The “MINATO CITY NEXT AMBASSADOR 2026” Program, Designed to Authentically Showcase the Charm of Minato Ward, Has Announced Its Winners! A Closer Look at the Second Cohort of Student Ambassadors
The second cohort of student tourism ambassadors (MINATO CITY NEXT AMBASSADORS), officially recognized by the Minato City Tourism Association, has been selected to promote the diverse charms of Minato City to the world from a student’s unique perspective. The four students selected this time will engage in a wide range of PR activities from April 2026 through the end of February 2027, including posting content on social media, participating in events within the ward, and visiting member companies of the Minato City Tourism Association. We asked these four individuals—who all have ties to Minato Ward but come from different backgrounds and have different areas of expertise—to share their fresh thoughts immediately after taking office.
The Personalities of the Second Cohort Are Revealed
――Thank you for joining us today. To start, please introduce yourselves by telling us what you’re studying in college, what you’re currently passionate about, and a bit about your personalities.
Misaki Shiotani (hereinafter Shiotani): “I’m Misaki Shiotani, a junior at Keio University. I’m majoring in Aesthetics and Art History, and since I love Edo-period ukiyo-e, I plan to study Japanese painting in depth. Lately, I’ve been into not just art but also music, and I often listen to a band called indigo la End. I’m a positive person, and I love talking with people and going out to have fun.”
Takaki Ishino (hereinafter Ishino): “I’m Takaki Ishino, a first-year student at Nippon Dental University. My hobbies are tennis and photography. I’ve been playing tennis for seven years—through middle school, high school, and college—but in high school, I also practiced judo and earned a black belt. When it comes to photography, I mostly take landscape photos, and I’ve even won prizes in photo contests in Shibuya and Chiyoda wards. People often describe me as calm. I’m not the type who likes conflict.”
Kanon Toyohara (hereinafter Toyohara): “I’m Kanon Toyohara, a senior at Meiji Gakuin University. I’ve been interning at a trend-focused media outlet for high school girls since my freshman year, and I’m still involved in video editing and managing their Instagram and TikTok accounts. I’m a trend-follower myself—I love keeping up with the latest trends—and on my days off, I enjoy going to rock band concerts and exploring cafes in Minato Ward. I’m confident in my ability to take initiative; I’m the type of person who acts immediately when I decide I want to do something.”
Hyun-seok Choi (hereinafter referred to as Choi): “I’m Hyun-seok Choi, a second-year master’s student at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. I’m a member of the Marine Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, where I’m studying the recovery of marine resources containing manganese and cobalt, as well as soil analysis necessary for offshore wind power generation. My hobby is going to rock festivals; I like bands like RADWIMPS and ONE OK ROCK. When I was attending university in South Korea, I also participated in volunteer activities overseas. Recently, having taken on the role of a senior member in the lab, I’m really feeling the difficulty of communicating what needs to be said (laughs).”
Misaki Shiotani (hereinafter Shiotani): “I’m Misaki Shiotani, a junior at Keio University. I’m majoring in Aesthetics and Art History, and since I love Edo-period ukiyo-e, I plan to study Japanese painting in depth. Lately, I’ve been into not just art but also music, and I often listen to a band called indigo la End. I’m a positive person, and I love talking with people and going out to have fun.”
Takaki Ishino (hereinafter Ishino): “I’m Takaki Ishino, a first-year student at Nippon Dental University. My hobbies are tennis and photography. I’ve been playing tennis for seven years—through middle school, high school, and college—but in high school, I also practiced judo and earned a black belt. When it comes to photography, I mostly take landscape photos, and I’ve even won prizes in photo contests in Shibuya and Chiyoda wards. People often describe me as calm. I’m not the type who likes conflict.”
Kanon Toyohara (hereinafter Toyohara): “I’m Kanon Toyohara, a senior at Meiji Gakuin University. I’ve been interning at a trend-focused media outlet for high school girls since my freshman year, and I’m still involved in video editing and managing their Instagram and TikTok accounts. I’m a trend-follower myself—I love keeping up with the latest trends—and on my days off, I enjoy going to rock band concerts and exploring cafes in Minato Ward. I’m confident in my ability to take initiative; I’m the type of person who acts immediately when I decide I want to do something.”
