Appointed in April 2026! Gourmet & Family Ambassadors Talk About the "True Face of Minato City"
April, the start of new beginnings. To broadly broadcast the diverse charms of Minato City, two specialists have been appointed as "Official Ambassadors of the Minato City Tourism Association." Appointed as the "MINATO GOURMET AMBASSADOR" is Kikugai no Tabishokunin (@tabi_syokunin), a gourmet creator who garners immense support primarily on social media. His appetizing way of eating and unpretentious words capture the hearts of many fans. Meanwhile, Minatori (@minatrip_odekake) has been appointed as the "MINATO FAMILY FUN AMBASSADOR." As an active mother raising a one-year-old child, she works as an influencer sharing family-friendly spots based on her own experiences. How will these two share the appeal of Minato City? To commemorate their appointments, we spoke with each of them about their connection to Minato City and their enthusiasm for their upcoming activities.
The Depth of Minato City's Food and Streets Discovered by a Traveling Foodie Who Has Visited All 47 Prefectures
Kikugai no Tabishokunin, who travels all over the country sharing gourmet information
Kikugai no Tabishokunin is a gourmet creator with over 110,000 followers. His videos of "exquisite meals" filmed while traveling across Japan captivate many people. How exactly was his style born—a style that does not rely on trends, but rather values what he truly finds delicious and the "atmosphere" a restaurant possesses? This time, we shadowed him as he actually filmed a video at a restaurant. He shared his unique philosophy on food and his thoughts on becoming an ambassador.
Accompanying Kikugai no Tabishokunin on a video shoot
――Thank you for your hard work today filming at ""Ebisu Tenkaichi Shimbashi Store"" in Shimbashi. Do you often visit Shimbashi?
"Yes, I do. Shimbashi naturally has many restaurants, and there are many eateries with a sense of history that really resonate with those of us in our 40s and 50s. Everyone was saying 'It's delicious, it's delicious' about the fried rice here, and when I actually tried it today, it was incredibly tasty."
"Yes, I do. Shimbashi naturally has many restaurants, and there are many eateries with a sense of history that really resonate with those of us in our 40s and 50s. Everyone was saying 'It's delicious, it's delicious' about the fried rice here, and when I actually tried it today, it was incredibly tasty."
"Ebisu Tenkaichi Shimbashi Store," the Chinese restaurant in Shimbashi where the video was shot
――Currently, you are active mainly on social media as a gourmet creator. Could you introduce yourself again and tell us about your background?
"Sure. I'm from Kyoto and I'm 43 years old. I originally worked as a manager at an Italian restaurant that had multiple affiliated stores. Now, however, I work full-time as a gourmet creator. I might not be in Tokyo for about a third of the month. I travel all over Japan, from north to south."
"Sure. I'm from Kyoto and I'm 43 years old. I originally worked as a manager at an Italian restaurant that had multiple affiliated stores. Now, however, I work full-time as a gourmet creator. I might not be in Tokyo for about a third of the month. I travel all over Japan, from north to south."
――Why did you transition from a restaurant manager to a creator posting gourmet videos?
"The underlying premise is that I've always loved eating out. When I went out to eat in my private time, I would take photos for my records. The trigger came from a friend's comment. They said, 'If you make it look that delicious when you eat, why not post the photos on Instagram?' I started from there, and I think it was around 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that I decided to seriously 'pursue a gourmet account.' It was initially an extension of a hobby, but I made the career switch to commit to it fully, which leads me to where I am today."
"The underlying premise is that I've always loved eating out. When I went out to eat in my private time, I would take photos for my records. The trigger came from a friend's comment. They said, 'If you make it look that delicious when you eat, why not post the photos on Instagram?' I started from there, and I think it was around 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that I decided to seriously 'pursue a gourmet account.' It was initially an extension of a hobby, but I made the career switch to commit to it fully, which leads me to where I am today."
Currently, he has posted over 750 "exquisite meal" videos
――You started in 2020, and now you have over 110,000 followers.
"Thankfully, yes. But initially, it was photo-based. I started making videos around 2021 or 2022. During my time as an Italian restaurant manager, I also handled the restaurant's social media, and our store's follower count was number one within the group. At that time, I felt a slight sense of confidence that 'maybe I'm good at managing social media.'"
