HOSPITALITY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

[Establishment and Heritage] Hospitality Academy, originally established as Trajal Travel Academy in 1973, began its journey in response to a direct call from the tourism and travel industry. The industry sought a specialized educational institution that could cultivate young professionals ready to take on immediate roles in the rapidly growing service sector. For over 50 years, the academy has been the gold standard for vocational training in Japan, producing thousands of alumni who now lead major sectors in travel, aviation, and hospitality.

[Rebranding for the Modern Era] In April 2024, the institution underwent a significant transformation, changing its corporate name to "Hospitality Educaional Foundation" (Gakko-hojin Hospitality Gakuen). This rebranding was designed to align the organization’s identity with its core mission: educating students in the art of hospitality. Along with the corporate name change, its flagship schools were renamed to clearly reflect their specialized departments, such as the "Tokyo College of Airline, Railway, Hotel, and Theme Park." This shift emphasizes the academy’s commitment to providing a clear career path for students and a transparent recruitment standard for industry partners.

[Practical Education and Industry Integration] What sets Hospitality Academy apart is its "Industry-First" approach. The curriculum is meticulously designed in collaboration with leading companies to ensure that students acquire the most relevant skills. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including mock airplane cabins, hotel check-in counters, and bridal salons, allowing students to learn in a realistic environment. Furthermore, the academy maintains robust partnerships with top-tier corporations such as big airline companies and luxury hotel chains. These ties provide students with exclusive internship opportunities and have resulted in a consistently high employment rate, making it one of the most respected vocational groups in the country.

[Global Vision and Global Network] Recognizing the importance of global communication in the tourism industry, the academy has long invested in international programs. It operates its own campus in Seattle, USA, offering students unique long-term and short-term study abroad opportunities. These programs are not just about learning English; they are designed to immerse students in different cultures, helping them develop a global perspective that is essential in today’s interconnected world. In 2024, the institution also started offering "domestic study abroad" programs at its language training facility in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

[Future Outlook] As society shifts from a focus on material goods to experiential value, the demand for high-quality hospitality professionals continues to rise. Even as automation and AI transform various industries, the human touch remains irreplaceable in the service sector. Hospitality Academy is dedicated to nurturing "Hospitality Leaders" who possess both the professional skills and the compassionate heart required to excel in this new era. By blending traditional Japanese "Omotenashi" with modern business strategies, the academy remains at the forefront of vocational education, shaping the future of the global hospitality industry.