Hyun-seok Choi (hereinafter referred to as Choi): “I’m Hyun-seok Choi, a second-year master’s student at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. I’m a member of the Marine Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, where I’m studying the recovery of marine resources containing manganese and cobalt, as well as soil analysis necessary for offshore wind power generation. My hobby is going to rock festivals; I like bands like RADWIMPS and ONE OK ROCK. When I was attending university in South Korea, I also participated in volunteer activities overseas. Recently, having taken on the role of a senior member in the lab, I’m really feeling the difficulty of communicating what needs to be said (laughs).”
The Charms of Minato Ward, Seen from Different Perspectives
――Please tell us about your connection to Minato Ward and what motivated you to apply. First, Ms. Shiotani, please.
Shiotani: “I was born and raised in Minato Ward, and I’ve lived here for 20 years. My university campus is in Mita, and I’ve been working part-time at a restaurant in Shimbashi since my freshman year. I often go for walks in Shiba Park with friends or grab a meal in Mita, so I consider myself to have a deeper attachment to Minato Ward than most.”
――While living in Minato Ward, have you noticed anything in particular recently?
Shioya: “I get the impression that the number of international visitors to Minato Ward has increased significantly compared to the past. However, I also feel that not all of Minato Ward’s charm is being conveyed. I applied to be a student ambassador because I want people both in Japan and abroad to learn more about the Minato Ward where I live. I’m interested in social media, and I always try to stay on top of the latest trends, so I hope to share various insights from my own unique perspective.”
Shiotani: “I was born and raised in Minato Ward, and I’ve lived here for 20 years. My university campus is in Mita, and I’ve been working part-time at a restaurant in Shimbashi since my freshman year. I often go for walks in Shiba Park with friends or grab a meal in Mita, so I consider myself to have a deeper attachment to Minato Ward than most.”
――While living in Minato Ward, have you noticed anything in particular recently?
Shioya: “I get the impression that the number of international visitors to Minato Ward has increased significantly compared to the past. However, I also feel that not all of Minato Ward’s charm is being conveyed. I applied to be a student ambassador because I want people both in Japan and abroad to learn more about the Minato Ward where I live. I’m interested in social media, and I always try to stay on top of the latest trends, so I hope to share various insights from my own unique perspective.”
――I hear you were born in Minato Ward, Mr. Ishino.
Ishino: “Yes. I was born at Aiiku Hospital in Minato Ward, and although my home was in neighboring Shinagawa Ward, it was actually closer to the Shirokane area. From a young age, I used to play at Donguri Park and the Prince Arisugawa Memorial Park in Shirokane. These days, I often go to Odaiba to watch movies or play at Spoccha, but because of memories like the swimming lessons I took as a child, Shirokane is probably the place that feels most familiar to me. I also used to go to the Nature Education Garden often, and even now I still go to Happo-en to see the cherry blossoms.”
Ishino: “Yes. I was born at Aiiku Hospital in Minato Ward, and although my home was in neighboring Shinagawa Ward, it was actually closer to the Shirokane area. From a young age, I used to play at Donguri Park and the Prince Arisugawa Memorial Park in Shirokane. These days, I often go to Odaiba to watch movies or play at Spoccha, but because of memories like the swimming lessons I took as a child, Shirokane is probably the place that feels most familiar to me. I also used to go to the Nature Education Garden often, and even now I still go to Happo-en to see the cherry blossoms.”
――The first round of the student ambassador selection process involved introducing tourist spots in Minato Ward on your own Instagram account, and I noticed you posted photos of the Nature Education Garden and Happo-en as well.
Ishino: “Yes. I also posted about ‘NEWoMan Takanawa’ in Takanawa Gateway City, the shops inside the facility, and the views you can see from there. I’d be happy if my unique approach to showcasing these places was appreciated. I’ve always been interested in urban development initiatives led by local governments and companies, and since high school, I’ve participated in workshops and other events through the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Children’s Policy Coordination Office. That’s where I realized the importance of promoting a community’s appeal, and wanting to put my photography skills—which is one of my strengths—to good use was what motivated me to apply for this Student Ambassador program.”
Ishino: “Yes. I also posted about ‘NEWoMan Takanawa’ in Takanawa Gateway City, the shops inside the facility, and the views you can see from there. I’d be happy if my unique approach to showcasing these places was appreciated. I’ve always been interested in urban development initiatives led by local governments and companies, and since high school, I’ve participated in workshops and other events through the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Children’s Policy Coordination Office. That’s where I realized the importance of promoting a community’s appeal, and wanting to put my photography skills—which is one of my strengths—to good use was what motivated me to apply for this Student Ambassador program.”
