Maintenance & Resilience TOKYO 2025: Industry Problem Solving at Forefront of Exhibition [MICE News]

On Wednesday, July 23, Maintenance & Resilience TOKYO 2025 opened alongside concurrent TECHNO-FRONTIER 2025 at the Tokyo Big Sight. Maintenance & Resilience focuses on those two aspects as they are related to industry in terms of “preparing for and responding to problems and risks in advance.” The first day witnessed the attendance of over 8,000 professionals from a variety of sectors such as manufacturing, construction, civil engineering, and transportation. Spanning the venue’s East and West halls, every aisle was filled with the commotion of exhibitors demonstrating machinery, conducting seminars, and partaking in business negotiations with buyers. Reporters from Japanese MICE news outlet POP Inc. spoke with participants to discover the newest trends.

Shandong Hightop Group is a large-scale engineering and construction equipment manufacturer that operates 50,000 square meters of factory space and employs over 500 laborers. They currently export to various regions of Europe, North America, South America, and Southeast Asia and also manage overseas warehouses around the world. Hoping to utilize Maintenance & Resilience TOKYO as an opportunity to expand into the Japanese market, the group is focusing their exhibit on their current hottest product: a remote-controlled crawler lawn mower.
Shandong Hightop’s lawn mower is easily operated with a handheld remote control, and the mower at the booth demonstrated its quick and precise turning and maneuvering. The crawler lawn mowers come in a diverse array of designs and can be either entirely electric, gas hybrid, or diesel hybrid. Furthermore, the Hightop Group also manufactures a line of mini hydraulic excavators that allow for easy substitution of attachments, including a log splitter, an auger, and a forklift.
Shandong Hightop Group homepage: https://hightopmachinery.com/

Tesla is presenting a special exhibit featuring a disassembled CyberTruck. The CyberTruck is an electric vehicle that was originally released by Tesla in 2023 and has garnered much attention in the United States. The truck implements a smorgasbord of high-end technologies that are expected to influence the future of the electric vehicle industry.
The TECHNO-FRONTIER exhibit presents a disassembled CyberTruck with each individual part disconnected and displayed for visitors to view. In the center of these parts sits the truck itself, split down the middle lengthwise and showing the complete outer surface on one half and the disemboweled inner mechanisms on the other. Attendees have been very intrigued by the exhibit, and many have singled out and discussed particular technologies in detail.
CyberTruck homepage: https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck

When you see a completely vertical pole towering over the stands at more than twice their height, you’ll know you’ve arrived at the exhibit of Kuusatsu Giken Inc. At Maintenance & Resilience TOKYO, the manufacturer is proudly demonstrating its “Taorenbo”, or Stick That Won’t Fall. As the name implies, Taorenbo is a stick that automatically balances itself in order to stay vertical. Using drone technology, four propellers in the power unit at the top of the stick cover 360 degrees and push back against the direction in which gravity foolishly attempts to pull it. Said unit is attached to a rod that can extend up to 11.5 meters long. Taorenbo can even be remote-controlled in order change its tilt angle or induce circular movement.
Experts at the Kuusatsu Giken booth offered several recommended uses for Taorenbo. First, by attaching a camera, it can be used for filming and photography, which is especially in advantageous in areas where flying drones is not possible. Further practical applications include advertising displays, closeup observation of high places such as solar panels and telephone poles, and research with data collection instruments. Finally, Taorenbo can be used just for fun, considering its existence as a “mysterious stick” that produces a “sense of wonder.” How you use Taorenbo is entirely up to you.
Taorenbo homepage: https://www.multicopter.co.jp/taorenbo

By far the liveliest area of the trade fair is the Heat Wave Countermeasures Exhibition. With temperatures rising to record highs in Japan this summer, the biggest topic on people’s minds is how to beat the heat. The Heat Wave Countermeasures Exhibition gathers companies presenting unique and innovative solutions to combat overheating. Products popular with attendees include powerful industrial fans, hydrating electrolyte tablets, and stylish air-conditioned jackets.
Suns Co., Ltd. is exhibiting their line of fan-attached clothing, which includes short-sleeved jackets, long-sleeved jackets, vests, and overalls. While many manufacturers are focusing mainly on work uniforms, Suns also creates fashionable designs for everyday use.
Suns Co., Ltd. homepage: https://sun-s.work/

Maintenance & Resilience TOKYO 2025 will run until Friday, July 24 at the Tokyo Big Sight. Admission is free of charge for industry professionals.

