The project first launched its first term at the end of September 2023 with the goal of promoting the charm of Tokyo to young people around the world. For this third term, activities began at the end of June 2025 and continued for approximately nine months through March 2026. Following the previous report, this edition reflects activities from October onwards, highlighting the main activities and workshops.
3rd Workshop: From the Basics of Public Communication to Practical Editing Skills
2nd Activity Program: Experiencing Traditional Japanese Culture through “Edo Kiriko Glass Cutting”
In the workshop, “TOKYO Besties” members participated in practical sessions under the theme, “How to Showcase Tokyo’s Appeal as a Travel Destination.” Through discussions and active exchanges of ideas, the members gained an understanding of the importance of persona design. It was a day to refine their expressive skills while rediscovering the allure of Tokyo.
After the workshop, an activity was held to experience the traditional craft of Edo Kiriko, taking part in the entire process —from choosing shapes and colors to sketching designs and carving the glass. For many members, it was their first time experiencing Edo Kiriko, providing a greatopportunity to enjoy and connect with Tokyo’s traditional culture.
3rd Activity: Fieldwork at Mt. Takao, Renowned for Autumn Foliage
The members enjoyed the natural scenery of Mt. Takao, a famous spot for autumn colors, while exploring various hiking courses. During their visit to scenic spots,, they learned tips for taking "Instagrammable" photos from instructor Takechi. It was a fulfilling day, combining the beauty of Mt. Takao in autumn with the joy of photography in nature.
4th Activity: Meetup with Former Besties and Illumination Photography in Marunouchi
A networking event was held, bringing together current members and three alumni who were active during the second term. After the new and former Besties introduced themselves, they exchanged opinions in a warm and friendly atmosphere regarding the challenges they faced and the creative strategies they employed in their activities. Hearing experiences and advice from the alumni was a great source of encouragement for the current members.
In the latter half, the group took part in the activity focused on photographing the winter illuminations. With the illuminations of Marunouchi Nakadori and Gyoko-dori as backdrops, participants enjoyed taking photos of one another. While learning tips for shooting in illuminated settings, it was a special time to capture many charming moments amidst the beautiful scenery of Tokyo’s winter and to deepen their bonds.
January 18: Capturing the Beauty of a Japanese Garden with Influencer Lara at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
The first half of the session featured a talk by influencer Lara (@thelarachannel ). Her presentation was filled with insights that could only be heard there—including her thoughts on Tokyo, her journey as an influencer, and her daily filming style—which provided significant inspiration for the Tokyo Besties members.
Afterward, the members moved to the garden of Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, where traditional Japanese beauty unfolds, for a photo shoot. While learning tips from Lara on garden photography, they enjoyed a friendly session taking photos of each other with the seasonal flowers and the three-story pagoda as their backdrop.
March 15: Final Activity and "Reflection Session"
TOKYO Besties visited Space Travelium TeNQ. In the immersive space themed exhibits, they spent a special moment that sparked excitement and hopes for the future. Under the guidance of instructor Takechi, they also learned key points for photography and creating social media posts.
Following this, a "Reflection Session" was held to conclude the third term. The members looked back on their activities through group discussions on themes such as "The charms of Tokyo I want to share" and "How to expand my message after the project ends."
The following comments were shared from the Besties:
"There were many things I could only learn through this activity, and I felt there were many things I can apply to the various activities I will do in the future."
"I was able to grow in various aspects and successfully promote the charm of Tokyo."
"I was able to learn many things I didn't know. I was surprised to find there are still places I don't know, even though I have lived in Tokyo for such a long time."
This marked the successful conclusion of the third term of TOKYO Besties for FY2025.
In this year’s "TOKYO Besties," each member viewed at Tokyo from their own unique perspective and expressed their "discoveries" through social media posts, honing their communication skills. Content born from their authentic sensibilities reached young people abroad with diverse values, helping to share new and captivating aspects of Tokyo.
Moving forward, the project will continue to uncover the yet-unknown charms of Tokyo starting from the members' perspectives, creating a circle of communication that expands both domestically and internationally.
“TOKYO Besties” will continue to share the charm of Tokyo. Please follow the accounts below to see the latest activities!
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