Yuzuru Hanyu Promotes Sendai’s Attractions in New Video to Air in Hong Kong

Published on January 10, 2025

Sendai, Japan, is preparing to captivate Hong Kong tourists through a new promotional campaign starring Olympic gold medalist and figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu. The video will be shown on the Causeway Bay Russell Street Giant LED TV in Hong Kong starting January 17, 2025. This initiative is part of Sendai City’s efforts to boost international tourism, inviting travelers from Hong Kong to discover the city’s rich cultural heritage and unique attractions.

Yuzuru Hanyu, who has been a tourism ambassador for Sendai since 2014, has used his global fame to promote his hometown in various campaigns, and this new video is no exception. Under the theme “#ImHomeSendai,” the 30-second video offers viewers a glimpse into some of the most beloved spots in Sendai, encouraging both first-time visitors and returning tourists to explore the city.

Showcasing the Essence of Sendai

The video highlights five iconic locations in Sendai that have a deep personal connection to Hanyu. One of the key spots featured is the International Center Subway Station, which houses a monument commemorating a famous scene from Hanyu’s figure-skating program. The Zuihoden Mausoleum, another focal point in the video, showcases Sendai’s blend of history and nature. The mausoleum is set against a backdrop of lush greenery and offers a serene atmosphere for visitors seeking both cultural and natural beauty.

The video aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing to return to Sendai by showcasing its charming scenery and rich history. Through this campaign, Hanyu not only shares his personal connection to these places but also promotes the city’s distinctive qualities that make it a must-visit destination.

The promotional video will be shown at the Causeway Bay Russell Street Giant LED TV from January 17 to January 30, 2025. The advertisement will run from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with screenings every 10 minutes. This strategic placement aims to capture the attention of Hong Kong’s bustling retail and tourist district.

Connecting Hong Kong and Sendai

The video campaign comes at an opportune time, as greater connectivity between Sendai and Hong Kong continues to grow. In December 2024, Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines launched regular flights to Sendai Airport, with Hong Kong Express also planning to start service in January 2025. These new air links provide travelers in Hong Kong with increased options to visit Sendai, a vibrant city known for its welcoming atmosphere and deep cultural roots.

To complement the video campaign, a special website was launched in October 2024. The website, named Discover Sendai: Sendai, Japan, the birthplace of the figure-skater Yuzuru Hanyu, provides additional information about the featured tourist destinations. This online resource is designed to help potential visitors plan their trips, offering insights into the attractions featured in the video and highlighting the unique experiences that await them in Sendai.

The website also features a detailed exploration of Sendai’s culinary offerings, including the city’s famous grilled beef tongue and the traditional dessert “Zunda,” made from green edamame bean paste. These local specialties give visitors an authentic taste of Sendai’s food culture.

Sendai: A City of Natural Beauty and Rich History

Sendai, known as the “City of Trees,” offers a wealth of cultural and natural experiences. Located in Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan, Sendai is a gateway to the Tohoku region, which is celebrated for its stunning landscapes and historical landmarks. Visitors can explore not only Sendai’s urban attractions but also its surrounding hot-spring resorts, such as those in Akiu and Sakunami, just a short drive from the city center.

In addition to its natural beauty, Sendai is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with museums, galleries, and festivals that celebrate both traditional and modern art forms. The city’s balance of historical significance and contemporary vibrancy makes it an appealing destination for a wide range of travelers.

Sendai’s ease of access from Tokyo—just a 90-minute ride on the Tohoku Shinkansen—also makes it an ideal location for those looking to venture outside the capital and experience a different side of Japan.

Encouraging Exploration of Sendai

Through this promotional video campaign, Sendai City hopes to attract more visitors from Hong Kong, capitalizing on the growing connectivity between the two cities. With Hong Kong’s increasing interest in Sendai as a tourist destination, this initiative aims to raise awareness of the city’s unique cultural offerings and inspire more travelers to explore its many attractions.

The campaign is expected to strengthen the cultural ties between Sendai and Hong Kong, highlighting the shared appreciation for both tradition and innovation. As travelers from Hong Kong are introduced to the beauty and charm of Sendai through Yuzuru Hanyu’s personal touch, the city hopes to see an influx of visitors in the coming months.

Conclusion: Sendai’s Growing Tourism Appeal

As Sendai continues to build its reputation as a top-tier destination for both domestic and international tourists, campaigns like this one are instrumental in shaping the city’s future as a global tourism hub. With the help of local ambassadors like Yuzuru Hanyu and enhanced travel connections, Sendai is poised to welcome more travelers from around the world, offering them a warm, culturally rich experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.