JFEX 2025: Major Success for Overseas Food & Beverage Producers [MICE News]

From July 9 to 11, Japan International Food & Beverage Expo (JFEX) 2025 was held at the Tokyo Big Sight alongside the “Japan’s Food” Export Fair and the newly launched Food LogiX International Food Logistics Expo. Over 600 exhibitors from every corner of Japan and across the globe gathered together to showcase the latest innovations in food and beverages. Enticing smells of freshly cooked cuisine wafted through the halls as visitors taste-tested everything from scallops to soy sauce, and from gelato to gin.
In addition to the “Food & Beverage” moniker, the “International” aspect of JFEX was also a large focus of the event. Exhibitors and buyers alike actively worked towards increasing their overseas sales channels. Reporters from Japanese MICE news outlet POP Inc. spoke with participants to determine the success of these endeavors.

TianXiaHong (TXH) Chili Food is a Chinese manufacturer of chili sauces for daily consumption. They offer several other varieties of chili pepper products as well, such as raw materials for manufacturers, all of which are crafted from organic peppers grown at a farm nearby their processing plant. THX’s exhibit at JFEX proudly proclaimed the company’s passion for their chili peppers, and especially their chili sauces.
Featuring a wide array of flavors, these sauces contain all sorts of natural ingredients, such as peanuts, sesame seeds, and even anchovies. What truly sets them apart from other chili sauces, however, is the inclusion of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). International Trade Development Manager Kevin Cheng explained that THX is the first ever manufacturer to incorporate TCM into their sauces, and they have secured a patent for this method in China. Cheng elaborated that most chili sauces can actually be damaging to the skin and throat, so TCM is intended to counteract these side effects. Different flavors of the TXH sauces are designed to support corresponding parts of the body, including the assisting the gastrointestinal tract and digestion, strengthening the brain, and enhancing immunity.

Furthermore, in order to accommodate an international audience, TXH chili sauces are relatively less spicy than the average Chinese sauce. Each jar also includes a heat level relayed in Scoville units, so consumers can easily find the right level for their palette.
JFEX 2025 was TXH Chilli Food’s first time participating at a Japanese trade fair, and Cheng is hoping that the exhibition will become their gateway into the Japanese market. He noted that TXH was able to form connections with both Japanese and Chinese distributors during the event, and the manufacturer is looking forward to subsequent business success.
TXH Chili Food’s homepage: http://www.tianxiahong.com

Volonte Corporation introduced their Comisario Ultra Premium brand of Mexican tequila. Comisario is aged in both American bourbon barrels and French cabernet barrels in an extensive process that creates an intricate flavor profile while still remaining smooth and easy to drink. CEO Grant Humphrey of MAD International Ltd., a Tokyo-based consulting company specializing in food and beverages, represented Volonte at JFEX 2025. MAD International has participated in over 50 trade fairs throughout Japan, and Comisario tequila is launching in the country for the first time. Humphrey extolled the benefits of JFEX as a place for conducting business negotiations, asserting that although the quantity of attendees may be smaller than other culinary exhibitions, the quality of individual visitors is high which leads to more valuable interactions.
Comisario’s homepage: https://tequilacomisario.com/

Hailing from South Korea, Boksoondoga Co., Ltd. exhibited their line of hand-brewed makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine. Though most popular makgeolli brands are fairly sweet, Boksoondoga’s signature variation is a surprising mix of sweet and sour sensations with a hint of yogurt flavor. This combined with carbonation gives the makgeolli a completely unique drinking experience. In addition, although it contains approximately the same alcohol content as beer, the alcohol flavor is negligible which may appeal to consumers who don’t normally prefer alcoholic beverages.
Riding on the wave of popularity of Korean culture in recent years, makgeolli has also increased in demand among the Japanese youth. As of JFEX 2025, Boksoondoga has been made available for purchase online for Japanese customers. The company is looking to capitalize on the favorable reactions of visitors in order to expand into physical locations in the future.
Boksoondoga’s homepage: https://en.boksoondoga.com/

Blowfish Tequila travelled across the Pacific from California, USA, to showcase their line of tequilas in Japan for the first time. Blowfish featured five signature tequilas, including the visually stunning “Indigo,” which is colored with butterfly pea flower extract. The standout star, however, was decidedly the Grand Reserva Extra Añejo, an exquisite blend of rich flavors that is perfect for an after-dinner drink.
Spearheading the company’s foray into Japan, Chief Operating Officer Adam Prangè explained that Blowfish’s plan to search for local distributors had been extremely successful, and he cited negotiations with representatives of local restaurants, liquor stores, and even grocery stores. Prangè is hopeful that the prominence of the blowfish in Japan, commonly know as the “fugu,” will benefit the promotion of the brand. Similarly, he expects that Blowfish’s tequila soda canned cocktails will integrate seamlessly into the country’s prevalent canned alcohol culture.
Blowfish Tequila’s homepage: https://blowfishtequila.com/

