First allow me to express my heartfelt condolences to all of the people who are suffering as a result of the enormous disaster in the Tohoku region of Japan.
 
Since the disaster, we have experienced the largest decrease in overseas visitors since Japan was declared a “Tourism Oriented Nation.” In an effort to revitalize the tourism industry in Japan, we members of Les Clefs d'Or Japan continue to work with our worldwide network of approximately 3,500 members in 42 countries to announce to people all over the world that Japan is a safe and beautiful country.
 
Recently, along with globalization Japanese "Omotenashi" (hospitality) has gained attention from all over the world, and at the same time a variety of industries and occupations are developing concierge services based on the foundation of hotel concierges.

Amongst these changes, members of Les Clefs d'Or Japan continue to strive to provide service that not only satisfies but moves guests with the utilization of our strong local and international networks. With the understanding and cooperation of our corporate sponsors, people throughout the tourism industry, restaurants, shops, and our hotel management and colleagues, we are committed to making a difference every day, continually getting better to keep us the best.
 
Les Clefs d'Or Japan will celebrate its 15th Anniversary in 2012. At this turning point, we will continue to strive to make our profession known by more people, to better our work, and to contribute to the concierge profession. At the same time we will place efforts in the development of our junior staff while endeavoring to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with concierges with a longer history.
 

Masumi Tajima
President
Les Clefs d’Or Japan
Chief Concierge
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

A concierge is in short, a professional service person with a special dedication, who will do anything that is humanly possible to achieve the satisfaction of their hotel guests.  Being a concierge, you will experience a variety of roles, such as personal assistant, nurse, business consultant, actor, ticketing agent, detective (!), coordinator, and private diplomat.  One of the fascinating natures of this profession is that each day is fresh & exciting, and different from any other.  It is said by our French senior concierge that “concierge” is a word just to describe a specific job title, where as “Les Clefs d’Or” is an honor, synonymous with “trust.”   Established in 1929 in France, Les Clefs d’Or is a worldwide network of concierges created to assist and provide better services by sharing expertise, sources of inside information & intelligence.   The insignia of Les Clefs d’Or, crossed golden keys, proudly shone on the lapels of our full members on duty has a hidden meaning that they are keys to accomplish the impossible.  In this last decade, customers’ inquiries on the availability of concierges in their hotel appraisal have shifted to the even more precise availability of Les Clefs d’Or concierges.  Thus the significance of our being in hotels is increasing day by day, by making our guests “great advocators” with the presentation of “The Only Hotel” & “THE Concierge” to each & every respective valued guest.

Momoko Ohno
Honorary Member / Founder President
Les Clefs d’Or Japan