Possibility of VFR tourism : Tourism in light of the emigrants' history of Wakayama Prefecture

The Nikkei population is estimated at 4 million in 2022 [1]. The origins of the Nikkei [Japanese ancestry] community can be traced back over 150 years ago, when Japanese people crossed the sea to seek work. Wakayama Prefecture is considered one of the leading prefectures for overseas migration in Japan. Even today, there are Wakayama Kenjinkai [the prefectural associations] in North America, Central and South America, and other parts of the world. Based on the history of emigration from Wakayama prefecture to various places in the world, this paper focuses on commemorative events, referring to the relationship between the Nikkei communities and citizens of Wakayama prefecture. Then it discusses the possibility of VFR [visiting friends and relatives] tourism for mutual exchanges, where Wakayama Kenjinkai around the world and other migration-related organizations in Wakayama will act as a bridge between two places.