Asia,Connected.

Going abroad has never been easier. Board a plane, and a few hours later you are in another country.

But visiting a country and actually meeting the people who live there and building relationships with them are two entirely different things.

Japan's population is shrinking, and the assumptions behind its society and economy are gradually changing. In the years ahead, we believe that connecting with people outside Japan and holding relationships that cross borders will matter more than ever.

Among the places closest to us are the countries of Asia. Many of them are only a few hours away. Yet despite that closeness, opportunities to actually meet local people and get to know one another deeply are still surprisingly rare.

That is why we started The Asian Hub.

What The Asian Hub aims for is an experience one step beyond sightseeing. Not just visiting a country, but talking with local people, sharing meals, touching the culture, and at times taking on social contribution or new challenges together.

In Taiwan, it doesn't end with Jiufen and xiaolongbao.In Korea, it doesn't end with barbecue and beauty.In the Philippines, it doesn't end with beach resorts.

Across nationality, culture, profession and position, people meet and build relationships that don't end with a single trip or event. And the connections born there spread on to the next country, the next encounter, and the next challenge.

Through person-to-person connections, we want to bring Asia closer and grow a community that works like a hub of Asia, where relationships across countries and positions keep emerging one after another.

That is The Asian Hub.