Leading Multi-branded Hospitality Group Expands Stronghold in Asia with the Introduction of Flagship Brand Banyan Tree, Cassia, Dhawa, and a Fresh New Concept Garrya. Banyan Tree Group recently announced its expansion into Japan, a frontier location for the global, multi-branded hospitality group. This introduction of four brands marks the Group's first-ever entry into Japan since its inception in 1994, and further reinforces its stronghold in Asia.

Through a partnership with Wealth Management Group, Dhawa Yura and Garrya Nijo Castle have just launched earlier this month, while Banyan Tree Higashiyama and Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone are set to open from now through 2026.

Separately, Banyan Tree Group has just signed a new partnership with Terraform Capital that will lead to a newly built Cassia in the beautiful ski resort of Niseko.

Interweaving historic touchpoints, rich culture and natural wonders to provide true sense-of-place experiences for discerning travellers, these properties come just in time as Japan's borders reopen following a two-year break from international tourism.

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto: Located in the Gion and Higashiyama district, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto will open in spring 2024 as a 52-key luxury, hilltop urban resort boasting spectacular views of Kyoto city. It will also be the first and only hotel in Kyoto city to have a Noh stage.

Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone: Renowned for its hot spring, historical destination and views of Mount Fuji, Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone will be a new luxury resort development slated to open in 2026, in an area adjacent to Lake Ashino.

Cassia Hirafu: A newly built resort set to open in 2025 in the most popular ski resort destination of Japan, Cassia in Niseko will be just minutes away from Hirafu ski slope. It will have 50 keys for the resort, and 113 keys for residential accommodation – ranging from 1-bedroom to villas that will be available for sale.

Dhawa Yura Kyoto: Honouring the city's deeply rooted history, Dhawa Yura Kyoto opened its doors on 17 June beside the iconic Sanjo Ohashi – a bridge that was once the final station of the ancient Tokaido Road from Tokyo. The road served as a route for long-distance voyagers during the Edo period in Japan. The 138-room hotel's historic ties are reflected in the interior design and artwork, and an 8lement Spa will nurture guests on their journey to wellbeing.

Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto: As the first opening under the Group's newest concept, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto presents a new and distinct approach to wellbeing through simplistic design and amenities that recharge and rejuvenate. The 25-room hotel launched on 17 June, and is located right in front of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site first built in 1603 during the Tokugawa Shogunate. It offers a meditative view of lush greenery from the lobby, seasonal cuisine at its innovative French restaurant, Singular, and a Wellbeing Room for restorative exercises and yoga.

In addition, Banyan Tree Group announces a strategic partnership with Intrance Hotels & Resorts Inc., focusing on conversion projects that will further propel the Group's growth in Japan.

"We are pleased with our strategic entry into Japan, in line with the government's recent decision to ease international tourism into the country. Just in time to announce the openings of Dhawa and Garrya, in addition to the new partnerships that will expand our multi-branded portfolio. Kyoto is an unmistakable great start for Banyan Tree Group's foray into Japan, with its natural healing springs, vast history, and abundant culture," said Mr Eddy See, President and Chief Executive Officer, Banyan Tree Group. "Our four new upcoming locations and beyond will provide signature standards of service and diversified programming that will serve as a benchmark for all future Banyan Tree Group locations in Japan."

One year has passed since Toshihiro Mibe, global CEO of Honda, announced at his inaugural press conference that "Honda will strive to realize carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities Honda is involved in by 2050." What are Honda's initiatives toward realizing carbon neutrality, considering its broad range of products? And how will Honda approach electrification of its automobile products? The following summarizes Honda's approach to the automobile electrification business presented at a press briefing on April 12, 2022.

The April 2021 CEO inaugural press conference was met with all kinds of feedback, including the astonishment of people who thought Honda is abandoning the internal combustion engine. One year later, in his press briefing, Mibe reviews Honda's initiatives of the past several years, discusses the results of strengthening existing businesses, and new areas that will represent an expansion of Honda's main businesses.

Honda Director, President and Representative Executive, Toshihiro Mibe joined Honda in 1987. After serving as the head of Honda R&D, he assumed his current role in April 2021. In Honda R&D, Mibe was involved in a wide range of research and development, primarily in the field of automobile engines. Officer

Mibe Over the past several years, Honda has been pursuing various initiatives toward the direction to solidify existing businesses and to prepare for new growth, and these initiatives have begun showing positive results in the areas of products, businesses and the development of advanced technologies which will lead us to new growth.

Mibe first spoke of the corporate direction to secure a solid footing for automobile electrification. He cited strong products and strengthening of the business structure as initiatives to solidify existing businesses.

In 2021, the all-new Vezel and all-new Civic were very well received and, in the meantime, the company began adopting Honda Architecture that enables layout integration and component commonization for its vehicle platforms. Streamlining took place globally, reducing the total number of variations at the trim and option level for each of the global models. Mibe believes that the improvement of the business structure will generate investments in electrification and preparation for new growth.