――Please tell us about your connection to Minato Ward.
Toyohara: “I went on to college from Meiji Gakuin High School, so I attended classes at the Shirokanedai campus throughout high school and college, and I spent my student years in Minato Ward. Whether it was going to the Azabu-Juban Summer Festival in a yukata with friends or having Christmas dinner with my mother at a hotel in Odaiba, I have memories with family and friends scattered all over the ward. I applied because I wanted to share the charm of this familiar neighborhood in a way that resonates with people my age. Another reason was seeing my friend Karen Murakami, who was part of the first cohort of student ambassadors—watching her inspired me to give it a try as well.”
Toyohara: “I went on to college from Meiji Gakuin High School, so I attended classes at the Shirokanedai campus throughout high school and college, and I spent my student years in Minato Ward. Whether it was going to the Azabu-Juban Summer Festival in a yukata with friends or having Christmas dinner with my mother at a hotel in Odaiba, I have memories with family and friends scattered all over the ward. I applied because I wanted to share the charm of this familiar neighborhood in a way that resonates with people my age. Another reason was seeing my friend Karen Murakami, who was part of the first cohort of student ambassadors—watching her inspired me to give it a try as well.”
――So you knew Mr. Murakami, didn’t you? In the first round of the contest, you featured a café and restaurant in Shirokanedai on Instagram.
Toyohara: “I posted about a recommended spot where you can hop from one place to another for delicious lunch and dessert. It was a place I’d wanted to visit for a long time, so I went with my mom, and she even helped me take the photos (laughs). Since my university is nearby, exploring cafes in this area in particular has become part of my daily routine.”
――You mentioned that exploring cafes is a hobby of yours. Do you have any hidden gems to share?
Toyohara: “Yes, I do. It’s also close to my university—there’s a café called ‘KAIKOU COFFEE’ with a great atmosphere that I frequent. However, when I asked some friends about it, a few of them hadn’t heard of it, so I think it might actually be a bit of a hidden gem.”
――Ms. Ishino, who grew up in the Shirokane area, did you know about it?
Ishino: “I had no idea. I’d like to check it out sometime. If you have any other recommended cafes, please let me know.”
Toyohara: “Absolutely! Since we live in similar areas, I’ve been feeling a natural connection with you, Ms. Ishino. I’d love for you to tell me all about your favorite spots, too.”
Toyohara: “I posted about a recommended spot where you can hop from one place to another for delicious lunch and dessert. It was a place I’d wanted to visit for a long time, so I went with my mom, and she even helped me take the photos (laughs). Since my university is nearby, exploring cafes in this area in particular has become part of my daily routine.”
――You mentioned that exploring cafes is a hobby of yours. Do you have any hidden gems to share?
Toyohara: “Yes, I do. It’s also close to my university—there’s a café called ‘KAIKOU COFFEE’ with a great atmosphere that I frequent. However, when I asked some friends about it, a few of them hadn’t heard of it, so I think it might actually be a bit of a hidden gem.”
――Ms. Ishino, who grew up in the Shirokane area, did you know about it?
Ishino: “I had no idea. I’d like to check it out sometime. If you have any other recommended cafes, please let me know.”
Toyohara: “Absolutely! Since we live in similar areas, I’ve been feeling a natural connection with you, Ms. Ishino. I’d love for you to tell me all about your favorite spots, too.”
――Mr. Shiotani, you also featured a café during the first round of judging, didn’t you?
“I featured a bakery café located right near the beach at Odaiba Seaside Park. While Odaiba has plenty of commercial facilities, there are actually some great spots just a little off the beaten path. As a local, I want to introduce the kinds of places that only locals know about.”
“I featured a bakery café located right near the beach at Odaiba Seaside Park. While Odaiba has plenty of commercial facilities, there are actually some great spots just a little off the beaten path. As a local, I want to introduce the kinds of places that only locals know about.”
――Next, please tell us about your connection to Minato Ward, Mr. Choi.
Choi: “I’ve been in Japan for two and a half years now, and I’ve lived in Minato Ward for one of those years; my university campus is also located in Minato Ward. Also, I used to work part-time at a Korean restaurant in Shimbashi. The staff was almost entirely Korean, so we always worked while speaking Korean. The reason I applied to be a student ambassador was that, as an international student, I wanted to share useful information with tourists from overseas.”
――Mr. Shiotani, you also work part-time at a restaurant in Shimbashi, don’t you?
