Born in Niigata. Japan, in 1945. Shigekazu Mezaki graduated with a BS in physical geography from Tokyo University of Education, Iater receiving his PhD. Until 1986, he was an associate professor at the University of the Ryukyus. Since that time, he has been researching environments and festivals of Mie prefecture at Mie University.
Born in Toyama, Japan, in 1946. Toshio Hirono graduated from Nara PrefecturalMedical College. As a city planning consultant, he is involved with concept planning for urban development projects ofthe Housing and Urban Development Corporation, and event and cultural projects for local governments. He started his company Creative Studio Da Vinci in 1993, serving since that time as its President.
Born in Shiga. Japan, in 1959. Yoshiyasu Shimizu joined the Nagahama Tourism Association in 1982. Since the restoration of Nagahama Castle, he has been a part of urban development projects for the City of Nagahama, including the "Kurokabe (Black Wall)" project. His work has focused on mainly PR activities and event planning.
Born in Osaka. Japan. Graduated from School of Law at Kwansei Gakuin University. Afterjoining the Japan Travel Bureau. Kuniko Takasaki served extensively as a tour conductor on domestic and overseas tours for the Group Tours Osaka Office. Since 1993, she has been running surveys and promotional activities for the Marketing Development Department of JTB'S Kansai Regional Headquarters in order to activate the Kansai area. She has been at her current post since 1997.