Mibe The three new areas, eVTOL, avatar robotics and challenges in the field of space technology, all require core technologies that are an extension of technologies Honda amassed in its existing businesses, and I believe these three areas are an expansion of our original business as a mobility company.

eVTOL realizes comfortable intercity mobility. Avatar robot enables virtual mobility. Challenges in the field of space technology include circulative renewable energy systems that enable human activities on the Moon and small rockets. As with motorcycles and automobiles, these three new areas will be pursued to create more free time for people, increase the time and space where people take active roles, and to remove constraints on people's freedom of mobility. Honda not only aims to expand the range of human living and activities, but to become the power to change society.

Carbon neutrality by 2050. Why would Honda, which has developed combustion engines throughout its existence, set such a goal and aim for electrification? Honda believes that it is Honda's responsibility as the world's leading power unit manufacturer.

Mibe Honda is a mobility company providing a wide range of products from motorcycles, automobiles and power products, to outboard motors and aircraft, which in total, makes Honda the world's largest power unit manufacturer, with annual sales of approximately 30 million units.

Mibe To continue serving as a source of power that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative, Honda strives to realize "the joy and freedom of mobility," and we want to do it by seeking "zero environmental footprint.

Mibe In order to do that, we will work toward carbon neutrality of our mobility products and their power source – the power unit.

Electrification is often considered the foremost carbon neutrality initiative for automakers, but for Honda, which also offers other forms of mobility products such as motorcycles, aircraft and outboard motors, this is not the case. Mibe emphasizes that "we need to take a multifaceted and multidimensional approach, not the mere replacement of engines with batteries."

Mibe We must take into consideration the diverse range of mobility products we offer, the diverse ways our customers use our products and their living environment, and also the availability of renewable energy in their markets. Moreover, we have to see things from the viewpoint of the product lifecycle, and we also have to have the perspective of how we can contribute to the total amount of energy and energy efficiency for society as a whole.

To accelerate the realization of its vision, Honda made organizational changes in April 2022.

Electrified products and services, battery, energy, Mobile Power Pack, hydrogen and software/connected technologies that connect all core areas have been spun off from their respective product-based business operations and combined under the newly created Business Development Operations. Honda will budget approximately 8 trillion yen for its research and development expenses over the next ten years. For two key target areas, electrification and software, Honda plans to devote approximately 5 trillion yen over the next 10 years, which will include investments. Shinji Aoyama, in charge of the new Business Development Operations, provided the roadmap to automobile electrification.

Kyushu is bubbling with energy, culture and activity, it is easily reached by land, sea and air.

Japan's third-largest island is internationally famous for its tonkotsu ramen, varied hot springs, dramatic mountains, and peaceful beaches. While the startup hub of Fukuoka bubbles with international attention, the volcanic terrain to the south continues to rumble and smoke. The seismic activity has created a craggy wonderland of eight steaming hot spring areas, known collectively as Beppu Onsen, as well as soaring peaks to hike, such as Mt. Karakuni in the Kirishima mountain range. Offering a taste of both cutting-edge modernity and slow-paced living, Japan's southern island is best explored at a leisurely pace. Head south to relax on an island bursting with spectacular nature, culture and cuisine.

Fukuoka Prefecture's most famous attraction is Dazaifu Tenmangu, a shrine dedicated to the historical scholar and politician Michizane Sugawara and home to over 6,000 plum trees that blossom spectacularly each spring. The prefecture's culinary specialties include sushi and other seafood dishes, yakitori or grilled skewers, motsunabe hot pot in the winter, and tonkotsu or pork broth ramen, best enjoyed at a local yatai or food stall. Located on the northern tip of Kyushu and boasting excellent transportation links, Fukuoka is an easy destination.

Located in Kyushu's northwest, Saga offers plenty of natural wonders, history and artistry. It's famous for being the birthplace of ceramics in Japan, chiefly in the historic pottery towns of Karatsu, Arita and Imari, and has been influenced by Chinese and Korean culture. The Saga Castle History Museum and Nagoya Castle hint at Saga's feudal past, while natural attractions include the sea caves of Karatsu, and Rainbow Pine Grove, a Japanese black pine forest stretching five kilometers from east to west along Karatsu Bay. Hot spring areas include Takeo Onsen and Ureshino Onsen, prime spots for mental and physical relaxation.

Nagasaki was Japan's early gateway to trade with the West, and this influence still shines through in its districts of stately European-style homes and a large Christian population. Historically strong links to China and Korea further inflect modern Nagasaki, although the prefecture features tombs and ruins dating back to the third century B.C. Unspoiled beaches and island getaways surrounded by crystal-clear seas that draw swimmers, divers, and sea kayakers, while the island of Tsushima attracts eco-tourists with its flora and fauna.

Oita Prefecture is a place to relax the body and get in touch with nature. The most iconic onsen towns are Beppu & Yufuin, overflowing with Bohemian charm, and Beppu, home to eight hot springs that have been popular since ancient times. Jutting out to the north of Oita, Kunisaki Peninsula is home to historic spiritual sites nestled against lush mountainsides, while inland areas centered in the western part of the prefecture are full of rustic countryside charm and plenty of rare flora and fauna.

