At two events in Tokyo—International Women’s Day and Singapore Innovation Night, by Singapore Global Network, —Dr. Wanping Aw, founder of TokudAw and Project Research Associate at Keio University, shared how her cross-cultural journey inspired a company that redefines travel in Japan.

Raised in Singapore, educated in Australia and Japan, and now based in Japan, Wanping turned her experiences navigating different education systems and cultural norms into a mission: to help others connect with Japan in deeper, more human ways. TokudAw offers private group tours, educational programs, and inclusive travel services that prioritize empathy, dialogue, and real-world learning.

From noticing unspoken barriers in Japanese workplaces to designing programs that foster open communication and cultural understanding, Wanping’s story is one of transformation—from navigating silence to building a company rooted in connection. TokudAw now serves families, students, and corporate clients with journeys that go beyond sightseeing to spark meaningful exchange.

As Wanping puts it, “The best trips don’t just move you from place to place—they move you closer to understanding others and yourself.”

TokudAw., Japan’s premier corporate travel planner, is setting a new standard for business trips. Pairing luxury transport, expert planning, and cultural enrichment, TokudAw helps companies achieve more during their time in Japan. From arranging industry-specific site visits and networking opportunities to coordinating tailored itineraries that include cultural experiences like private tea ceremonies and kaiseki dining, TokudAw ensures every corporate trip is equal parts enriching and flawlessly orchestrated.

TokudAw, Japan’s leading luxury travel provider, has joined forces with SWIFF to bring unmatched hygiene to its fleet of private vehicles, Japan Private Drivers. This partnership pairs cutting-edge antimicrobial technology with TokudAw’s commitment to comfort and safety, guaranteeing a spotless ride for every traveler. The SWIFF spray is plant-based, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic—perfect for multigenerational families, travelers with allergies, or anyone seeking peace of mind.

The collaboration is spearheaded by TokudAw’s Managing Director, Wanping Aw—a scientist at Keio University—and SWIFF founder Dr. JJ Richardson. Together, they’ve developed a sanitization protocol that combines rigorous science with everyday practicality, raising the bar for premium travel in Japan.

In Fodor’s No List 2025, TokudAw Inc., was invited for a comment in the internationally renowned travel publication, Fodor. Fodor published an annual list of ‘no-go’ destinations for the year ahead, in what it describes as an effort to highlight ‘destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and local communities’. In Japan, Kyoto and Tokyo have been selected as destinations beginning to suffer.

TokudAw Inc was featured in SCMP for its efforts in curating accessible tours with Accessible Japan.

Tokyo, Japan – TokudAw, the expert in bespoke travel and business services in Japan, is thrilled to announce its official registration as a Designated Store under Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This recognition enables TokudAw to offer exclusive tax-free services to embassies and consulates in Japan, providing additional support for their official government events and diplomatic operations.