GC students guide officially registered as a Goodwill Guide Organization by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO):
- 2026/04/30 21:57
Since 2009, the GC Student Volunteer Interpreter Guide program has been continuously active. It has now been officially registered as a Goodwill Guide Organization by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO):
As a student-centered organization, which is still quite rare, the approval process took time. However, our long-standing and consistent activities at Meiji Jingu were highly recognized. By 2019, more than 300 students had participated. After the COVID-19 pandemic, activities resumed in 2022, mainly at Osaka Castle and Toyokuni Shrine. By 2025, the number of registered student members exceeded 60.
This initiative originated in 2009, when we were invited by the Tokyo 2016 Olympic Bid Committee to provide volunteer interpretation support at the press center for three weeks. Students also had the opportunity to attend exclusive networking events, creating unforgettable experiences.
Following this, regular activities began at Meiji Jingu. At the time, it was uncommon for Japanese people to approach foreign tourists, so many visitors warmly welcomed the students’ guidance.
After two to three years, more students began leveraging this experience for job hunting and AO entrance applications, leading to the rapid growth of the program. Educators from high schools and universities in Tokyo, as well as professionals from consulting firms and major IT companies, became increasingly interested and visited the site.
Below are some examples of how participating students have utilized this experience for their future careers
Rie Tanioka (Alumni Representative, Former 2nd Student Leader)
She became the second student leader in 2010 and worked closely with organizers to expand the program. She represented the student organization at the Asia Empower Forum, presenting to ambassadors from various countries. She also served as a host and performer at the first International Red and White Song Festival, where she sang “We Are the World” together with Mr. Mizohata, former Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency (now Chairman of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau). She continued to play a central volunteer role in the festival for nine years.
Interview: https://www.yokosojapan.net/article.php/20260430gcguideRIE_en
Yuriko Seguchi (Former 2nd Deputy Student Leader)
Initially reserved, she became more proactive after being appointed deputy leader. She created an inclusive environment where even students with limited English skills could participate comfortably, thereby increasing long-term engagement. After graduation, she occasionally returned as an observer and later worked as a Japanese language teacher at Hanoi University in Vietnam under a program by the Ministry of Education. Her achievements have inspired many members.
Interview: https://www.yokosojapan.net/article.php/20260501japanese_teachers_en
Takeshi Taniguchi (Former 3rd Student Leader)
Through his involvement, he participated in the G20 Youth Summit organized by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He built friendships with many international visitors he guided at Meiji Jingu and later visited them during travels in Europe, demonstrating how one can build global connections while staying in Japan. He also performed at the International Red and White Song Festival with a Korean friend.
Interview: https://www.yokosojapan.net/article.php/20130802g20youthsummit_event_en
Sae Iida (Former 3rd Deputy Student Leader)
As her graduation thesis at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, she created an illustrated guidebook to Meiji Jingu in Japanese, English, and Korean. The work was supervised by shrine officials and university professors specializing in English and Korean. She has continued to contribute to the International Red and White Song Festival through interviews and video production even after entering the workforce.
Interview: https://www.yokosojapan.net/article.php/20180314volunteerguide_international_en
Naoki Kobayashi (Former 5th Student Leader)
While studying to become a Buddhist priest, he actively participated in the program and gained experience working with alumni and professional observers. He also joined the “Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program” organized by the Cabinet Office, where he effectively shared Japanese culture and built friendships across Asia. He remains a core volunteer member of the International Red and White Song Festival.
Interview: https://www.yokosojapan.net/article.php/20190401volunteerguide_international_en
We also hold monthly online orientation sessions via Zoom.