Thank you for your continued support of EmPath's activities.

In this newsletter, we will report on the IKIGAI Seminar held in June and provide information on the Peace Tourism Forum scheduled to be held this summer.

Topic 1: "Encounters are the best souvenirs"

I think one of the purposes of traveling is to discover the outside world and at the same time, to reexamine yourself. I feel that what you feel and how you perceive it will lead to your own growth. Can you take a courageous step? Can you turn it into something positive? Travel gives you those questions.

When I discover outside, even though the history, culture and ideology may differ, they all have one thing in common: they are run by people, which gives me a sense of security. However, it is precisely because the ways of expression are different that they are fascinating.

Meeting local people deepens the journey. I love talking to local guides, or "cultural ambassadors," so to speak. It's fascinating to see how the way people talk and their perspectives change, even on the same topic, depending on their values and background.

A recent memorable encounter was with Liliana. She called out to me and helped me out when I was looking for my train car at the train station heading from Porto to Lisbon. She exuded kindness, cheerfulness, and generosity, and I learned that she was a travel guide. I immediately felt that I wanted her to appear at EmPath's August event, so I asked her, and she gladly accepted on the spot.

If I were asked to sum up my impressions of the trip in one word, I would say, **Wonderful encounters are the best souvenir.** EmPath strongly hopes to connect these wonderful people online and create a place where they can feel a sense of oneness. I am sure that Liliana will be an excellent Cultural Ambassador.

Topic 2: Laguna Beach's Summer Festival of the Arts

Laguna Beach, California, is hosting its 59th annual Sawdust Art Festival, featuring over 185 artists exhibiting their work and live performances. The festival, one of the city's premier arts events, grew out of the colorful arts and crafts movement of the 1960s.

In addition to the standard art fair attractions such as exhibitions by local artists, food booths, and live music, there are plenty of unique events, such as "80s Day" where you can enjoy 1980s-themed music and crafts, and an outdoor fashion show where artists show off their unique designs.

Visitors can also experience the feeling of being an artist themselves by participating in a variety of classes, including painting, photography, and pottery, and experiencing the creative process, which is one of the unique pleasures of this festival.

Additionally, a charity auction will be held on August 10th to support the Artists' Benevolence Fund, which aims to support local artists who have been unable to create due to unexpected financial difficulties, helping them to continue contributing creatively to their communities even in these difficult times.

This summer, the Laguna Beach Art Festival will be held from June 27th to August 31st. This event is a cornerstone of local arts culture, so why not take a look?

Topic 3: IKIGAI Online Seminar 2025 Report

"Japanese Way of Thinking and Being: Learning about Harmony and Pride"

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, EmPath hosted the "IKIGAI Online Seminar 2025." The theme of this seminar was "Japanese Way of Thinking and Being: Learning about Harmony and Pride." Many participants from Japan and abroad gathered for the 90 minutes, where participants used Japanese values and philosophy as a guide to deeply consider their own values and way of life.

The lecturer was Mizuki Ogura , CEO of Koko Co., Ltd. , and the lecture focused on three key themes: "Self-love and self-concept," "Establishing identity," and "Redefining happiness through gratitude." Workshops were also incorporated throughout the session, allowing participants to deepen their learning while facing their own inner selves.

In addition, an art program by artist Toshiya Asami was also held, where participants submitted photos and stories that expressed their individuality. Based on these materials, an art program was also launched in which the materials were visualized into artworks.

Additionally, we welcomed special guest Helen Robinson (Destinations Coaching) from New Zealand, who provided a dialogue incorporating cross-cultural perspectives, further enriching the seminar.

Participants commented:

Many participants commented that the event provided an opportunity to rediscover the part of themselves that they had forgotten in their daily lives, and that it was a time when they could feel connected beyond cultures, reaffirming the universality and potential of the theme of IKIGAI.

🌏EmPath will continue to plan programs that will satisfy even more people. Please look forward to information about our next event!

Topic 4: Announcement of the Peace Tourism Forum 2025

"Peace begins to move from this place, at this time when the whole world is connected!" - People, communities, and aspirations come together to build a future together -

Every day, there are moments when we wonder, "Why is the world the way it is?" or "Can we make the world a better place?" A global forum to tackle these questions will be held this summer, connecting Haneda Airport with the world online.

The Peace Tourism Forum 2025 is an international event that aims to create dialogue that transcends different cultures and values from the perspective of "tourism and peace." Organized by the EmPath Foundation and the Michishirube Association, the event brings together university students and young people from around the world to explore the potential for connecting people and communities through tourism.

🕊Event Overview

• Date and time : Saturday, August 30, 2025, 14:00-16:45 (Japan time)

• Venue : Tokyo Haneda Airport + Online (hybrid event/consecutive interpretation available)

• Organized by : EmPath Foundation × Michishirube Association

Why not go on a journey to discover the world and yourself through tourism?

For details and to apply, click here!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peace-tourism-forum-2025-tickets-1513751624859?aff=oddtdtcreator

EmPath continues to work to connect people all over the world and build a better future together. These activities are made possible by your support. If you share EmPath's vision, we would appreciate your support with a donation.

🌱Donate here (Credit card accepted): https://www.empath-foundation.com/contact-1

Your generous support will help us take the next step.