Susumu Matsumoto will head the New York office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), succeeding Michiaki Yamada.
Matsumoto was born in Saitama Prefecture north of Tokyo. He began his government service with the ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism in 2005. In 2007-2009, he was assigned to the ministry of foreign affairs, and in 2009-2010, he worked with the Japan Coast Guard.
From 2012 to 2014, Matsumoto worked for the Tohoku earthquake recovery project. In both 2017 and 2023, he was a part of the Japanese G7 host committees for the transport ministers’ meetings; at the G7 meeting in 2023, he acted as Japan’s liaison with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. From 2017 until his appointment to New York, he continued his work with the ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism and with the inbound tourism promotional department of Mie Prefecture.
“It is an honor to be back in the United States, and to represent my homeland in New York, especially as my appointment comes during this extremely important U.S.-Japan Tourism Year,” said Matsumoto.
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.
This year marks the first time both the United States and Japan have launnched the U.S.-Japan Tourism Year, which seeks to promote increased travel, mutual tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The Tourism Year agreement is a project of JNTO, the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) and the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office and U.S. Commercial Service, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and Brand USA.
For more information, visit www.japan.travel/en/us.
Related Stories
New Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker Honors Hattiesburg Leaders
The Cannabis Trail Unveils New Experience in Northern California