Regular press conference on August 2025

Miyazaki Prefecture held a press conference to report on the governor's recent visits to Los Angeles, and to announce the prefecture's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka and preparations for the upcoming National Sports Tournament in 2027.

Promoting Miyazaki's Local Specialties in Los Angeles

The governor visited Los Angeles to prepare for a promotional fair showcasing Miyazaki's local specialties. The fair will be held at a private Japanese supermarket in Los Angeles.

During the visit, Miyazaki Prefecture signed a memorandum of understanding with the supermarket, which will host the Miyazaki Fair from January 9 to 19. The governor expressed hopes that the event would spark interest among American consumers, noting that more Americans than Japanese currently visit the supermarket.

He emphasized the strategic importance of California as both a market and a promotional gateway, citing its GDP—larger than Japan's—and its significant population of Japanese descendants. Miyazaki aims to expand sales of regional products and deepen ties with the U.S. West Coast.

Strengthening Tourism Links with South Korea

The governor will visit to South Korea to request an increase in direct flights between Miyazaki and Seoul. Additionally, discussions with travel agency will include strategies for attracting more Korean tourists to the region.

Expo 2025 Osaka: Showcasing Miyazaki’s Mythology and Cuisine

At Expo 2025 Osaka, Miyazaki will join six other Kyushu prefectures in a joint exhibition booth. The prefecture plans to highlight its tourism offerings, local cuisine, and *Kagura*—a sacred Shinto dance rooted in Japanese mythology.

Miyazaki has been actively working to have *Kagura* recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Expo booth will serve as a platform to build momentum for this effort, while promoting the region's mythological significance as the origin of many Japanese legends. Visitors will also be able to sample local specialties such as beef, chicken, orange juice, and sake.

Preparations for the 2027 National Sports Tournament

Miyazaki Prefecture also announced its preparations for hosting the National Sports Tournament in 2027. As part of the lead-up, the prefecture has launched a public call for medal design proposals—a first-of-its-kind initiative in Japan. The selected design will be used for gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded during the tournament. Submissions will be accepted until November 21.