"Thankfully, yes. But initially, it was photo-based. I started making videos around 2021 or 2022. During my time as an Italian restaurant manager, I also handled the restaurant's social media, and our store's follower count was number one within the group. At that time, I felt a slight sense of confidence that 'maybe I'm good at managing social media.'"
――Watching your videos, you really do eat as if it's incredibly delicious. Do you have any particular focus or tips for filming?
"I get asked that a lot, but I'm not doing anything consciously. It's completely 'natural.' For example, if an older gentleman you don't know is sitting next to you silently eating fried rice, you might think, 'Oh, that fried rice looks good,' right? I'm just capturing that sensation in video form."
"I get asked that a lot, but I'm not doing anything consciously. It's completely 'natural.' For example, if an older gentleman you don't know is sitting next to you silently eating fried rice, you might think, 'Oh, that fried rice looks good,' right? I'm just capturing that sensation in video form."
His unpretentious demeanor garners support from followers
――Do you have any specific focus when editing?
"I do it all on one smartphone, but it takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete a single video. Even adding a caption, sometimes I do it while lying in bed, or sometimes I wake up early and finish it all at once. But I don't force myself. I've always loved traveling and searching for delicious food in various regions. I feel truly fortunate to be able to do what I love for a living."
"I do it all on one smartphone, but it takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete a single video. Even adding a caption, sometimes I do it while lying in bed, or sometimes I wake up early and finish it all at once. But I don't force myself. I've always loved traveling and searching for delicious food in various regions. I feel truly fortunate to be able to do what I love for a living."
From filming to editing, everything is done on a single smartphone
――You've recently been appointed as an ambassador for the Minato City Tourism Association. What is your impression of Minato City?
"I actually live in Yoyogi, so I can quickly get to Akasaka or Roppongi with just one subway ride. There was a time when I thought, 'Akasaka has nothing to do with me,' but once I started visiting for video shoots, I realized what an incredibly charming city it is. How should I put it, it's a grounded 'city for adults.'"
"I actually live in Yoyogi, so I can quickly get to Akasaka or Roppongi with just one subway ride. There was a time when I thought, 'Akasaka has nothing to do with me,' but once I started visiting for video shoots, I realized what an incredibly charming city it is. How should I put it, it's a grounded 'city for adults.'"
――So, by actually visiting, you came to understand its charm.
"I like walking; sometimes I walk from Hiroo to Gotanda, or walk all the way home from Shimbashi to Yoyogi. When you walk like that, you see surprising aspects of Minato City. Right behind a skyscraper, there might be an old residential neighborhood or historic sites. There's even the term 'Minato City Girls,' so it has a strong glittering image, but it's actually deeply historical and shows many different faces. I think that contrast is interesting."
"I like walking; sometimes I walk from Hiroo to Gotanda, or walk all the way home from Shimbashi to Yoyogi. When you walk like that, you see surprising aspects of Minato City. Right behind a skyscraper, there might be an old residential neighborhood or historic sites. There's even the term 'Minato City Girls,' so it has a strong glittering image, but it's actually deeply historical and shows many different faces. I think that contrast is interesting."
Photographed near the SL Square in Shimbashi holding his letter of appointment
――What kind of activities would you like to pursue as an ambassador going forward?
"I want to introduce Minato City from a slightly different perspective, one that typical gourmet influencers haven't taken before. For example, not just high-end restaurants, but also famous spots in back alleys and casual, everyday eateries. By walking through Minato City as an individual, enjoying the food, and sharing that, I want to create an opportunity for people to think, 'Minato City is this interesting.'"
"I want to introduce Minato City from a slightly different perspective, one that typical gourmet influencers haven't taken before. For example, not just high-end restaurants, but also famous spots in back alleys and casual, everyday eateries. By walking through Minato City as an individual, enjoying the food, and sharing that, I want to create an opportunity for people to think, 'Minato City is this interesting.'"
――Lastly, could you give a message to our readers?
"Minato City has everything, from high-class dining to casual local Chinese restaurants. I hope you'll join me in enjoying the food of this city, which isn't overly pretentious but still provides excitement. Nothing would make me happier than if the restaurants I introduce become a catalyst for you to walk around Minato City. As an ambassador, I will give it my all to deliver the 'delicious!'"
