JGTO Tour Director Soushi Tajima is a man on a mission

The 45-year-old has vowed to use his capacity to turn Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) into a major international circuit and, at the same time, help JGTO members to take their game to greater heights through its top-quality tournaments.

Some of Tajima's goals include boosting the foreign players' presence on both the JGTO and ABEMA Tour and ultimately churning out more title contenders and winners among the JGTO members in tournaments abroad, particularly the Majors.

It is easier to be said than done, but Tajima is unfazed by the challenge.

Tajima, who also oversees the tournament regulations and course setup, is eager to justify his role with the JGTO Board, which he has already served for six years.

"Throughout the last six years in office, I thought the biggest challenge that I face until today is to make sure that I'm in control of everything," said Tajima, who competed on JGT from 2001-2015 and won the Hisamitsu-KBC Augusta for his only victory.

"So I always go to the ground to listen to fellow members and get as many views from them because it's important for us to create the fairest environment for all the players.

"Being a former touring professional myself, I believe I fit the bill. I know what the players want and look for in a good tournament."

With the JGTO seeing an increase in participation of foreign professionals in recent years, Tajima also stressed the importance of making these players feel welcomed and right at home.

"In my first year as a professional, I had played on the Asian Tour. From there, I managed to speak to many players, not just the Asians but players from the rest of the world.

"Learning about different cultures helps me develop an understanding of cultural diversity.

Now that we have more foreign players coming to our Tour, it's imperative that we engage with them in order to build strong, diverse communities.

"I believe many international players find JGTO to be very unique to them. I think each player who wins here takes a lot of pride in their victory, regardless of their country.

"JGTO, although primarily staged in Japan, is gradually becoming an international tour. 

"So, the responsibility is on us to make the Tour even more appealing to foreign players so that they will make Japan a destination to grow their career, and we shall flourish together.

"Japan is also amazing not just for golf, but also a great place to live in."