TSUNAGITE shares the stories of the “Tsunagite” — individuals who carry forward the culture, traditions, nature, and ways of life across Japan—along with immersive experiences unique to each region. Encounter the people, and connect with the spirit that lives within the land.
Here, we introduce the “Tsunagite” who continue to preserve and pass on the culture and daily life of Hiroshima to future generations.

Daiyu Yoshida

Vice Chief Priest of Daisho-in Temple, Head Temple of the Shingon Sect

Born in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Raised at Daisho-in Temple, the oldest temple on Miyajima and the head temple of the Omuro sect of Shingon Buddhism. Since 2016, he has served as the vice chief priest under his father, who is the 77th chief priest of the temple. While dedicating himself to daily spiritual practices, he actively organizes events featuring modern art and music, striving to create opportunities for anyone to experience the welcoming atmosphere of the temple.

Shunsuke Shimada

Chairman of Shimada Suisan Co., Ltd.

Chairman of Shimada Suisan Co., Ltd., a renowned Hiroshima oyster producer with over 300 years of tradition. He began working in the family business at the age of 17 and has dedicated more than 40 years to oyster farming. Additionally, he has been actively involved in tourism initiatives such as “oyster huts” and harvesting experiences, continuously sharing the charm of Hiroshima oysters with the world.

Masahiko Tsukamoto

CEO of T’s Company Inc.,

Born in Etajima, Hiroshima Prefecture. President and CEO of T’s Company Co., Ltd. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched a tourism business offering cruising experiences. With a lifelong connection to Miyajima, he provides unique opportunities to visit the island from the sea. To ensure maritime safety, he established the Hiroshima Cruise Safety Promotion Council and continues to promote safe and secure marine tourism.

Junichi Ueno

Second-generation owner of Sekitei Garden Inn

Born in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Second-generation proprietor of Sekitei, a garden inn in Miyahama Onsen, and fourth-generation owner of the famed restaurant “Anagomeshi Ueno.” After graduating from university, he joined the family business and revitalized the inn when it was on the brink of closure. Guided by his father’s teachings, he refines the inn’s unique appeal through its gardens, cuisine, and guest rooms, while striving to create a “Japanese auberge” and contributing to the revitalization of Miyajimaguchi.

Tsuyoshi Nishimura

Miyajima Sea Kayak Nossie

Born in Kashima District, Ishikawa Prefecture. After working as an artist in Europe, he discovered his love of nature and spent ten years in New Zealand as a mountain guide. He later moved to Iriomote Island in Okinawa to master sea kayaking. Just as he was preparing to launch a marine-sports base in his hometown of Noto, the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck, destroying his facilities. In 2024 he moved with his family to Miyajima, where he now runs Miyajima Sea Kayak Nossie, offering retreat-style sea-kayak experiences that blend adventure, mindfulness, and the island’s serene natural beauty.

Mayo Kitagawa

Mayokatsuebisu Co., Ltd.

Born in Osaka Prefecture. President of Mayokatsu Ebisu Co., Ltd. While in university in Kyoto, he worked as a rickshaw driver in the scenic district of Arashiyama. After graduating, he moved to Tokyo to challenge herself in the world of comedy, but later returned to rickshaw guiding — eventually becoming the top-performing rickshaw driver in Japan. In 2011, he founded her own company on Miyajima, where he operates rickshaw services and, since the COVID-19 pandemic, has launched the Mount Misen Trekking Guide Tour. Kitagawa also trains young drivers and actively participates in local festivals and community events, contributing to Miyajima as both a guide and a community leader.

Naofumi Hitani

Third-generation owner of Yunoyado Miyahama Grand Hotel

Born in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Third-generation proprietor of Yunoyado Miyahama Grand Hotel. After moving to Tokyo for university, he worked for eight years at a major travel company. Returning home in 1999, he joined the family business founded by his grandfather and later assumed leadership. Alongside revitalizing the inn, he has actively worked on community development—launching the Miyahama Onsen Festival in 2001 and Miyahama Adventures in 2019, a hands-on tourism initiative that explores the unique potential of the region.