"Minato City has everything, from high-class dining to casual local Chinese restaurants. I hope you'll join me in enjoying the food of this city, which isn't overly pretentious but still provides excitement. Nothing would make me happier than if the restaurants I introduce become a catalyst for you to walk around Minato City. As an ambassador, I will give it my all to deliver the 'delicious!'"
《MINATO GOURMET AMBASSADOR Profile》
Kikugai no Tabishokunin (@tabi_syokunin)
A 43-year-old male gourmet creator. He travels and eats his way through all 47 prefectures, sharing the ""exquisite meals"" he encounters on his journeys on social media. The total number of saves for his gourmet videos filmed while traveling has surpassed 1.08 million.
https://www.instagram.com/tabi_syokunin
A 43-year-old male gourmet creator. He travels and eats his way through all 47 prefectures, sharing the ""exquisite meals"" he encounters on his journeys on social media. The total number of saves for his gourmet videos filmed while traveling has surpassed 1.08 million.
https://www.instagram.com/tabi_syokunin
The Family-Friendly Shape of Minato City Shared by a Relatable Mom
Sharing fun spots to visit as a family on social media
Minatori is a mother of a one-year-old boy who, while striving daily with childcare, introduces "outing spots you can enjoy with your baby" on Instagram. Why did Minatori, who has just begun her activities as an influencer, decide to serve as an ambassador for the Minato City Tourism Association? Behind this was the "anxiety about going out" she faced herself, and a strong desire to eliminate it. She shared the appeal of Minato City, where cutting-edge culture coexists with kindness toward families raising children, from a mother's perspective.
Gazing at the Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba
――First, please introduce yourself. What kind of activities do you usually do?
""Nice to meet you, my name is Minatori. Currently, while raising a one-year-old boy, I introduce outing destinations you can enjoy with your baby, primarily on Instagram. Even before giving birth, I loved touring Japanese tourist spots and traveling abroad. With the desire not to give up that joy even after my child was born, I search for and share wonderful spots where families can go out together."
""Nice to meet you, my name is Minatori. Currently, while raising a one-year-old boy, I introduce outing destinations you can enjoy with your baby, primarily on Instagram. Even before giving birth, I loved touring Japanese tourist spots and traveling abroad. With the desire not to give up that joy even after my child was born, I search for and share wonderful spots where families can go out together."
Whether the children can enjoy themselves is an important point
――What inspired you to start sharing family-friendly spots on social media?
"When I decided to go out in Tokyo with my child, I realized there was surprisingly little information. I constantly had anxieties like, 'Is this a place my baby can really enjoy?' or 'Are the nursing rooms and diaper changing tables easy to use?' When I asked my mom friends around me, everyone was worrying about the same things. So, I thought that by sharing the information I researched by actually visiting places, I could help parents feel at ease and enjoy going out, and that's what got me started."
"When I decided to go out in Tokyo with my child, I realized there was surprisingly little information. I constantly had anxieties like, 'Is this a place my baby can really enjoy?' or 'Are the nursing rooms and diaper changing tables easy to use?' When I asked my mom friends around me, everyone was worrying about the same things. So, I thought that by sharing the information I researched by actually visiting places, I could help parents feel at ease and enjoy going out, and that's what got me started."
The moment they smile is the perfect photo opportunity!
――Could you tell us about your connection to Minato City?
"I already had many opportunities to visit Roppongi and Odaiba for work, so it was a favorite city I felt familiar with even before becoming an ambassador. After giving birth, my opportunities to come to Minato City searching for spots to play with my child increased even more. It's a place where new trends are constantly born, and I think a major appeal of Minato City is that it has everything from classic spots like Tokyo Tower and Odaiba to the newest facilities like NEWoMan Takanawa."
"I already had many opportunities to visit Roppongi and Odaiba for work, so it was a favorite city I felt familiar with even before becoming an ambassador. After giving birth, my opportunities to come to Minato City searching for spots to play with my child increased even more. It's a place where new trends are constantly born, and I think a major appeal of Minato City is that it has everything from classic spots like Tokyo Tower and Odaiba to the newest facilities like NEWoMan Takanawa."
