I have been participating in the Local Guides program for three years.
What Local Guides means to me…it means that I should disseminate the information of “Omotenashi” for all over the world as Japanese Local Guides.
What is Japanese “Omotenashi”?
My understanding, “Omotenashi” is a traditional Japanese way of hospitality with the most dedicated and exquisite manners. It creates an ambiance of tranquility and relaxation where the guests will experience unforgettable moments at ease. The meaning of “Omotenashi” goes way deeper than just providing outstanding hospitality as the original meaning is to entertain the guests wholeheartedly.
For example, the restaurant staffs. As soon as we enter the restaurant, the hall staffs and kitchen staffs say “Thank you for coming!” All staffs are welcome to enter the restaurant not due to get the chip. It’s normally to get great service at a luxury hotel for high price. But, the mind of Japanese “Omotenashi”, everyone are able to receive hospitality services anywhere is a Japanese feature and it comes from a wonderful Japanese hospitality culture.
I have had such an experience on this Feb. It was amazing when I found my coat pockets were delightfully warm. It was because the restaurant staff placed instant hand warmers in each of the pockets while we were having dinner since the weather was cold. That was absolutely Japanese “Omotenashi” we have experienced!!!
I expect this “Omotenashi” will be demonstrated at next year’s Olympic Games. Olympic game volunteers are called “Field Cast”. It is an important staff member who supports the operation of the Olympic Games and supports customer. The Field Cast will support customers from all over the world in this spirit of “Omotenashi”.
Since I was selected as a Field Cast this month, I want to support customers who came to Japan at the Olympics Games with “Omotenashi” mind as both a Local Guide and Field Cast.
In this way, I should be gathering information on places where you can feel and fully experience the “Omotenashi”, a symbol of Japanese culture and history, and disseminating information through Google maps, I think that this disseminating means as a Local Guides. We need to send information to tourists from around the world, Google Map users, and Local Guides around the world.
I think this has the same meaning as transmitting the culture of Japanese “Omotenashi” to the world.
Let’s liven up Local guides activity and Google Map!!
