The number of international pilgrims visiting Shikoku is increasing. We want to provide these travelers not only with its beauty, but also with practical knowledge—such as the manners and what to do when they face difficulties. To do so, we record videos that capture the depth of pilgrimage culture and the know-how needed for a safe and meaningful journey, based on interviews with the head priests of the Shikoku 88 Temples and with people living in the local communities. These videos will be shared worldwide in eight languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. In addition to the informational videos for each temple, the interviews will retain the speakers’ original voices while being translated into multiple languages. With technology that naturally adjusts lip movements, we will deliver multilingual content in a new and accessible form.
Pilgrimage culture in Shikoku is no longer something that belongs only to the Japanese. The appeal of the Shikoku Pilgrimage is quietly spreading around the world. Behind this trend is a shift in values among international travelers—many now seek not large, commercialized cities, but experiences gained through walking, encountering Japan’s nature, history, and the people who live in these local communities. A 2023 survey found that more than 1,500 international pilgrims walked the route, and in some months they accounted for over 40%. Inquiries from abroad are also rapidly increasing on pilgrimage information sites, showing a clear need for continuous and reliable communication. With the global rise of pilgrimage travel, the number of international pilgrims in Shikoku will continue to grow. At the same time, language remains a major barrier. Navigating routes, booking accommodation, understanding meals, customs, and manners—traveling long-term in Japan can be a significant challenge for foreign visitors, and can also create difficulties for those welcoming them. Helping travelers understand Japanese culture and values is essential not only for preserving the pilgrimage culture, but also for sharing it with the world in a meaningful way.
Shinwa Agency Co., Ltd.
Address: 7F, Daiwa Building, 1-5-16 Awaza, Nishi-ku, Osaka
Business: Travel services and advertising, as a group company of Daiwa House Industry
Kokoro Travel Co., Ltd.
Address: 348 Kuma, Kumakōgen Town, Kamiukena District, Ehime Prefecture
Business: Operation of Omogo Ryokan
Konnichi Hello Co., Ltd.
Address: 3-2-10-1106 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Business: Multilingual video translation services using AI
Secretariat: Misae Sugiyama (Konnichi Hello Co., Ltd.)
Email：sugiyama@konnichihello.co.jp
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