Friendship Takes Flight: How Travel Connects People, Cultures and Communities
To mark the International Day of Friendship, an ANA colleague reflects on a lifetime of global travel and the value of Star Alliance partnerships.
2026 / 08 / 28
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Kyota Chikazawa from ANA’s Marketing Communations team
As an international airline, ANA connects people, cultures and communities together every day through travel. The International Day of Friendship, recognized annually by the United Nations on July 30, celebrates the bonds that unite people around the world.
We spoke with Kyota Chikazawa from ANA’s Marketing Communications team to get a glimpse into his travels around the world and what friendships across the airline industry mean for ANA.
Chikazawa, who has traveled to 73 countries in his personal time, joined the ANA Bangkok team in 2007 and was most recently a part of ANA’s marketing team in Singapore before returning to Japan in 2025.
A Journey of Curiosity and Wonder
Chikazawa’s interest in the world took off in elementary school, when his parents took him to Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki, a theme park renowned for its Dutch-style architecture.
“I remember the thrill I felt, realizing there were places out there with scenery completely different from Japan’s,” he shared.
Kyota in Ghana with local textiles
From studying world history in junior high to beginning his worldwide travels with a backpack in university, Chikazawa’s desire to see the world continued to grow.
“The breathtaking sights I witnessed during my student years, such as the Potala Palace in Tibet and the ancient ruins of Bagan in Myanmar, remain vividly etched in my memory to this day,” he said.
From the wineries of Marlborough, New Zealand, tall peaks of Patagonia, and the mala hotpot of Chongqing, China, his next adventures are driven by curiosity and wonder, discovering new cuisines and sceneries along the way.
“Recently, I’ve been captivated by colorful African fabrics, leading me to visit Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to have shirts custom-made from local textiles,” said Chikazawa.
Star Alliance: Seamlessly Connected
Crew from different Star Alliance carriers welcoming the newest member, ITA Airways
As a Star Alliance member, ANA offers non-stop flights from Japan to more than 40 global destinations. Today, Star Alliance brings together 26 member airlines, connecting over 1,150 destinations across 190 countries.
“Even when traveling to cities beyond ANA’s own network, the seamless journey continues with a baton pass to our ‘friends’ within Star Alliance,” said Chikazawa. “For instance, I can travel to Africa on Ethiopian Airlines or Turkish Airlines. If I want to reach South America, I can travel on partners like Copa Airlines or A
With partner airlines spanning the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, the entire Star Alliance network connects people across the globe, making virtually every destination feel within reach.
“The real thrill of flying with our partners is that you can experience the character and culture of a country from the very moment you step on board,” said Chikazawa. “Just looking at the destinations served by these member airlines fills me with excitement as I wonder, ‘Where should I go next?’”
“Each airline features local flavors as a part of the inflight experience with their meals and drinks,” he adds. “Some highlights from my past flights include Air India’s chicken curry, Thai Airways’ gapao rice and Turkish Airlines’ handcrafted lemonade.”
Chicken curry from Air India (left) and gapao rice from Thai Airways (right)
As for passengers traveling with ANA, Chikazawa recommends enjoying the “Aromatic Kabosu,” a citrusy signature drink crafted from kabosu juice and honey.
Looking ahead
Kyota in Kochi, Japan wearing textiles from Ghana
From getting a taste of authentic wine and hotpot to having clothes made from locally crafted fabrics, Chikazawa hopes that travelers can be inspired to step out into the world and uncover new destinations and experiences.
“Wherever you are in the world, you have a reassuring ‘friend’ in Star Alliance, helping to make travel feel a little more accessible,” he said.
As for his future travels, Chikazawa aims to continue exploring the world, connecting with new people through new experiences.
“Living in Southeast Asia for many years, I did not have many opportunities to venture as far as the Americas, so I’d like to explore more there,” he adds. “Right now, I’m dreaming of flying United Airlines to New Orleans to experience jazz and Cajun cuisine, or head to Trinidad and Tobago for the steelpan festival!”
Together with our friends at other Star Alliance member airlines, ANA hopes to continue connecting people, cultures and societies, building new bonds and friendships around the world.