Not only did JFEX feature foreign countries setting their sights on Japan, but Japanese companies equally took advantage of the opportunity to entice buyers attending from overseas. Hokkaido Development Group Inc. spreads the charm of Hokkaido by promoting their local goods. A popular item among visitors to their booth was the “Milk Baton” matcha-flavored sandwich cookies. The cookies contain an original white chocolate filling that delicately balances the sweetness and bitterness of the two main ingredients.
As of JFEX 2025, Hokkaido Development Group mainly exports to 8 countries: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, and Canada. This year’s exhibition offered them an excellent opportunity to advertise to a large number of international buyers, and the group hopes to expand their distribution network to more countries via the connections made at the event.
Hokkaido Development Group homepage: https://www.hdgroup.jp/en/

The next Japan International Food & Beverage Expo will be held from December 3 to 5, 2025, at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture. Next summer’s edition is scheduled for June 24 to 26, 2026, again at the Tokyo Big Sight. Attendance is free for all industry professionals with pre-registration required.

International Tourism Trade Show 2025 – Tourism Industry Makes Waves at Tokyo Big Sight [MICE News]

From June 25 to 27, International Tourism Trade Show (iTT) 2025 was held at the Tokyo Big Sight. Featuring two specialized exhibitions, the Tourism Marketing Expo and the International Wellness Tourism Expo, key players from all corners of the tourism and accommodation industries flocked to the event. International participation was greatly favored, and the venue implemented an international visitor lounge that welcomed the multitude of visitors who traveled from all across the globe in order to participate. Amidst a general air of positive reception, reporters from Japanese MICE news outlet POP Inc. uncovered the latest trends.

Exstan Human Resource provides services for hiring and supporting foreign laborers who wish to enter into the Japanese workforce, as well as for connecting them with Japanese companies. Exstan covers the entire employment process from recruitment to assistance in visa acquisition to support of workers after hiring. At its iTT 2025 booth, the company was actively expounding upon its “noborder” online tool that capitalizes on Exstan’s expertise in handling resident status applications. Employers can use noborder to neatly manage all of the documents and information necessary for their employee’s visa renewals.
Exstan representatives further added that supporting foreign workers is becoming increasingly beneficial in combatting the current labor shortage in Japan.
Exstan’s homepage: https://exstan-hr.studio.site/

The LEX Institute, formerly known as the Institute for Language Experience, Experiment & Exchange, showcased the cultural programs it organizes through its “Hippo Family Club.” The main focus of the institute’s iTT exhibit was its multilingual nature camps. Popular with enthusiasts of all ages, four annual programs are offered throughout Japan, including a “deserted island” camp that teaches survival skills, as well as camps in China, Indonesia, and Mongolia. Estefania Mares Medrano of the Transnational Division explained that a wide range of languages are spoken freely during the programs. Since she is proficient Spanish, English, and Portuguese, for example, participants have the opportunity to practice their skills in these languages in a fun and relaxed environment that is conducive to growth. In addition, campers can also immerse themselves in the nature and culture of the locales.
LEX Institute’s homepage: https://www.lexhippo.gr.jp/

eMoBi Co., Ltd. drew attention at iTT for the eye-catching design of its 3-wheeled electric vehicle. Approximately the size of a smart car, the vehicle can seat up to 3 people. With a battery charge that last for 4 to 5 hours, eMoBi promotes the EV as a sustainable mobility solution that offers a fresh way to sightsee and go on adventures. The eMoBi EVs are currently available to rent in several areas throughout Japan for anyone with a driver’s license, and they are most popular near the beaches of Okinawa and Kamakura, where riders can enjoy cool sea breezes blowing through the open-air concept.
Visitors at iTT were able to test drive the vehicle on a course inside the venue. The EV controls similarly to a motorcycle with acceleration and brakes connected to handlebars, and participants were impressed with how easy maneuvering was even for first timers.
eMoBi’s homepage: https://www.emobi.co.jp/company/en

Pocketalk, partnered with SoftBank Corp., is an AI-driven automatic pocket translator that is innovating the field of translation. Users simply hold the microphone button and speak into the device, and it immediately translates their speech into the desired language, which it then proceeds to read aloud. Pocketalk is compatible with over 74 languages and offers a 2-year SIM that allows unlimited use in over 170 countries worldwide. The translator is recommended for individuals traveling abroad, as well as business owners who accommodate international customers and wish to improve hospitality and raise customer satisfaction.
For MICE participants, SoftBank In-bound Business Deputy Manager Yutaka Abe also recommended Pocketalk Conference. The software is specifically designed for real-time interpretation of conference speakers’ speeches, and it simultaneously shows what is being said and the corresponding translation side by side. This allows for attendees who speak multiple languages to be able to understand the same conference without need for individual human interpreters.
Pocketalk’s homepage: https://www.pocketalk.com/

After a resounding success, the next edition of the International Tourism Trade Show is expected to be held in summer 2026.

