Sugoii Japan Partner Spotlight Interview - #MyGiving Story

Giving people the courage to step out of their comfort zone. Medhi Fliss, a Tunisia native, has been interested in bridging the gap of social impact and travel experiences from a young age! We here at Giving Tuesday Japan got the exclusive opportunity to interview him about his experience coming to Japan, how the pandemic encouraged him to make a life here in Japan, and what his goals for the future are.

Take a look at the My Giving Story interview between Medhi and our Global Community Team Leader, Jasmine, below!

To read his article about us, click here! https://sugoii-japan.com/giving-tuesday-japan

-------------

My name is Mehdi Fliss. I’m originally from Tunisia, though I’ve called Japan home since 2020. I’m an entrepreneur and travel content creator, running a few travel-related businesses.

Giving back has always been a core value in my life, something I inherited from my family and culture. Growing up in Tunisia, community support and generosity were part of daily life—whether helping neighbors, supporting local causes, or lending a hand in times of need. My family instilled in me the belief that when you are able to help, you should, no matter how small the gesture.

This mindset has stayed with me wherever I’ve gone. Over the years, I’ve participated in several volunteering projects, both in Japan and abroad. In Japan, I contributed to earthquake recovery efforts in Kumamoto and helped revitalize tourism in Kamaishi after the 2011 tsunami, working alongside local communities to rebuild and promote their beautiful region.

One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had was during a volunteering program in the Philippines, in a small village called Tigman. I spent a month there helping to build a school, teaching English and renewable energy lessons to local children, and planting mangroves as part of an environmental preservation initiative. That time really opened my eyes to the power of direct community involvement and the lasting impact even small actions can have.

Why do I give back? Because I believe in the importance of connection and shared responsibility. Giving back creates a bridge between people, cultures, and communities. It’s not just about offering help—it’s about building relationships, fostering understanding, and expressing gratitude for the opportunities life has given me.

I also feel that travel can be a powerful tool for social good. Many people today are looking for more meaningful travel experiences, and I hope to inspire others to combine their journeys with giving back—whether through volunteering, supporting local causes, or simply being mindful travelers.

I’m truly excited to collaborate with organizations like Giving Tuesday Japan, which make giving more accessible and approachable. Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start, and that’s where initiatives like Giving Tuesday are so valuable. They offer pathways for action, no matter your background or resources.

Together, I believe we can create a world where kindness, generosity, and community spirit are at the heart of everything we do.

Q. What inspired you to come to Japan? When did you come here?

I think my fascination with Japan started when I was a child. Like many kids of my generation, I grew up watching Japanese anime, and without realizing it, I developed a deep admiration for Japan and its culture.

Years later, one of my best friends moved to Japan, and I visited him for the first time in 2012. That trip completely changed my perspective. I discovered a country that was not only visually stunning but also rich in traditions, culture, and kindness. From that moment, I kept returning to Japan as often as I could, exploring more of its incredible landscapes and unique local experiences.

Eventually, in January 2020, I made the decision to move here. Interestingly, it wasn’t a planned relocation. When the pandemic hit, I found myself unexpectedly “stuck” in Japan due to travel restrictions. But instead of feeling frustrated, I took it as a sign—almost like destiny guiding me to where I was meant to be. I embraced this unexpected turn of events and chose to settle down here for good.

Q. Why did you start Sugoii Japan? What is your mission? What is your goal with the platform?

Traveling through Japan has always been a passion of mine. But as much as I loved it, I realized that planning a trip here could sometimes feel overwhelming—especially for first-time visitors. There are so many hidden gems, cultural nuances, and unique local customs that aren’t always easy to discover without guidance.

As I gathered my own experiences from traveling all across Japan, I felt a growing urge to share those insights—to help other travelers make the most of their journey. That’s how Sugoii Japan was born: a platform where I could provide tips, hidden spots, and cultural advice to inspire and assist future visitors.

My mission with Sugoii Japan is simple: to make travel in Japan easier, more enjoyable, and more meaningful. I want to help people experience the beauty of Japan in an authentic and informed way.

