From July 24 to 26, Heat Wave Countermeasures Exhibition is being held as part of Maintenance Resilience TOKYO 2024 in the Tokyo Big Sight’s East Halls. The trade fair is running alongside the Occupational Health & Safety Exhibition and the Noise & Vibration Reduction Exhibition. A total of 12,899 visitors attended the event on the opening day. Reporters from Japan’s leading MICE news outlet, POP Inc., were live on the scene.

Global temperatures are ever-increasing due to the effects of climate change caused by natural gas emissions coupled with deforestation, leading to greater and greater demand for products to effectively defeat the heat. Almost poetically, on Monday of this week, simply two days before the exhibition, the Earth surpassed its highest average temperature in recorded history as heat waves swept over North America and Europe. In such extreme conditions, the issue of countermeasures is more pertinent than ever before.

Walking the aisles of the Heat Wave Countermeasures Exhibition was an incredibly refreshing experience. Wednesday, the opening day, was sweltering in its own right, and pausing for even a moment in front of an air-conditioning cooler or under an industrial ceiling fan emphasized the necessity of these products more than any sales pitch ever could. The exhibitor booths were swarming with a gaggle of film crews interviewing company representatives about the latest innovations in avoiding heat stroke.

Sakaken Co., Ltd., a construction hardware and tool materials manufacturer based in Niigata, is exhibiting its summer product line. The newest edition is the company’s “Cross-fan EX,” which is a small, portable fan with a revolutionary cooling plate that can be installed in laborers’ jackets. The plate chills the air as it exits the fan, and it is able to retain its low temperature independent of surrounding conditions. Sales Representative Hossain Arif explained that Sakaken was the first manufacturer to introduce the cooling plate technology in its fans. However, he noted that several other companies at the exhibition were already copying this technique, and he holds enough confidence in the product to anticipate that the majority of fan manufacturers will be copying it by next summer.
Sakaken’s long-term star is the PCM Power Cool Vest III, which contains technology used by NASA. The Power Cool Vest consists of a series of ice packs in the shape of a vest that is wearable under clothing. Once left in the freezer for 30 minutes, the vest remains cold for 3 to 4 hours in extreme heat, without the risk of the wearer getting a cold burn. The ice packs retain their cooling power even longer under less severe conditions, so indoor use is highly recommended.
Official website: https://sakaken.net/

Kokubo Ice Co., Ltd. is taking a more organic approach to preventing heat stroke. While other manufacturers have created their own gels and other concoctions, Kokubo decided that the best coolant of all may have already been bestowed upon us by Mother Nature herself, the substance that so many throughout history have attempted to replicate: ice. The company is showcasing its “Rock Ice” lineup at Heat Wave Countermeasures Exhibition. The crystal clear Rock Ice is offered in a variety of options. From 2-kilogram bags to the personal-use Rock Ice Glass, the cubes are perfect for chilling any beverage. Kokubo’s ice is also endorsed for use in sports conditioning to help prevent injuries in athletes.
Official website: https://kokuboice.co.jp/rockice/

DIC PLASTICS Inc. is focusing its efforts at its booth on demonstrating its cooling construction helmets, of which specifically two technologies are particularly revolutionary in mitigating the danger of heat stroke. Those are the “Heat Barrier” helmet and the “AEROMESH” liner.
Heat Barrier technology kneads heat-shielding pigments into the company’s patented helmet designs, thereby effectively deflecting heat from the Sun’s rays. This is calculated to cool the wearer by up to 12° Celsius more than the average white helmet. AEROMESH liners facilitate the passage of wind through the helmet, complemented by air holes that provide interior ventilation. AEROMESH is calculated to decrease the temperature inside the helmet by up to 8° Celsius.
Official website: https://www.dic-plas.co.jp/products/helmet/index.html

Heat Wave Countermeasures Exhibition 2024 will continue until Friday, June 27. Visitors are able to use their badges to enter the neighboring TECHNO-FRONTIER 2024 and Sustainable Factory EXPO 2024, which cover the rest of the Tokyo Big Sight’s East Exhibition Halls.

From May 22 to 24, the 33^rd New Environmental Exposition 2024 was held alongside the 16^th Global Warming Prevention Exposition (GWPE) 2024 at the Tokyo Big Sight. Reporters from leading Japanese MICE news outlet, POP inc., covered the event.

This edition of the New Environmental Exposition, one of Asia’s largest environmental industry trade fairs, consisted of sixteen themed areas. The most prominent area was overwhelmingly the Waste Recycling, Waste Disposal, and Demolition Area, which covering nearly half of the entire exhibition space. Following in size were the Thermal, Waste Power Generation, and Heat Utilization Area, the Biomass and Organic Waste Disposal Area, and the Environmental Software, Scales, Measurement, and Analysis Area. In addition, two outdoor demonstration venues featured live demonstrations of everything from magnetic lifting attachments for excavators to plastic waste incinerators.

A total of 92,121 professional visitors attended the event over the 3-day period. Even on the opening day, exhibitors were already pleased with the attendee turnout. INTER-ACTION Corporation team members emphasized that the New Environmental Exposition has the number 1 attendance rate of their customers out of any trade fair.

Notably, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) played a major role in all aspects of the event. Exhibitors were eager to outline which of the 17 SDGs their products or services were designed to promote. In addition, reusable and recyclable materials were prioritized during booth construction and walkways were void of carpeting.

