Bridging Borders: Cultivating Future Hospitality and Tourism Professionals Through Japan’s Language and Culture

The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management hosts “Bridging Borders: Cultivating Future Hospitality and Tourism Professionals Through Japan’s Language and Culture” webinar which took place on November 29, 2025, via Zoom. It provided participants with valuable insights into how academic learning connects with real-world industry experiences, particularly in Japan’s hospitality and tourism sector.

The resource speaker, Ms. Lyzell Inde, a proud SLSU alumna, shared her journey from academia to the industry. Her experience of building a career in Japan strengthened her foundation in hospitality and facilitated a smoother, more meaningful transition into Japan’s service industry. She discussed the significance of language proficiency, as demonstrated by the JLPT and JFT exams, and explained the Prometric Exam and the SSW Visa process for food service workers.

Ms. Inde emphasized essential skills such as hygiene, customer service, food preparation, restaurant management, ground handling, and safety, along with the importance of embodying Japanese values when seeking employment. In this context, she introduced the concept of Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi, which reflects Japan’s high standards of respect, attentiveness, and wholehearted service. She encouraged future hospitality and tourism professionals to embrace this principle by anticipating guests' needs, providing sincere service, and maintaining discipline and efficiency—qualities that contribute to Japan’s globally admired service industry.

Ms. Inde also addressed the challenges of living in Japan, such as language barriers and cultural differences, as well as the rewards of personal growth, exploration, and new experiences. She summarized her journey with the themes of Earn, Learn, and Experience, illustrating how working abroad fosters independence, skill development, and meaningful life lessons.

The webinar concluded on a lively note, featuring an engaging intermission performance and a fun claw-machine icebreaker, where selected students answered surprise Nihongo questions despite feeling nervous.

As the webinar drew to a close, participants were reminded that learning extends beyond the screen and that every shared experience has the power to inspire growth. The insights and guidance provided by Ms. Lyzell Inde serve as a testament to perseverance, passion, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams—even across borders.