Title: Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2025: Revolutionary Designs Delight Buyers [MICE News]

From June 18 to 20, Interior Lifestyle Tokyo, an international exhibition encompassing the entire interior design industry, was held at the Tokyo Big Sight. Established manufacturers and independent artists alike showcased revolutionary designs in tableware, furniture, home accessories, and textiles. Buyers from a wide variety of sectors were eager to determine the quality of products by touching, trying on, and even sitting upon them before conducting business negotiations. Furthermore, Interior Lifestyle Tokyo featured an abundance of international exhibitors, many of which congregated at the Italy and Latvia pavilions, as well as others from South and Southeast Asia. Japan’s leading MICE news outlet POP Inc. spoke exhibitors to discover the latest trends.

Okubo Enterprise Inc. introduced its new “Ishitote” line of decorative art pieces made from Aji stone, which is only found in a small, mountainous area of eastern Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. The mines on these lands have been owned and operated by the family of current CEO Kazuhiko Okubo for the past 400 years. Historically, Aji stone has mainly been used to sculpt gravestones and traditional stone lanterns, due to its resistance to weathering and its aptitude for delicate detailing.
Recently, CEO Okubo has been striving to communicate his passion for the Aji stone to a wider audience with the release of Ishitote. Ishitote stones serve no purpose, says Okubo, but they are pleasant to look at and calming to hold. Okubo hopes that the stones can make “loneliness a little lighter and joy a little brighter.” Participating as a designer at a trade fair for the first time, CEO Okubo was originally nervous about exhibiting at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2025, but he was elated to have received many positive reactions from attendees.
Okubo Enterprise homepage: http://www.oochouba.jp/index.html

Tadayasu Co., Ltd. was promoting its Samurai Bottle Helmet. As the name implies, the bottle cap-sized traditional kabuto helmets are modelled after famous Japanese historical figures, such as Oda Nobunaga, that turn any bottle into a fierce samurai. While on the surface, Bottle Helmets may simply seem like fun novelty items, Tadayasu pays great attention to detail to accurately depict each aspect of the armor while honoring the long history of Japanese craftsmanship. The great love and care dedicated to each helmet is unmistakable when viewed up close.
Tadayasu exhibited at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo as part of the TOKYO Teshigoto pavilion. TOKYO Teshigoto gathers artisans from the Kanto region who handmake original designs of traditional Japanese crafts and connects them with business partners who support distribution. This year’s pavilion featured over 30 manufacturers, who create everything from to sandals to kitchen knives to umbrellas.
Tadayasu Co., Ltd. homepage: https://www.tadayasu.shop/en/

Ame Art Products is produced by renowned flower artist Norihiko Kamei. The lineup features miniature “spot gardens” that are designed with the use of preserved flowers and represent fantastic mountain sceneries which “bring a sense of enrichment to the heart.” One popular variety at Interior Lifestyle is the “Keshifuku” flower arrangement, which is set inside a metamorphic rock that fits in the palm of your hand. Each Keshifuku style is paired with an aroma oil that acts as a diffuser. The aromas are intended to reproduce the fragrance of the wind as it blows across the tiny landscape.
Norihiko Kamei’s homepage: https://www.kameinorihiko.jp/en

Dates for the next edition of Interior Lifestyle Tokyo have yet to be announced at this time.

FOOMA Japan 2025: On the Forefront of Food Processing Technology [MICE News]

On Tuesday, June 10, FOOMA Japan 2025, the country’s top food processing technology expo, opened at the Tokyo Big Sight. Spanning the entirety of the venue’s 8 East exhibition halls, nearly 1,000 exhibitors are displaying cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of food manufacturing, processing, and preparation. On the first day alone, a total of 22,699 visitors, including 1,274 from abroad, excitedly viewed live machinery demonstrations and engaged in active business negotiations. Japan’s leading MICE news outlet, POP Inc., spoke with exhibitors to learn more about the newest trends.