Despite suffering damage in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, the region was quick to rebound and continues to welcome tourism. Surrounded by mountains, the landscape is shaped by volcanic activity. Aso is known for its huge caldera containing villages and farms. Kumamoto Castle is one of the country's most imposing, and Kurokawa Onsen retains a quaint, traditional feel.

Miyazaki is a renowned haven for outdoor sports enthusiasts, boasts gorgeous coastal drives and is home to incredible seaside shrines. Miyazaki Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine and Takachiho Shrine are associated with the myth of the birth of Japan, and feature lively annual festivals that celebrate Miyazaki's significant place in Japanese mythology. Takachiho Gorge and the 17-meter Manai Falls are breathtaking and a prefectural highlight. Kisakihama, Okuragahama, Uchiumi and Aoshima are popular for their surf. Seagaia, a 20-minute drive from Miyazaki Station, is a comprehensive resort complex complete with a hotel, convention center, and golf courses.

At the southern tip of mainland Japan, Kagoshima Prefecture is nicknamed the "Naples of the East" for its bay and comfortable climate. The prefecture is incredibly active geologically and is home to the great volcanoes of Mt. Kirishima and Mt. Sakurajima. A beneficial side effect of these volcanoes is a number of fantastic hot spring (onsen) facilities that range from traditional baths to beachside sand baths in the shadow of Sakurajima. Island life is one of the charms of Kagoshima Prefecture, and any visitor should consider spending as much time as possible off the mainland.

Emperor Hirohito was a major figure in the history of 20th-century Japan. Although Hirohito reigned for 62 years and is revered as a god by many Japanese, the monarch died at a ripe old age. To date, Hirohito remains one of the most important figures in the country's checkered cultural history. Many remember that Hirohito was the ruler who declared Japan's big surrender to the Allied forces after World War II. The momentous event brought about the end of decades of fighting in the Second World War. This event occurred on August 15, 1945, and is known in Japan as "The Day of Surrender." on this day each year, it is customary to visit Emperor Hirohito's monument to lay flowers and pay respects.

Emperor Hirohito (1901-1989) was the 124th Emperor of Japan. He ruled from 1926 to 1989. During his reign, he was known as the Showa Emperor and was often referred to colloquially as "the Emperor." Hirohito's father, Yoshihito, became Emperor in 1867 at age 14 but died a few years later. At that point, Hirohito (the Emperor's father) was given the name Meiji and took over his own father's duties as Emperor. When Meiji died in 1912, Hirohito became formally known as Taisho Tenno or "The Great Enlightened Monarch." However, he would continue being called by his childhood name until he later took on the title himself.

In 1926, following the death of Taisho Tenno (his father), Hirohito became officially known as Showa Tenno or "brightness shining through clouds"--a reference to his reign occurring during times of hardship for Japan. Hirohito continued to be called by this title until the World War II ended. Interestingly, while visiting Europe in 1952, the British preferred not to call him by any formal title because it seemed too similar to the British royalty's honours. It was thought this could cause a degree of political unrest, pitting the European against the Asian monarch. There was, however, no doubt that Emperor Hirohito was considered an important figure in world history.

Hirohito was Japan's 124th Emperor of Japan and served as its head for 62 years— this was the longest reign in recorded history (he died in 1989). Remarkably, the Emperor lived through both World Wars and saw many significant changes occur during his life. For example, Hirohito became Emperor during Japan's Meiji Restoration period when Japan moved away from its traditional culture toward modernization under his father, Emperor Mutsuhito.

The name "Emperor Hirohito" wasn't used until 1945; prior to this time, he was just called by the name: Taisho Tenno (Taisho meaning "Great Righteousness"). Unsurprisingly, the Hirohito monument also holds historical significance. The trip to Hirohito's monument is a milestone for any visitor to Japan. So, if you're in Japan and can spare a little time on your hands, this visit is well worth it.

Hirohito was the last Emperor of Japan. He ruled from 1926 until his death in 1989, at which point he was succeeded by his son Akihito who still reigns today. The monument itself was constructed on the basis that it should be similar to other monuments around the world that honor prominent leaders who passed away -in the manner of Lenin's tomb. Emperor Hirohito himself chose the monument's design; Hirohito wanted it to reflect Japanese culture while oozing dignity and flaunting Japanese tradition to foreign visitors.

When visiting this monument, you can feel Japan's history. You're surrounded by monuments and buildings dedicated to their famous Emperor. You can feel the weight of this monument built to honor him and his reign over the Japanese people. You can feel how much respect they had for him. However, when visiting this monument, it is important to remember that people died in World War II so that Hirohito could continue as Emperor of Japan. Some think he should have been charged with war crimes; instead, he was allowed to continue reigning as Emperor until 1989, when he died peacefully at age 87. Hirohito had ruled as Emperor for 62 years.

Undoubtedly, Emperor Hirohito's monument is a place of great importance. If you are looking for a place to discover and learn about world history, it's worthwhile visiting this revered edifice. Certainly, Hirohito's monument is an excellent place to learn about and admire his major accomplishments. Take the time to understand what each part of the monument means because it enlightens many on the important facts of life that saw the monarch assume office as Emperor.