Celebrity chef duo Gary Mehigan and Manu Feildel star in new tourism campaign for Japan

Celebrity chef duo Gary Mehigan and Manu Feildel star in new tourism campaign for Japan

Gary Mehigan and Manu Feildel reminisce on their favourite culinary, cultural, nature, sporting, and adventure experiences in the new tourism campaign for Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).

The campaign, which runs from 15 January to 28 January, is designed to make Aussie travelers remember how exploring the world made them feel and start planning their next trip to Japan, when borders reopen.

The video features the pair experiencing some iconic Japanese activities like watching sumo wrestling, exploring the mountains, and enjoying Japanese cuisine.

“On my last trip I was able to experience the art of sumo and was lucky enough to have a training session with professionals,” Feildel said.

“Skiing in Japan is some of the world’s best, but of course the culinary experiences are a big draw card for me, and I was very fortunate to learn how to make soba noodles in Tokyo.

“I can’t wait to return to Japan and continue my journey to discover the endless types of ramen. That’s my new obsession!”

Mehigan described the experience working with Feildel as, “Hilarious!”

“The campaign showcases us participating in a traditional tea ceremony, the beauty in the precision of Japanese gardens, Japanese hospitality, sporting experiences and learning new cultural skills – it is a country offering so much diversity and I can’t wait to get back there as soon as we are able to,” Mehigan said.

Executive director of JNTO Sydney office, Yoko Tanaka, was thrilled with Mehigan and Feildel’s performance in the ad.

“The campaign demonstrates how happy travelling makes us feel and the long-lasting memories travel creates,” Tanaka said.

“Manu and Gary were the perfect fit for this project, having experienced Japan on many occasions, being so passionate about the destination, and delivering this with their engaging and fun personalities.”

Tourism is a key strategy for economic growth and regional revitalisation in Japan.

Approximately 621,800 Australians visited Japan in 2019 which was a 12.5% growth on the previous year.

The campaign is live and features on VOD, social, and B2B platforms.

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