies, HKU and Ms. Willa To, All Nippon Airways staff member

Media representatives are cordially invited to the send-off ceremony for the trip. Details are as follows:

Date:        May 24, 2011 (Tuesday)
Time:        8:15am
Venue:      Hong Kong International Airport, Terminal 1, Area E, ANA Check-in Counter
Guests:   
- Mr. Daisuke MATSUNAGA, Deputy Consul General of Japan
- Mr. Kazunari TAGUCHI, Japan National Tourism Organization
- Mr. Masahiko ASANO, General Manager, ANA Hong Kong        

The students will return to Hong Kong on May 28, arriving on NH911 at 10:25pm.

Media enquiries, please contact: Mr Cyrus Chan, Events Coordinator, Faculty of Arts, HKU (Tel: 2219 4984, email: cyrusc@hku.hk).