Shiotani: “That’s right. I was really surprised.”
Choi: “I’ve been in Japan for two and a half years now, and I’ve lived in Minato Ward for one of those years; my university campus is also located in Minato Ward. Also, I used to work part-time at a Korean restaurant in Shimbashi. The staff was almost entirely Korean, so we always worked while speaking Korean. The reason I applied to be a student ambassador was that, as an international student, I wanted to share useful information with tourists from overseas.”
――Mr. Shiotani, you also work part-time at a restaurant in Shimbashi, don’t you?
Shiotani: “That’s right. I was really surprised.”
――Ms. Choi, you posted a photo of yourself walking across the Rainbow Bridge during the first round of the selection process.
Choi: “Yes. It’s quite long, so it was a challenge to make it all the way across (laughs). I also posted about the observation deck at Caretta Shiodome and the food scene in the Shimbashi area. I was really happy when I was selected as a student ambassador, and I’m looking forward to putting together a solid posting plan for the coming year.”
Choi: “Yes. It’s quite long, so it was a challenge to make it all the way across (laughs). I also posted about the observation deck at Caretta Shiodome and the food scene in the Shimbashi area. I was really happy when I was selected as a student ambassador, and I’m looking forward to putting together a solid posting plan for the coming year.”
A New Vision for Minato Ward, Shaped by the Next Generation
――As a student ambassador, what kind of information would you like to share going forward?
Choi: “As the name ‘Minato’ (port) suggests, Minato Ward is a city close to the ocean, so I’d like more people to discover the beauty of its waterfront scenery, such as the canals and harbors. Also, I recently visited Takanawa Gateway City, which just had its grand opening. I was amazed by the advanced infrastructure, and with festival-like events taking place, I could really feel the vibrant energy there. Inside ‘NEWoMan Takanawa’ at Takanawa Gateway City, there’s a new sauna facility called ‘Takanawa SAUNAS,’ and I’d definitely like to introduce that. I love saunas, after all (laughs). There’s another sauna facility right near Takanawa Gateway Station, so it might be fun to compare the two.”
――Mr. Ishino, you also introduced “NEWoMan Takanawa,” didn’t you?
Ishino: “Yes. Takanawa is one of my favorite places too, but I didn’t know there was a sauna there. I was also intrigued by Mr. Choi’s recommendations for dining in the Shimbashi area.”
Choi: “Thank you.”
Ishino: “Since all four members of the first Student Ambassador class were women, I’d like to introduce places to hang out from a male perspective, like ours. Specifically, I’d love to share lots of great restaurants in Shimbashi that guys my age can actually frequent. Minato Ward has very distinct images for each area—for example, Roppongi and Azabu are seen as neighborhoods where relatively affluent people gather, right? But I want more people to see Minato Ward as a place where even students can have fun, so I plan to continue our activities from that perspective as well.”
Choi: “As the name ‘Minato’ (port) suggests, Minato Ward is a city close to the ocean, so I’d like more people to discover the beauty of its waterfront scenery, such as the canals and harbors. Also, I recently visited Takanawa Gateway City, which just had its grand opening. I was amazed by the advanced infrastructure, and with festival-like events taking place, I could really feel the vibrant energy there. Inside ‘NEWoMan Takanawa’ at Takanawa Gateway City, there’s a new sauna facility called ‘Takanawa SAUNAS,’ and I’d definitely like to introduce that. I love saunas, after all (laughs). There’s another sauna facility right near Takanawa Gateway Station, so it might be fun to compare the two.”
――Mr. Ishino, you also introduced “NEWoMan Takanawa,” didn’t you?
Ishino: “Yes. Takanawa is one of my favorite places too, but I didn’t know there was a sauna there. I was also intrigued by Mr. Choi’s recommendations for dining in the Shimbashi area.”
Choi: “Thank you.”
Ishino: “Since all four members of the first Student Ambassador class were women, I’d like to introduce places to hang out from a male perspective, like ours. Specifically, I’d love to share lots of great restaurants in Shimbashi that guys my age can actually frequent. Minato Ward has very distinct images for each area—for example, Roppongi and Azabu are seen as neighborhoods where relatively affluent people gather, right? But I want more people to see Minato Ward as a place where even students can have fun, so I plan to continue our activities from that perspective as well.”
――Mr. Shiotani, is there anything you’d like to share in the future?