A ball pit where you can play with 7-colored balls
――While actually touring Minato City with your one-year-old, are there any spots where you felt, ""This is really helpful,"" or ""I can let them play here with peace of mind""?
"The 'ITOCHU SDGs STUDIO KIDS PARK' in Kita-Aoyama is highly recommended! Even though it's close to Omotesando, it's actually free. It requires reservations so it doesn't get too crowded, and you can let your little baby play with peace of mind. Furthermore, the adjacent restaurant, 'Hoshi no Kitchen,' is also wonderful. Besides having baby chairs and cutlery, they even offer free baby food, which is truly a blessing for families with children. Having places like this makes you feel like, 'Let's head to Minato City first!'"
"The 'ITOCHU SDGs STUDIO KIDS PARK' in Kita-Aoyama is highly recommended! Even though it's close to Omotesando, it's actually free. It requires reservations so it doesn't get too crowded, and you can let your little baby play with peace of mind. Furthermore, the adjacent restaurant, 'Hoshi no Kitchen,' is also wonderful. Besides having baby chairs and cutlery, they even offer free baby food, which is truly a blessing for families with children. Having places like this makes you feel like, 'Let's head to Minato City first!'"
Traveling with a stroller inevitably comes with difficulties
――Conversely, do you have any ideas for facilities or services that make you think, ""It would be helpful if they had this!""?
"I'd be happy if there were more food courts you can easily enter with a stroller, or cafes and restaurants with kids' spaces where children can play to their heart's content. For parents with children, eating out is the biggest source of worry. If those kinds of facilities increase, I think the time spent in Minato City would become even more fun and comfortable."
"I'd be happy if there were more food courts you can easily enter with a stroller, or cafes and restaurants with kids' spaces where children can play to their heart's content. For parents with children, eating out is the biggest source of worry. If those kinds of facilities increase, I think the time spent in Minato City would become even more fun and comfortable."
――How do you feel now that you've been appointed as an ambassador?
"Honestly, I was anxious about whether I could fulfill the role, but now I feel incredibly honored. As I researched spots in Minato City once again, I realized there are far more family-friendly places than I had imagined. Through my activities as an ambassador, I want to firmly convey that kindness and appeal, first and foremost to families with babies."
"Honestly, I was anxious about whether I could fulfill the role, but now I feel incredibly honored. As I researched spots in Minato City once again, I realized there are far more family-friendly places than I had imagined. Through my activities as an ambassador, I want to firmly convey that kindness and appeal, first and foremost to families with babies."
Practical information is needed for families raising children
――Specifically, what kind of information do you want to deliver?
"Just as I have been doing, I want to share specific, detailed information that can alleviate the 'anxieties about going out' that moms and dads hold. I'd be happy if Minato City becomes a more familiar presence by delivering encouraging information like, 'You can enjoy yourselves safely here!'"
"Just as I have been doing, I want to share specific, detailed information that can alleviate the 'anxieties about going out' that moms and dads hold. I'd be happy if Minato City becomes a more familiar presence by delivering encouraging information like, 'You can enjoy yourselves safely here!'"
――Lastly, please give us a message.
"From now on, I will be delivering many charms that families can enjoy, such as leisure facilities and gourmet spots in Minato City. I hope it serves as a helpful reference for your outings and becomes an inspiration to visit. Let's enjoy the 'precious time that is only now' spent with your children together in the wonderful place that is Minato City!"
"From now on, I will be delivering many charms that families can enjoy, such as leisure facilities and gourmet spots in Minato City. I hope it serves as a helpful reference for your outings and becomes an inspiration to visit. Let's enjoy the 'precious time that is only now' spent with your children together in the wonderful place that is Minato City!"
《MINATO FAMILY FUN AMBASSADOR Profile》
Minatori (@minatrip_odekake)
A mom raising a one-year-old boy. She has a 17-year career in the travel industry. While enjoying life as a family of three, she shares family-friendly outing information and travel ideas on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/minatrip_odekake
A mom raising a one-year-old boy. She has a 17-year career in the travel industry. While enjoying life as a family of three, she shares family-friendly outing information and travel ideas on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/minatrip_odekake