Aperza Inc. provides online platforms for the manufacturing industry. At FOOMA Japan, the company is promoting its electronic catalog service. Media Growth Representative Shuichi Hirata explained that Aperza creates catalogs featuring their manufacturer customers’ products and then distributes these catalogs in a way that makes it easy for users to access. Subsequently, information is then gathered from users that engage with the catalogs, and Aperza consolidates the data and relays it to the customer. Other services offered include factory process visualization and analysis, which can be utilized to solve problems such as lack of knowhow regarding properly applying collected data.
Aperza homepage: https://www.aperza.co.jp/

Nakanishi Seisakusho is exhibiting a new design for its conveyor-style deep fryers. Most industrial fryers only fry food from the vat below and require the contents to be rotated in order during cooking. Nakanishi has solved this issue by implementing a mechanism that simultaneously rains oil down from above to evenly fry all sides in record time. During a live demonstration at the company’s booth, the spokesperson added that Nakanishi’s fryers also contain automatic scum removal systems, use less oil than conventional fryers, and reduce black smoke, which facilitates the cleaning process. In addition, the manufacturer has found much success through its automatic rice cooking systems, continuous rice washers, and various food slicers.
Nakanishi Seisakusho homepage: https://www.nakanishi.co.jp/en/

Morikawa Food Machinery Co., Ltd. specializes in original, made-to-order baking dies and branding irons. Buyers can choose from 4 base models and customize their equipment dependent on the variety of baked good, the desired level of automation, and the required production capacity. At FOOMA Japan 2025, Morikawa is demonstrating the output of its fully-automatic taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped cakes) baking machine. The technology handles every step of the production process, from dough feeding, to cream filling, to baking, and finally to serving, and it churns out an impressive 10 taiyaki per minute. The delicious scent of freshly-baked pastries permeates throughout the venue, and a constant line of visitors can be seen eager to sink their teeth into a taiyaki right off the line.
Morikawa Food Machinery homepage: https://www.morikawa-fm.co.jp/english/index.htm

FOOMA Japan 2025 will continue to be held until Friday, June 13 at the Tokyo Big Sight. Admission is free of charge for all industry professionals.

JPCA Show 2025: Electronic Equipment Innovations at Tokyo Big Sight [MICE News]

On Wednesday, June 4, the 54^th JPCA Show, Japan’s total solution exhibition for electronic equipment, kicked off at the Tokyo Big Sight. JPCA, the Japan Electronics Packaging and Circuits Association, is organizing the show in conjunction with several other widely renowned exhibitions, such as the 39^th Micro Electronics Show and the 26^th JISSO PROTEC Implementation Process Technology Show, in order to encompass the entirety of the electronics industry in one comprehensive event. On the opening day, over 16,000 visitors flooded the exhibition halls to discover the latest trends and innovations. Japan’s leading MICE news outlet POP Inc. spoke with exhibitors to determine the overall satisfaction of the event.

Walking the aisles of JPCA Show 2025, one can clearly see that the exhibition features a significant international presence. This mainly takes the form of manufacturers hailing from China. From Shanghai to Shenzhen, the entire industrial landscape of the Middle Kingdom has representation at this year’s event. And Chinese exhibitors are optimistic about their business prospects in the Japanese market.

Shenzhen Londian Wason Technology Co., Ltd. guides innovation in research and development, manufacturing, and sales in the new energy and electronic materials industries. At the JPCA Show, Londian Wason is featuring its selection of high-precision copper foils. Visitors can get up close and personal with a collection of PCB foils, including reverse treated copper, very low profile copper, and high-frequency double-sided copper. Overseas Sales Manager Wang Way explained that the JPCA Show is the company’s best opportunity to promote its products to Japanese buyers.
Londian Wason homepage: https://londianwason.com/enindex.html

PCBWay is a full-service electronics manufacturer that specializes in prototyping, assembly, and small-volume production of printed circuit boards. The company covers all areas of design, including schematic diagrams, algorithms, and 3D printing, and it offers a wide variety of PCB capabilities that can be customized to fulfill every customer’s needs. PCBWay has exhibited at JPCA Show for several years in a row, which has enabled them to create a significant customer base in the Japanese market. Representatives at the PCBWay booth specified that prominently displaying examples of PCBs at their booth has benefitted in drawing the attention of passing visitors.
PCBWAY homepage: https://www.pcbway.com/

Complex Micro Interconnection Co., Ltd. (CMI) manufactures flexible printed circuit boards, wires, and ultra-fine cables. CMI is based out of Taiwan, and it operates factories in Kunshan, China and Prachin Buri, Thailand. At JPCA Show 2025, the manufacturer is promoting the vast array of applications that its products support, such as wearable technology, smart home, virtual reality, and even military operations. Japan Sales Representative Scott Tsai elaborated on CMI’s participation, explaining that JPCA Show is the best exhibition in Japan for promoting electronic equipment. Furthermore, compared to the Taipei TPCA Show and the Shanghai CPCA Show, the Tokyo edition has received the highest praise. CMI is looking forward to a profitable turnout for the remainder of the exhibition.
Complex Micro Interconnection homepage: https://www.cmi.com.tw/

JPCA Show 2025 will continue until Friday, June 6 at the Tokyo Big Sight, and admission is free of charge for industry professionals.