Q. Are you the only team member? If not, how big is your team?

While I handle much of the creative direction and management for Sugoii Japan, I’m fortunate to collaborate with a small group of talented freelance writers who help bring fresh perspectives and diverse voices to the platform.

The size of the team varies throughout the year depending on the season and workload. Currently, I’m working with three dedicated writers who assist me in creating content. Their contributions allow us to cover a wide range of topics and ensure the quality of our articles remains high.

Q. Who is the target audience of Sugoii Japan?

Our primary audience is English-speaking travelers who are planning a trip to Japan. Whether it’s their first visit or they’re seasoned travelers looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, Sugoii Japan provides valuable information to help them plan memorable and meaningful experiences.

Q. Does Sugoii Japan host events? If so, do you have any upcoming events?

Currently, Sugoii Japan operates mainly as an online media platform, so we don’t regularly host in-person events. Our focus has been on producing high-quality digital content that reaches travelers worldwide.

However, I’m always open to new opportunities, and in the future, we might consider hosting online workshops or collaborations with local partners to offer interactive experiences.

Q. What services/information does Sugoii Japan offer? What types of services would you like to add in the future? What areas are your services available in? Do you plan to expand?

Sugoii Japan is primarily a media and promotional platform dedicated to showcasing the best of Japan. We collaborate with local governments, tourism boards, and businesses to promote destinations, cultural experiences, and events across the country.

In addition to providing travel tips and guides, we also offer promotional services for travel-related businesses, helping them reach international audiences. Our collaborations include working with Japanese government officials to highlight specific cities and prefectures.

Looking ahead, I’d love to expand our offerings to include more interactive experiences, such as curated itineraries or travel planning services. I’m also interested in exploring partnerships that promote sustainable and meaningful tourism, ensuring visitors can engage with Japan responsibly.

While we currently focus on all regions of Japan, I’m always on the lookout for ways to deepen our coverage and expand our reach, possibly incorporating volunteering opportunities or niche travel experiences in the future.

Q. Would you ever be willing to add a section about charity or similar information on your interests tabs on your blog?

Absolutely. I’m particularly interested in writing more about volunteering and social impact opportunities in Japan. I’ve personally participated in a few volunteer projects, including recovery efforts in Kumamoto after the earthquake and supporting tourism initiatives in Kamaishi following the devastating tsunami.

I believe more and more travelers today are seeking purposeful experiences—ways to give back and connect with the places they visit on a deeper level. I’d love to create content that helps guide those travelers toward volunteering opportunities and charity projects they can support during their trip.

Q. Have you heard of or participated in Giving Tuesday before partnering with us? Is there anything you would like to do in the future in collaboration with Giving Tuesday? How can we (Giving Tuesday Japan) support Sugoii Japan?

This is actually my first introduction to Giving Tuesday, and I’m really inspired by the concept! I love the idea of creating a global movement that encourages people to give back in meaningful ways. I would definitely be interested in participating in one of your projects someday, especially if it’s something close to Tokyo, where I’m based.

Giving back is a value I hold close to my heart—it’s a big part of my cultural background. But often, the hardest part is knowing where to start or how to get involved. That’s why I think Giving Tuesday is so valuable—it provides clear pathways for participation and makes it easier for people to take action.

As for how you could support me, I’d love the opportunity to introduce another project I’m currently working on called Photo Trips. It’s a platform that connects travelers with local photographers to capture their experiences in Japan and other destinations. I’m working hard to grow this platform, and so far, people have responded really well to it. Maybe there’s a way we could collaborate in the future to combine travel, photography, and social impact!

Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my story and be part of Giving Tuesday Japan’s mission!

Please check out Sugoii Japan online and on social media!

Website: https://sugoii-japan.com/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/sugoiijapanblog

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sugoiijapan

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUWvQEoeXp2N1ihCQw7cIxA

Want to share your story? www.givingtuesday.jp/contacten