Keita Kadowaki appointed JNTO Sydney executive director

Keita Kadowaki has been appointed as the new executive director of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Sydney Office. Kadowaki, a hospitality executive with over 30 years of experience, transitions to the role from the JNTO head office in Tokyo. He succeeds Naoki Kitazara, who is returning to the Tokyo headquarters.

Kadowaki previously served as the executive director of the JNTO Los Angeles Office from 2018 to 2020. In his new role, he will lead the Sydney-based team responsible for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. His focus will include promoting adventure travel, sustainable tourism, and luxury travel to drive visitors toward regional Japan.

The appointment follows a period of significant growth in tourism between the two nations. In 2025, more than one million Australians visited Japan. JNTO reported that between January and August 2026, the organization had already welcomed over 680,000 Australian visitors, representing a 3.4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.