Okinawa Mensore Festival Commences at Sunshine City [MICE News]

The 16^th Sunshine City Okinawa Mensore Festival opened on Friday, May 23^rd at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro. The event is co-organized by Sunshine City and Onna Village in Okinawa, and was originally launched by the Coral Project, a coral conservation initiative that has been ongoing since 2006. 10 days of Okinawa-themed events will be held until Sunday, June 1^st. In 2024, a record 92,000 people visited the festival.

Shisa lion-dogs greet visitors at Higashi Ikebukuro Station.

The “Okinawa Products Exhibition” features 49 vendors offering Okinawa’s local specialties as well as lesser-known soul food. 12 companies are exhibiting for the first time at Mensore Festival, and for 3 vendors, it’s their sales debut outside of Okinawa. An eat-in corner has been set up in the venue where visitors can enjoy Okinawan cuisine, and the “Mensore Beer Terrace presented by Orion Beer” offers a 120-seat outdoor venue with live performances of sanshin, a traditional Okinawan stringed instrument.

Furthermore, ”5^th Orion Beer Snack Championship” is being held to determine which snack tastes the best with Orion beer, and the terrace also features a variety of programs to experience Okinawan culture, such as Ryukyuan dance performances.

In conjunction with the festival, Sunshine Aquarium is presenting “Animal Discovery: Mensore version” where visitors can learn about the wildlife of Okinawa, as well as a special exhibit on coral conservation efforts. During the event, a special booth has been implemented to introduce Onna Village’s environmental initiatives, and hands-on workshops will be held.

First time vendor sea grape farm ~uminichi~. They offer various sea grape cuisines, sea grape ice cream, and sea grape merchandise, and a sea grape scooping game is also available.

Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025 – Revolutionary Automobile Technology on Display [MICE News]

From May 21 to 23, the Yokohama edition of Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025 was held at Pacifico Yokohama. Covering over 26,000 square meters of Pacifico’s main and north halls, a total of 600 exhibitors showcased the latest advancements in automobile manufacturing and customization. In recent years, the global automobile industry has been making strides towards a comprehensive implementation of smart technology, and Japan is at the forefront of this movement. Throughout every sector of the fair, visitors discovered AI products and services, smart electronics, and automation support. Reporters from Japan’s leading MICE news outlet, POP Inc., spoke with exhibitors to learn about the newest trends.

Unipulse Corporation is a sensor and electronic device manufacturer that specializes in stress measurement. The company utilized Automotive Engineering Exposition to demonstrate its “Moon Lifter” electric balancer. While most lifters are remote-controlled, the Moon Lifter is both a sensor and a motor all-in-one, constantly detecting weight and position and automatically adjusting when moved.
International Sales Consultant Juyal Tara Chandra explained that the Moon Lifter is the only technology of its kind in the world. He added that the easy maneuvering of the lifter significantly reduces physical stress for laborers. This is especially helpful for the Japanese workforce, which has been experiencing a lack of manpower due to the country’s aging population. However, Chandra continued, though Unipulse’s other products have already gained popularity among industry professionals, the Moon Lifter is still relatively unknown, so the company is currently exhibiting at three trade fairs a month in order to promote it.
Unipulse Corporation’s homepage: https://www.unipulse.tokyo/en/

Sino-Japan Electric Heater Co., Ltd. manufactures various types of electric heating products. Operating factories in China and Mexico, the producer covers the entire spectrum of heating. From kitchen appliances to car parts, from toilet seats to vending machines, Sino-Japan does it all. Deputy Sales Manager Lee Nakamura proudly asserted that virtually every single vending machine with hot drinks throughout the country contains some of Sino-Japan’s parts.
At Automotive Engineering Exposition, the manufacturer focused on showcasing its car battery heater. In order to counteract the negative effects of cold climates on car batteries, the heater pre-warms the battery to the optimal temperature in order to support efficient usage. The Sino-Japan booth was constantly crowded with attendees throughout the event, and the car battery heater was the cause of much excitement.
Sino-Japan Electric Heater’s homepage: https://www.sjh.com.tw/en

CRI Middleware Co., Ltd. (CRIWARE) is an audio and video solutions provider that is notably famous for its work in video game development. Utilizing this experience, CRIWARE is applying its previously video game-related solutions in revolutionizing other sectors, including the automobile industry. The company’s exhibit at Automotive Engineering Exposition featured three main categories: “CRIWARE for Mobility,” “CRI-GLASSCO,” and “CRI-ADX AT.”
CRIWARE for Mobility covers interfaces that form a connection between the person surrounded by information while driving and the increasingly sophisticated vehicle. Solutions offered for mobility include safety driving support, vehicle-to-vehicle communication support, driver monitoring systems, and drive recorders. CRI-GLASSCO focuses on graphics systems, namely human-machine interfaces (HMI). CRIWARE enables vehicle manufacturers to easily create and modify dashboard HMIs without the need for exclusive software. CRI-ADX AT deals with sound design, supplying of sound data, and in-vehicle audio systems.
CRI Middleware homepage: https://www.cri-mw.co.jp/en/about/

The next edition of Automotive Engineering Exposition will be held in Nagoya from July 16 to 18 at the Aichi Sky Expo. Admission is free to all industry professionals.

