JCB, JAL and JTB jointly hosted a special stage event, “Turning Student Ideas into Travel: Introducing a New Hawaii Gakutabi Experience,” at Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, held at Tokyo Big Sight on September 26, 2026. The event unveiled a new Hawaii travel program inspired by ideas submitted by students through the Hawaii Idea Contest and highlighted the three companies’ effort to create new opportunities for younger generations to experience international travel.
Representatives from JCB, JAL and JTB took the stage alongside the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which supported the Hawaii Idea Contest initiative. Launched by the three companies, the contest invited students across Japan to submit ideas based on the theme, “Ideas That Make You Want to Choose Hawaii as a Travel Destination.” The contest received 1,173 submissions, reflecting strong interest and creativity among students and young travelers looking to explore new ways to experience Hawaii.
Ms. Renka Ishiyama, representing the winning team, Campus Mile, joined the stage to introduce the award-winning concept and the travel program developed from their idea. The new program offers a fresh approach to traveling to Hawaii by combining sightseeing with opportunities to contribute to the local community. Participants can take part in a cleanup activity at Diamond Head, receive a certificate of participation, earn rewards through group participation, and celebrate together at a graduation party in Hawaii. By incorporating community engagement and sustainability into the travel experience, the program offers students an opportunity to connect with Hawaii in a meaningful way while creating memorable experiences with their friends.
The newly announced travel package, developed from ideas submitted through the Hawaii Idea Contest, officially went on sale on September 25, 2026, under the Look JTB MySTYLE Gakutabi brand. The program combines iconic Hawaii experiences, including a Diamond Head hiking and environmental stewardship activities, with exclusive graduation celebration events. Members of the popular Japanese idol group CANDY TUNE are scheduled to appear as special guests at the graduation party in Hawaii.
One of the highlights of the event was the appearance of CANDY TUNE, a group from ASOBISYSTEM’s KAWAII LAB. project and a rising presence among young audiences in Japan. During the stage program, the members shared what they were most looking forward to experiencing in Hawaii, from local cuisine and pancakes to surfing and island culture. They also talked about their upcoming appearance at ASOBIEXPO HAWAII 2027, scheduled to take place in Hawaii in March 2027. As the group prepares for its first performance in Hawaii, the members expressed excitement about meeting fans and performing on an international stage.
Following the stage presentation, CANDY TUNE visited the JTB exhibition booth, where they signed a promotional display for ASOBIEXPO HAWAII 2027 and took part in the event activities. Their appearance helped build excitement around both the newly launched Gakutabi travel program and the upcoming ASOBIEXPO HAWAII 2027 event, supporting the broader goal of encouraging more young people to travel overseas and experience Hawaii firsthand.
The Hawaii Idea Contest demonstrates how student creativity can inspire innovative travel experiences for the next generation. Through initiatives such as the new Gakutabi program and collaborations with artists and entertainment groups popular with youth audiences, JCB, JAL and JTB are working to create new opportunities for young people to discover Hawaii and experience international travel.
The Look JTB MySTYLE Gakutabi program is now available for booking, while the ASOBIEXPO HAWAII 2027 JTB Official Tour will go on sale beginning October 1, 2026.
The Look JTB MySTYLE Gakutabi travel package has been available for booking since September 25, 2026.
View details about the Look JTB MySTYLE Gakutabi travel package.
https://dp.jtb.co.jp/lookjtb/dp/pamphlet/2026_mix_8018114/#22
The ASOBIEXPO HAWAII 2027 JTB Official Tour will go on sale on October 1, 2026.
View details about the ASOBIEXPO HAWAII 2027 JTB Official Tour
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Learn more: https://eventhawaii.com/collections/asobiexpo-hawaii
