On April 28, the Fiji Visitors Bureau held an event for the travel industry at Konica Minolta Planetaria TOKYO (9th floor, Yurakucho Center Building, 2-5-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) to introduce its new structure in Japan and promote the healing planetarium “Fiji Healing – Southern Cross and Fiji Healing: The Southern Cross and the Island of Happiness”.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Paresh Pant, Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Tourism Board, reiterated that Fiji’s primary markets are New Zealand and Australia. However, he noted that Japan and Fiji share similarities in cultural values and hospitality, and expressed his commitment to the Japanese market, saying, “We aim to continue our relationship with Japan and be a deliberate, strategic, and long-term partner.
Mr. Kwok introduced Foresight Marketing and World Compass as the official agents of the Fiji Tourism Board in Japan. Mr. Kwok said that Fiji will continue to focus on the Japanese market with “our commitment to increase Fiji’s presence in the Japanese market”.
Currently, Fiji Airways operates two weekly flights on the Narita – Nadi route to/from Japan. Dr. Pant said that the Japanese market is doing well, explaining that “the Narita route is also off to a good start with a 6% increase in seat supply,” and that they are working to increase the number of flights. Japan Representative Hayato Negoro (World Compass) also expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We have great prospects to increase the number of travelers to Fiji and bring the number of flights to three per week, preferably four per week.
Dr. Panto also mentioned the recent situation in Iran, where there have been concerns about fuel shortages. He said, “Fiji Airways has no fuel supply problems and we do not collect fuel surcharges.”
In 2025, the number of tourists to Fiji increased 4% from the previous year to 929,740. In March 2026, the number of tourists increased 12% from the previous year to 71,765, setting a new monthly record for the month of March. Japanese also contributed to the increase with a 9% increase over the previous year.
Japan representative Shigeyoshi Noto (Foresight Marketing) said, “Although the number of visitors has shrunk compared to its peak period, we hope that it will be recognized as a destination that is now beginning to grow and thrive.
The company plans to target students and other tourists in March and April, when tourist numbers are sluggish, and will continue to conduct promotions with the aim of leveling off the number of tourists during the year. In addition to honeymooners and wealthy tourists, the company plans to promote Fiji’s attractions to a wide range of targets, including women, educational travelers, families, and seniors. The company will continue to promote the tourist attractions it can offer to each segment.
In addition, Mr. Noto introduced the charm of the rainy season. The rainy season in Fiji is only a little bit rainy at night,” he said, “and the greenery is lush. The greenery is lush and green, and since it is not the peak season, you can enjoy a relaxing time in Fiji,” he said. Even on rainy days, visitors can enjoy water-related activities and a wide variety of indoor activities such as spas.
At the event, the healing planetarium “Fiji Healing: Southern Cross and the Island of Happiness” with a Fiji theme was introduced. Hiroko Namba, producer of the Konica Minolta Planetarium Direct Management Department’s Contents Team, explained that the program, which started at the end of January, has been viewed by more than 55,000 people, and surveys have shown that the program is well received. The program has been well received in the surveys. I think this program is helping to promote tourism to Fiji,” she said.
In addition to being called “the happiest country in the world,” Fiji was featured because of the beautiful starry sky, ocean, and nature of the South Pacific, as well as the friendly people of Fiji.
The Healing Planetarium features original aromas that match the contents of the programs. This time, two original aromas were developed: “Fiji Flower,” which is based on the image of Fiji’s national flower, cattleya, and plumeria, and “Fiji Blue,” which is a blend of coconut and tropical fruits and is reminiscent of the blue ocean and beaches of Fiji.
Kei Takizawa, director of ScienceArt, who was involved in the production of the program, talked about his experience on location in Fiji, describing the beauty of the ocean and the kindness and warm hospitality of the local people, and recalled that “Fiji is safe and a great place to visit with the family. In addition to Viti Levu Island, he also visited Barefoot Kuata Island Resort on Kuata Island, Castaway Island in the Mamanuca Islands, and Taveuni Island.
The screening end date for this program has not yet been determined. In addition to Konica Minolta Planetaria TOKYO, the program is also shown at “Planetarium Tenku” in Oshiage and “Planetarium Manten” in Ikebukuro.
© Source travel watch