FOODEX JAPAN 2025: Highest International Participation in Expo’s History [MICE News]

Opening on Tuesday March 11, FOODEX JAPAN 2025, Japan’s largest international cuisine exhibition, is being held at the Tokyo Big Sight. Celebrating its 50^th anniversary this spring, the world-renowned trade fair is continuing its tradition of promoting unrivalled business success for both exhibitors and visitors. This edition, the event is boasting an unprecedented level of international participation, featuring 2,000 companies exhibiting from abroad, which is approximately twice the number of Japanese exhibitors. On each of the first two days, almost 20,000 attendees gathered to discover the latest trends in food, beverages, and processing machinery from across the globe. Leading Japanese MICE news outlet POP Inc.’s reporters were on the scene to learn what makes FOODEX Japan so enticing to foreign exhibitors.

Divided into National Pavilions, each country is able to display its own unique charm and characteristic products. Out of a total of over 40 pavilions, the countries with the largest representation are China, Italy, Taiwan, and Spain. Nevertheless, though their areas may be smaller in size, other countries are not easily overshadowed, and each exhibitor has their own story to tell.

Indonesia: CV Cariza Khansa Pratama is showcasing its banana chips mixed with various flavors, including cheese, which is surprisingly a popular combination with bananas in Indonesia. The pavilion is organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and sponsored by Bank Indonesia, explained Tokyo-based public policy student and Bank Indonesia intern Amelia. In addition, Bank Indonesia helps support Indonesian SMEs in international expansion and exporting to Japan.
CV Cariza Khansa Pratama homepage: https://smesta.kemenkopukm.go.id/ukm/bananania-keripik-pisang-aneka-rasa

New Caledonia: New Caldeonia Export Service (NCES) is the sole exhibitor hailing from New Caledonia, a French island territory in the South Pacific. NCES is promoting their “Lagoon Salt,” which is collected sustainably from sun-dried salt farms fed by the UNESCO world natural heritage lagoons of New Caledonia. Japan coordinator Taichi Stanny Furukawa elaborated that Lagoon Salt is healthier than regular table salt because it is made from 100% natural ingredients. Next, sommelier and wine educator Yumi Furukawa introduced their locally-crafted alcoholic beverage lineup. The popular Manta Citron is a refreshing lemon-flavored fruity beer that has been recognized across the globe. On the stronger side, NCES offers their iconic Blue Gin, which as the name suggests is a vibrant blue color due to the Asian Pigeonwings flower from which the spirit is made. Furukawa demonstrated how when mixed with tonic, the Blue Gin changes to an unexpected color: pink!
NCES homepage: https://www.s-tym.com/nces

Turkey: RDM Trade specializes in importing and exporting chicken products and animal feed. The company is taking advantage of the Turkey pavilion to exhibit for the first time at FOODEX in the hopes of securing connections in order to break into the Japanese market. Sales Executive Seyhmus Kacan was optimistic about their potential for success, revealing that RDM had already gained several customers just during the morning of the first day.
RDM Trade homepage: https://rdmtrade.com/en/

Armenia: Organized by the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia, this pavilion is located in the FOODEX WINE section of the event. Throughout the multitude of brands being presented, Koor wines by Highland Cellars are the only Armenian wines available for purchase in Japan at this time, explained Commercial Director Zori Mkrtichyan. Despite being relatively less-known, the pavilion has been experiencing a constant influx of visitor traffic, and exhibitors are hopeful that more Armenian wines will soon find a home in Japan.
Highland Cellars homepage: https://koor.am/

Slovakia: MIGHTY WINE, an importer specializing in Slovakian wine, is representing the country’s pavilion in the FOODEX Global Wines Exhibit Zone. Offering tastings of several Slovakian wines, Wine Advisor and Sommelier Yoichi Ooka clarified that it has proven difficult for the country’s wines to enter the restaurant market in Tokyo since Slovakia is not as well-known as other wine-making regions. Currently they have only been made available at one wine bar in Ginza. Ooka added that FOODEX is crucial for Slovakia because it allows local sommeliers a chance to try the wines, though he worries that the exhibition’s Tuesday through Friday dates may not be optimal for restaurant professionals to visit.
MIGHTY WINE homepage: https://mighty-wine.com/

