2026.07.14
We have appointed Shunta Sono as our "Ise Tourism Ambassador"!
We are pleased to announce that Shunta Sono has been appointed as an "Ise Tourism Ambassador," and the inauguration ceremony was held on July 6, 2026.
The event was held jointly with the inauguration ceremony for Mie Prefecture's "Mie Oinai Navigator 2026," and included the presentation of letters of appointment and a commemorative photo session.
Sono is active in a wide range of fields, including television programs, movies, and commercials, as well as music as a member of the five-member dance vocal group "M!LK".
Going forward, we hope you will actively share the charm of Ise and your feelings for your hometown through your entertainment activities and social media.
At the inauguration ceremony, she spoke about her feelings towards Ise City and her aspirations as an Ise Tourism Ambassador.
—When did you first want to become a tourism ambassador?
Since I started this job, I've always wanted to be a tourism ambassador and share the wonderful, often overlooked, aspects of Ise with everyone, so I've been doing this for about 10 years now.
—What are your goals as a tourism ambassador going forward?
Mie Prefecture has so many great things—its food, its culture, its people—so I believe my job is to share these things with all of Japan, and even with the world. I want to do my best to achieve that.
—What kind of work would you like to do as a tourism ambassador in the future?
First, I want to promote the good things about my hometown, Ise City, and then I want to travel around Mie Prefecture with all the members of M!LK to see all the great places. I want to introduce them. My biggest desire is to be the one to guide the other members.
—Are there any specific members you would like to bring here?
There's this guy named Shiozaki Taichi, and apparently he went to my house to hang out when I wasn't there. None of the other members have ever been to my house, so I'd like to invite him over first and then take him to various delicious restaurants and sightseeing spots.
—Use "oinai" to say something.
Everyone, come to Mie! (In Ise dialect, this means "Welcome!")
<Comment from the person in charge>
I love Mie and Ise, and I grew up in this area, so I am truly happy to be appointed as an Oinai Navigator and Tourism Ambassador.
I will do my best to make people say, "I want to go to Mie," or "I've come to love Ise even more," after seeing me, so I would appreciate your continued support.
Let me just say one last thing. I love Mie and Ise so much it's unbearable!
<Profile of Shunta Sono>
Born on May 3, 2002
Born in Ise City, Mie Prefecture
- Belongs to Stardust Promotion Inc.
- Members of the five-member dance vocal group "M!LK"
- Released in 2025, "Iijan" led to their first appearance on NHK's Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.
The music video for "Suki Sugite Metsu!" has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube.
As an actor and talent, he is active in various fields, including nationally broadcast television programs, commercials, and movies, attracting a wide range of interest from people of all ages.
Official Profile
https://www.stardust.co.jp/talent/section3/sonoshunta/
[About the Ise Tourism Ambassador]
The Ise City Tourism Association, a public interest incorporated association, appoints individuals who are from Ise City or have ties to Ise City, who are active nationwide, have high recognition, and are well-liked by many people, as "Ise Tourism Ambassadors."
By strategically promoting the multifaceted appeal of Ise to a wider audience both domestically and internationally, we aim to attract even more fans (people with ties to Ise) and contribute to the overall revitalization of the region.
As of 2026, there are three "Ise Tourism Ambassadors": Eriko Kusuda, a TV presenter and essayist; Yoko Natsuki, an actress; and Mizuki Noguchi, an Olympic gold medalist. Shunta Sono will be the fourth ambassador.
Please look forward to the charm of Ise that will be conveyed through Ms. Sono's sensibilities in the future.
