Wakayama: A Peach of a Destination

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. To begin, could you share your thoughts on Wakayama Prefecture’s positioning and its approach to regional revitalization, particularly from the perspectives of industry and demographics?

Thank you as well. I’m pleased to have the opportunity to share the current situation and potential of Wakayama.

To be frank, Wakayama has historically lagged behind when it comes to attracting large-scale investments or national development projects. Geographically, it lies off the main transport arteries and is bypassed by major highways and bullet train routes, which has meant the region has not received sufficient attention.

However, we are now in a new paradigm often referred to as Regional Revitalization 2.0. I see this not merely as a policy, but as a philosophy—a redefinition of the value of our local resources. By highlighting our inherent strengths, such as our natural environment, cultural heritage, and spiritual depth, we aim to build a new model for development. I believe this is the moment of opportunity for Wakayama.

With Japan facing a nationwide population decline, what kind of initiatives are essential for revitalizing regional areas?

The key insight of Regional Revitalization 2.0 is the shift toward becoming a place where people want to gather. While attracting industries and facilities—what we might call "things"—is still important, the future hinges on "people" and their appeal.

We must create an environment where people are naturally drawn to Wakayama because they resonate with its values and want to live, work, and create here. I believe true innovation emerges from that kind of setting.

In recent years, partnerships with companies have made headlines—for instance, ENEOS Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation collaborating on SAF production. Could you elaborate on Wakayama Prefecture’s industrial strategy?

We’re currently focusing on sustainable, high-growth sectors such as renewable energy, the space industry, and next-generation fuels. Projects include rocket launches from Kushimoto, offshore wind power, and the development of production hubs for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). These are being pursued in close cooperation with the national government.

A critical factor in attracting cutting-edge industries is the presence of key individuals. It’s essential to build networks with people and companies who share our vision and can drive change. I believe our role is to act as a hub, connecting and engaging the necessary players.

You mentioned offshore wind power—can Wakayama position itself as a green energy hub in the Kansai region?

I believe it certainly can. Wakayama faces the ocean, and areas around the Kii Channel are especially blessed with favorable wind conditions. While there are geographical limitations for solar power, offshore wind holds great promise as a future pillar of energy development.

Compared to Tohoku and Kyushu, the Kansai region is still relatively undeveloped in this field, making it a blue ocean for Wakayama. We intend to work actively with the national government to establish ourselves as a renewable energy center in Kansai.

Turning to tourism—Wakayama has considerable untapped potential. What do you believe makes the prefecture especially appealing to international tourists?

Wakayama’s fundamental appeal lies in its spiritual dimension. It’s not about flashy entertainment, but about places where people can quietly confront and reflect upon themselves. Sacred sites like the Kumano Kodo and Koyasan are not just places to see, but places to feel.

Walking the Kumano Kodo is a kind of inner journey. Just as emperors and nobles made pilgrimages there in the Heian period, people today come seeking emotional reset and renewal. While we’ve long attracted visitors from the West, we’re now seeing growing interest from well-traveled tourists across East Asia.

What efforts are being made to help more people experience that spiritual journey?

In addition to continued promotion through travel agencies and media, we’re focusing on attracting high-value travelers—those with strong intellectual curiosity and a keen interest in history, culture, and nature. These individuals are especially well-suited to appreciate Wakayama’s World Heritage sites, such as the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.

We’re also expanding accommodation options, from traditional guesthouses to luxury hotels. Our offerings now include facilities capable of meeting the expectations of high-end travelers.

Moreover, the Kumano Shirahama Resort Airport, which is the closest airport to the Kumano Kodo, is located in Shirahama—one of the prefecture’s major tourist destinations. Visitors can enjoy trekking the sacred trail and then relax in Shirahama’s historic hot springs, scenic coastal views, and pristine beaches.

The airport has regular flights to and from Haneda, allowing access from cities across Europe, the US, and Australia via Tokyo. I hope more people will become aware of this convenient gateway.

Wakayama is also running the “+1 Trip Wakayama” campaign alongside the Osaka-Kansai Expo. What outcomes are you hoping for?

The 2025 Osaka Expo is a tremendous opportunity for Wakayama, given our proximity to the venue. It’s a perfect chance for people to discover what we offer.

At the Expo, we have hosted “Wakayama Week” and are continuing to offer a variety of events and interactive booths with tasting experiences and more. Even if visitors don’t have time to come to Wakayama during their Expo stay, we hope to leave a strong enough impression that they’ll remember us for a future trip.

Ultimately, by embedding the Wakayama brand in people’s minds, we aim to be chosen as their next travel destination after the Expo ends.

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Looking ahead to the 2030s, based on your experience, what vision do you have for the future of Wakayama?

By the 2030s, I hope to see many of the projects we’re now planning brought to life. For instance: a future where rockets are launched 30 times a year from Kushimoto, where offshore wind farms are in full operation, and where renewable fuel plants are active and surrounded by related industries.

Of course, achieving this won’t be easy. But I genuinely feel we are making steady progress.

Above all, I want to create a Wakayama where children can look forward to the future with hope. Having worked in education policy in the past, I see our responsibility to the next generation as our most vital mission. Nurturing children’s dreams and laying the groundwork for them is, I believe, one of the most important duties of a governor.

Thank you for sharing such a powerful vision. I look forward to seeing how much has become reality on my next visit to Wakayama.

We would be delighted to welcome you. I hope you will come and experience Wakayama with all five senses—and with your heart.