Mexico: San Cosme Mezcal is being imported to Japan by JDOX Co., Ltd. Though San Cosme is produced in Mexico, the owners are actually based out of Germany. According to a San Cosme representative, the German parent company originally began by exporting Jagermeister to Mexico before creating their own mezcal. Now, after partnering with JDOX, San Cosme has become the best-selling mezcal in Japan. 2025 is San Cosme’s third year participating in FOODEX, and the exhibitors are delighted with the visibility of their booth compared to previous years.
San Cosme homepage: https://sancosme.mx/

Hawaii: Kuleana Rum Works is exhibiting for the first time at a Japanese trade fair to test the demand for their all-natural rum Agricole. Distilled from native Hawaiian heirloom sugarcane, Kuleana does not use any added sweeteners or flavors in crafting its four varieties of rum. And the dedication to perfection has paid off; Kuleana’s “Hokulei” blend was named Best American Aged Rum in 2024. Building off this success, the company has decided to attempt expansion outside the United States, said Vice President of Hospitality Keith Mallini, and chose Japan as a likely contender due to the proliferation of Hawaiian-themed bars and restaurants and the general Japanese affinity for Hawaiian culture.
Kuleana Rum Works homepage: https://kuleanarum.com/

FOODEX JAPAN 2025 will continue until Friday, March 13. Admission is free of charge for food, beverage, and hospitality industry professionals after completion of online pre-registration.

JAPAN SHOP 2025: Innovations in Retail Technology at Tokyo Big Sight [MICE News]

From March 4 to 7, Japan’s largest retail technology exhibition, JAPAN SHOP 2025, was held at the Tokyo Big Sight. Spanning the venue’s entire East and South exhibition halls, JAPAN SHOP ran alongside the Architecture + Construction Materials Expo, LIGHTING FAIR, RETAIL TECH JAPAN, SECURITY SHOW, Building Maintenance CONNECT, Good Appliance Expo Tokyo, and the Japan International Franchise Show. By the third day of the event, over 100,000 attendees had visited, hoping to discover the latest innovations in efficient store systems, shop fixtures, and commercial space design. Reporters from leading Japanese MICE news outlet POP Inc. waded through the packed aisles to learn about the hottest trends.

For an environmentally-friendly way to increase efficiency in inventory management, whywaste japan introduced its “Expiry Management” app. The smartphone app logs the expiration dates of products and automatically sends notifications when said dates are near. Therefore, employees can immediately know which products need to be marked down or disposed of each day, as opposed to being required to check the entire stock. Customer Support Director Kankuro Arisumi elaborated that Expiry Management users have experienced an overall 80% decrease in work time, as well as a 40% decrease in food waste.
whywaste japan official homepage: https://www.whywaste-japan.jp/

Standing out amongst the store display manufacturers, OnTheWall Inc. creates plastered and painted walls for all types of commercial and residential facilities. Based out Shizuoka, the company uses Italian materials for their products. OnTheWall’s booth at JAPAN SHOP 2025 was abuzz with attendees experiencing hands-on the delicate yet strong balance of their craftmanship. OnTheWall representatives explained that the manufacturer has been exhibiting at JAPAN SHOP for five years straight, and the event is the perfect opportunity for them to meet face-to-face with both new and returning customers.
OnTheWall official homepage: https://onthewall.co.jp/

Meanwhile at the Japan International Franchise Show, Kids-UP Co., Ltd. was drawing in visitors with informational sessions for their “Vision-UP” service. Kids-UP currently operates a chain of English language schools for children with several dozen locations throughout eastern Japan. In addition to searching for investors to help expand their schools to other regions, the company utilized JAPAN SHOP in order to promote the various support roles offered by Vision-UP. These assist other educational facilities in improving their techniques, such as by sharing school management knowhow, training staff, and providing educational software and tools. Despite worries about inclement weather during the exhibition, booth staff was delighted by the heavy visitor traffic.
Vision-UP official homepage: https://vision-up.biz/en

Managed by Pizzicato Design Inc., Jelly Jelly Cafe leads the Japanese board game cafe market. What has brought about its success, Omiya branch manager explained, is the affordability. With the purchase of only one drink, guests are able to play boards games for a total of 5 hours, and bringing in food is permitted. Furthermore, not only is a vast collection of international games available to be played, but Pizzicato Design even produces their own board games.
Jelly Jelly Cafe official homepage: https://jellyjellycafe.com/

The next JAPAN SHOP is scheduled to be held from July 10 to 11 at INTEX Osaka in the Kansai region. Admission is free to all industry professionals.

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