On November 8, 2025, the kickoff event for the Mt. Fuji Wedding Project was held at the kominka auberge THE LAKE Kawaguchiko-Kurashi, located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
The event was planned and hosted by Japanese Culture Creation Research House Inc., an organization dedicated to creating and sharing new cultural values rooted in Japanese tradition. Through its inbound wedding brand Tubomi Wedding, the company is developing wedding tourism and educational programs centered on the Mt. Fuji region.
Wedding professionals, educators, tourism stakeholders, and international partners gathered from Japan and abroad, marking an important first step in communicating a new vision of Japanese-style international weddings to the world.
What Is the “Mt. Fuji Wedding Project”?
The Mt. Fuji Wedding Project is an initiative designed to cultivate globally minded inbound wedding planners and producers, while establishing a new wedding tourism model inspired by the cultural and symbolic significance of Mt. Fuji.
Alongside the project launch, the Mt. Fuji Wedding Council was established, and an Inbound Wedding Professional Training Program was introduced. The initiative aims to build a sustainable ecosystem that connects weddings, tourism, education, and regional revitalization, while fostering professionals capable of working on an international stage.
Three Core Pillars of the Project
1. Sustainable Wedding Tourism
The project promotes weddings that coexist harmoniously with the natural environment, cultural heritage, and craftsmanship of the Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi area.
By emphasizing region-rooted ceremonies developed by Tubomi Wedding, the initiative seeks to address overtourism while supporting local industries and preserving the authenticity of the destination. Weddings are positioned not as one-time events, but as meaningful cultural experiences that contribute to long-term regional value.
2. Global Development of Wedding Professionals
Through a practice-based curriculum covering English communication, Japanese culture, traditional wedding ceremonies, hospitality, and tourism DX (digital transformation), the program nurtures a diverse range of talent — including young professionals, women, and those pursuing wedding work alongside other careers.
Educational partnerships include collaboration with Tsuda University in Japan and Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, creating an international learning environment that connects academia with real-world wedding and tourism practice.
3. Expanding from Mt. Fuji to the World
The project aims to share a Mt. Fuji-originated wedding model globally. Plans include the launch of an international brand, “Mt. Fuji Wedding,” and the development of a regional certification system to ensure quality and consistency.
Future initiatives also include international media outreach, overseas collaborations (Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Europe), and strategic use of social media to communicate the appeal of Japanese weddings to a global audience.
Highlights from the Kickoff Event
Welcome Tea & Opening Session
Guests were welcomed with an elegant tea service prepared by Bella Rosarian, served in carefully selected Japanese tableware. Approximately 40 attendees — including university affiliates, local government representatives, wedding planners, tourism professionals, and media — gathered to exchange ideas on the future of inbound weddings and cultural tourism.
Live Piano Performance & Japanese Cuisine
As evening approached, a live piano performance by Greg filled the space with a gentle, refined atmosphere. Guests enjoyed a seasonal Japanese dinner prepared with local ingredients, experiencing firsthand the depth and beauty of Japanese culinary culture — an essential element of destination weddings in Japan.
Floral Design & Atmosphere
Floral arrangements by ELSOL, featuring soft shades of violet and green, enhanced the historic interior of the kominka. The flowers harmonized with antique furnishings and earthen walls, transforming the venue into a warm, intimate space as night fell.
Talk Sessions & Cultural Dialogue
Talk sessions featured speakers from Japan and overseas, covering themes such as AI and Tourism, Japanese Culture and Education, and the Future of Inbound Weddings. The discussions sparked meaningful dialogue between traditional values and contemporary global perspectives.
Day Two: International Exchange Experience
On the following day, participants took part in an international exchange golf event at Fuji Lakeside Country Club. This informal setting fostered deeper connections while blending sport, culture, and cross-border networking.
Looking Ahead: Education and Cultural Exchange Based at Mt. Fuji
Through the Mt. Fuji Wedding Project, Japanese Culture Creation Research House Inc. will continue to develop international wedding education programs based at THE LAKE Kawaguchiko-Kurashi.
By collaborating with universities and educational institutions, the organization aims to create learning opportunities that integrate language, culture, hospitality, and tourism. Students, planners, interpreters, and tourism professionals will learn together on site, cultivating talent capable of communicating Japanese culture to the world.
Connecting the Region with the World
Tubomi Wedding and THE LAKE Kawaguchiko-Kurashi will continue to rediscover the region’s unique charm while expanding this global wedding model from the Mt. Fuji area.
Future plans include seasonal cultural events, collaborative projects with overseas partners, and wedding photo tourism initiatives. THE LAKE Kawaguchiko-Kurashi will remain a place where culture, learning, and human connection intersect — creating memorable experiences that bridge Japan and the world.
Written by THE LAKE Kawaguchiko-Kurashi Team