Shiotani: “As Mr. Ishino just mentioned, Minato Ward has a different character depending on the neighborhood, so I’d really like people to take notice of that. Also, while new commercial facilities are popping up one after another, there are also many historic shrines and historic sites. I think this duality is part of Minato Ward’s charm, so I’d like to be flexible and explore the area on foot to introduce these places.”
――What about you, Mr. Toyohara?
Toyohara: “I think that, partly due to the influence of social media, some people view Minato Ward as more than just ‘glitzy’—it’s almost ‘blindingly flashy’ to them. But in reality, while there are certainly those exciting areas, there are also plenty of quiet, cozy neighborhoods. As Mr. Shiotani just mentioned, the ward also has historical and cultural aspects, so I hope to highlight both of these sides in my work.”
――Finally, how do you hope to connect this initiative to your future and career? Please share your enthusiasm for this project as well.
Shioya: “I have a strong interest in urban development and regional revitalization, so I believe this experience—visiting places firsthand and sharing my insights in my own words—will be a great asset. I intend to give back to the town where I was born and raised, and I plan to give this my all.”
Ishino: “I’m aiming to become a dentist, but I’m also interested in getting involved in community development from a government perspective, beyond the realm of medicine. Drawing on my experiences from high school, I hope to help expand the town’s limitless potential through this Student Ambassador program.”
Toyohara: “I’ve decided to enter the advertising industry this spring. Marketing to young people and utilizing social media are right at the heart of the career path I want to pursue. I want to hone my own skills through trial and error as I figure out how best to convey the appeal of Minato Ward.”
Choi: “I’m aiming to become a civil engineering specialist working in fields such as offshore wind power and marine resources. In the process, I hope to serve as a bridge connecting Japan, South Korea, and the world. I’m committed to promoting the appeal of Minato Ward to people around the globe and creating opportunities for exchange.”
――We look forward to seeing what you all accomplish. Thank you very much for joining us today.
Shiotani: “As Mr. Ishino just mentioned, Minato Ward has a different character depending on the neighborhood, so I’d really like people to take notice of that. Also, while new commercial facilities are popping up one after another, there are also many historic shrines and historic sites. I think this duality is part of Minato Ward’s charm, so I’d like to be flexible and explore the area on foot to introduce these places.”
――What about you, Mr. Toyohara?
Toyohara: “I think that, partly due to the influence of social media, some people view Minato Ward as more than just ‘glitzy’—it’s almost ‘blindingly flashy’ to them. But in reality, while there are certainly those exciting areas, there are also plenty of quiet, cozy neighborhoods. As Mr. Shiotani just mentioned, the ward also has historical and cultural aspects, so I hope to highlight both of these sides in my work.”
――Finally, how do you hope to connect this initiative to your future and career? Please share your enthusiasm for this project as well.
Shioya: “I have a strong interest in urban development and regional revitalization, so I believe this experience—visiting places firsthand and sharing my insights in my own words—will be a great asset. I intend to give back to the town where I was born and raised, and I plan to give this my all.”
Ishino: “I’m aiming to become a dentist, but I’m also interested in getting involved in community development from a government perspective, beyond the realm of medicine. Drawing on my experiences from high school, I hope to help expand the town’s limitless potential through this Student Ambassador program.”
Toyohara: “I’ve decided to enter the advertising industry this spring. Marketing to young people and utilizing social media are right at the heart of the career path I want to pursue. I want to hone my own skills through trial and error as I figure out how best to convey the appeal of Minato Ward.”
Choi: “I’m aiming to become a civil engineering specialist working in fields such as offshore wind power and marine resources. In the process, I hope to serve as a bridge connecting Japan, South Korea, and the world. I’m committed to promoting the appeal of Minato Ward to people around the globe and creating opportunities for exchange.”
――We look forward to seeing what you all accomplish. Thank you very much for joining us today.
"Student Tourism Ambassadors: Profiles"
Misaki Shioya
Junior, Keio University
@misaki_minatocity21
Junior, Keio University
@misaki_minatocity21
Takaaki Ishino
First-year student at Nippon Dental University
@taka_minato_camera
First-year student at Nippon Dental University
@taka_minato_camera
Kanon Toyohara
Senior at Meiji Gakuin University
@2__kanon.6
Senior at Meiji Gakuin University
@2__kanon.6
Hyeonseok Choi
Second-year master's student, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology Graduate School
@minato_navigator
*global crew
Second-year master's student, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology Graduate School
@minato_navigator
*global crew