Hilton Tokyo opened in 1963

Hilton Worldwide has today launched a campaign to commemorate its 50th year of operations in Japan.

As part of the celebrations, the leading global hospitality company has announced a series of promotions and sweepstakes that will be rolled out over the next 12 months, and unveiled its 50th anniversary ambassador - renowned Japanese celebrity, Junichi Ishida.

“Our long relationship with Japan began on June 20th, 1963 when our founder, Conrad Hilton, opened the Hilton Hotel in Akasaka, Tokyo.

“As one of the first truly global hotel brands to commence trading in this country, we have been a leader in innovation and a pioneer in developing full service hospitality in Japan, and we have shared many ‘firsts’ with the Japanese people,” said Timothy Soper, vice president, operations – Japan, Korea and Micronesia, Hilton Worldwide.

“Today, we celebrate yet another milestone as we mark half a century of operations here.”

Dalai Lama visits Hilton Tokyo Bay to conduct a special lecture (Photo: Hilton Tokyo Bay)

The 50th Anniversary campaign, which will run at Hilton Worldwide hotels throughout Japan, includes a series of activities and promotions such as 50 exclusive stay packages, social media campaigns and a major customer event in June.

“Japan is a very important market for Hilton Worldwide, both in terms of inbound and outbound travel and we are committed to expanding our presence in the country and contributing to the communities in which we operate.

“This has been the case throughout our 50 year history in Japan, and will remain so going forward,” added Soper.

Hilton Worldwide currently operates ten hotels, under the Conrad, Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton brands, in key leisure and business locations including Tokyo, Odawara, Osaka, Nagoya, Niseko, Fukuoka and Okinawa.

The company will add another property to its portfolio in 2014 – the Hilton Okinawa Chatan.