Fostering regional revitalisation and safeguarding cultural legacies for a sustainable future.
At GOTOKU LLC, we’re passionate about crafting exceptional and sustainable cultural tourism experiences. Founded in 2019, our mission is to collaborate with local communities in preserving and promoting their unique culture and heritage. We believe in the power of connecting traditions with the present, ensuring a vibrant and thriving society for generations to come.
Our dynamic approach to tourism development is about striking the perfect balance between honouring local history and adapting to contemporary tourism needs. By combining these elements, we can maximise each region’s appeal and provide unforgettable experiences for visitors to Japan.
At the heart of our strategy lies a strong commitment to sustainable development and local empowerment. By working closely with regional stakeholders, we support tourism projects that not only bolster the local economy and create job opportunities, but also contribute to the overall appeal of the region.
We work hand-in-hand with local communities, ensuring that their voices and unique perspectives are at the forefront of our initiatives.
We embrace creativity and adaptability, developing new ways to promote cultural tourism that excite and engage travelers.
We strive for long-term prosperity, investing in projects that promote the well-being of both the environment and the local community.
We celebrate and protect each region’s rich history and heritage, ensuring that these treasured traditions are passed on to future generations.
Originally from Sheffield in the United Kingdom, Alexander Joel Bradshaw studied history at the University of Leeds before working in the IT industry. He moved to Japan in 2005 and has been based in Kagoshima ever since.
Alexander subsequently joined Shimadzu Limited, where he served as Head of Overseas Business, overseeing international marketing and tourism development at Sengan-en, the historic residence and gardens of the Shimadzu family. During his tenure, he worked to strengthen the international profile of Sengan-en and communicate the cultural significance of Kagoshima to overseas audiences. In 2019, Sengan-en’s major renovation project received a Silver Award at the International Travel & Tourism Awards in London.
In 2019, Alexander established GOTOKU, becoming fully independent in 2022. Today, the company operates two complementary businesses: GOTOKU Consulting, specialising in tourism development and international market strategy, and GOTOKU Travel, a destination management company serving discerning international travellers, particularly in the luxury segment. Drawing on an extensive international network and first-hand experience of selling and operating high-end travel in regional Japan, Alexander works to connect local cultural resources with appropriate overseas markets. In 2025, GOTOKU received a Skift Award for Tourism Innovation.
Alexander is a Cabinet Office-appointed Cool Japan Producer and has served as an expert advisor and selection committee member for projects undertaken by the Japan Tourism Agency, as well as an advisor on tourism-related initiatives for the Ministry of the Environment. He works with national and local governments, destination management organisations (DMOs), and private businesses to develop tourism strategies grounded in commercial realities and long-term regional benefit.
Beyond his professional work, Alexander has practised Jigen-ryu Hyoho, a traditional school of swordsmanship originating in Satsuma, since 2005. More recently, he has also begun studying Konparu-ryu Noh theatre. His personal involvement in these traditions informs his approach to cultural tourism, particularly his belief that traditional culture should be understood and respected on its own terms rather than reshaped simply to meet the expectations of visitors.
Alexander regards tourism not merely as a means of attracting visitors, but as a mechanism for sustaining regional economies, preserving cultural knowledge and ensuring that living traditions can be passed on to future generations. His work combines strategic thinking with practical experience, with a particular focus on creating tourism that delivers lasting value to the communities and cultures on which it depends.
Born and raised in Kagoshima, Chisato Bradshaw began her career as an English language instructor before becoming involved in the establishment and management of Bradshaw English School. Alongside overseeing the day-to-day running of the business, she regularly planned and managed events attracting up to 300 participants, developing extensive experience in business administration, event management and customer relations.
Chisato subsequently expanded her professional activities into translation and writing, working with government organisations and private companies on translation projects, international communications and editorial content. Her approach has always emphasised more than linguistic accuracy, with particular attention to cultural context and the needs of international audiences when communicating the distinctive character of Japan’s regions.
In 2019, Chisato helped establish GOTOKU and has since played an integral role in developing both its consulting and travel businesses. Her responsibilities span project coordination, supplier relations, travel arrangements, financial administration and operational management, helping ensure that ideas and strategies can be translated into commercially viable, well-executed projects.
A particular strength is her ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with local businesses, craftspeople and cultural practitioners. Her extensive experience working directly with suppliers and international travellers gives her a practical understanding of the challenges involved in developing and delivering high-quality tourism experiences. She places particular importance on ensuring that tourism benefits host communities without placing unreasonable demands on the people and businesses that sustain them.
An avid reader who reads more than 200 books a year, Chisato also organises a reading group in Kagoshima. Her interests encompass literature, food culture and everyday life in regional Japan, bringing a broad cultural perspective and a thoughtful, grounded approach to her professional work.