Minako Aoshima Appointed Executive Director of Jnto Los Angeles Office

Minako Aoshima has assumed her post as Executive Director of the Los Angeles office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) effective April 24, 2026.

Ms. Aoshima was born in Shizuoka Prefecture and joined JNTO in 2005. From 2009 to 2012, she served as Director at the JNTO Los Angeles office, where she worked closely with a wide range of partners and organizations in the United States. She returned to Japan in 2012 and served at JNTO headquarters in Tokyo until her current appointment.

During her time in Tokyo, Ms. Aoshima gained extensive experience in organizational management and administration, while also deepening partnerships with regional communities and tourism stakeholders across Japan. Her work has focused on reinforcing collaboration with local governments and tourism-related businesses nationwide.

In 2026, a landmark year marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Japan and the United States are jointly promoting a U.S.-Japan Tourism Year, with a focus on enhancing bilateral exchange and fortifying U.S.–Japan relations. Ms. Aoshima’s appointment to Los Angeles comes at this significant moment, underscoring JNTO’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation and people-to-people exchange between the two countries.

“I am honored to return to Los Angeles and to serve as Executive Director at such a meaningful time for U.S.–Japan relations,” said Ms. Aoshima. “I look forward to working closely with our partners and institutions to deepen collaboration and advance our shared goals.”

ABOUT JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION (JNTO)

As the official tourism board, JNTO seeks to inspire international travelers to visit Japan. Focusing on sustainability, diversity and preservation of its history and culture, JNTO encourages travelers to explore the country while supporting local businesses, learning about indigenous cultures, and helping conserve its natural sites.

For more information about travel to Japan, visit https://www.japan.travel/en/us or the JNTO pages on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. To contact the New York office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) directly, please e-mail jntonyc_press@jnto.go.jp. To contact the Los Angeles office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) directly, please e-mail infolax@jnto.go.jp.