Exhibiting companies offered solutions to a myriad of problems. Environment & Development Co., Ltd. introduced its consulting services for construction of industrial waste management facilities, renewable power plant creation, disaster waste management, and residential, industrial, and commercial facilities development. The team hoped that their participation in the New Environmental Exposition’s seminars would encourage attendees to visit their booth as well.
Official website: https://www.etod.co.jp/

Next Action Company (NAC) focused its exhibit on the company’s environmentally-friendly waterless printing method. Most industrial printing requires ink to be dampened by using large quantities of water, which inevitably become wasted. Removing water from the process greatly reduces the negative impact on the environment, while simultaneously creating a crisper image and reducing printing costs. However, downsides, such as an increase in static electricity, are also present.
Official website: https://nac-1951.co.jp/

EQJ Co. Ltd showcased their asbestos cleaning machines in likely the most attention-grabbing booth in the venue. Featuring the “MAX Shower” and the “MAX S,” Managing Executive officer Yoshiaki Nemoto explained that safe asbestos cleanup has become a pressing issue in Japan in recent years. Since Japanese buildings are designed to be durable enough to withstand earthquakes, structures last for many years, which means that asbestos removal is still prevalent today. EQJ’s cleaning equipment helps to mitigate the spread of asbestos during building demolition by containing asbestos stuck to workers’ uniforms before they leave the worksite.
Official website: https://www.eqj.jp

Kayama Kogyo Co., Ltd. provides waste management solutions for PCBs and other materials, as well as collects waste from companies to be recycled and then reintroduced back into the market. At the company’s New Environmental Exposition stall, Kayama presented honey from its on-site apiary. Corporate Planning Division Member Maya Asmae elaborated that the team employs the bees as bio-indicators. By observing the bees’ health and habits, Kayama can estimate the effects that its waste management practices have on the surrounding environment, as well as work towards mitigating ecological damages. The apiary also offers opportunities for the local community to learn about sustainability while collecting honey.
Official website: https://www.kayama-k.co.jp/english

The upcoming 34^th edition of the New Environmental Exposition will be held from May 28 to 30, 2025, at the Tokyo Big Sight.

From March 21 to 24, Japan International Boat Show 2024 was held at Pacifico Yokohama and the Yokohama Bayside Marina. A total of 34,579 business and general public visitors and 214 exhibiting companies filled both venues. Overall, 232 marine vehicles were showcased, including boats, yachts, jet skis, and kayaks, the majority of which were able to be boarded or ridden.

Situated in the Yokohama Bayside Marina, opening into Negishi Bay, the main attraction of the Japan Boat Show was certainly the large boat and yacht floating exhibition. This year’s event hosted 57 luxury vessels, ranging up to 26 meters in length. Visitors were able to not only board each yacht, but also to probe into below-deck bedrooms, to take in the view from second or third floor top decks, and even to experience the sitting in the driver’s seat (provided, of course, that they first removed their shoes).
KAIWO Yokohama, the Japanese agent for Swedish yacht producer Hallberg-Rassy, showcased the company’s new Hallberg-Rassy 40C sailing cruiser yacht. The ship is outfitted with utilities to support multiple-day journeys, and local representative Yuka Sugita explained that the built-in kitchen is a popular amenity as many customers prefer to cook their own meals out on the water.
Saxdor exhibited its custom yachts, which offer a wide array of modifications to cater to various boating styles. Customizations include quantity of rotating seats, a wet bar and fridge for entertaining guests, and weather-resistant screens. Other boats provided options for fishing fighting chairs with rod holders, capitalizing on the popularity of recreational fishing in Japan.

In addition, alongside the exhibits, the Yokohama Bayside Marina also hosted hands-on activities for the whole family. The “Captain Kids Experience” offered children opportunities to ride mini motorboats and sailboats. Boat driving was also available for all visitors to try regardless of experience level or boat license.

Two methods of transportation between the venues were implemented by the organizers: a bay cruise on a luxury cruiser (paid) and a shuttle bus (free of charge). The Yokohama Bay Cruise ran for approximately 45 minutes one-way, during which passengers were treated to views of Yokohama landmarks while sailing through the bays and channels around the port of Yokohama. The hustle and bustle of Yokohama waters was tangible, as the cruise passed between cargo ships, barges, and recreational fishing boats, and even the occasional speedboat flew by.

Meanwhile, within the halls of Pacifico Yokohama, a more conventional, yet not less exciting indoor exhibition was also underway. On top of a vast selection of marine goods, the venue was comprised of a handful of “Villages.” The Fishing Village, Jet Village, Sailing Village, Marine Kids Village, and the brand-new Water Safety Village gathered exhibitors of similar products and services in convenient sectors.

Watersports were a hot topic this year, with booths featuring eFoil electric surfboards, standup paddleboards, and windsurfing boards. SE Amusement Co., Ltd. introduced WAKEPARX, a boatless wakeboarding park. At WAKEPARX, athletes are pulled along by an overhead cable system as opposed to by a boat. This permits controlled changing of speed, which is safer and more accessible to beginners.
Other exhibitors presented boat engines, GPS fishing map technology, lifejackets, inflatable house boats, water rescue gear, marina memberships, and boat leasing. For visitors who already own their boat, AV equipment, a draft beer machine, and high-end champagne were perfect for hosting parties out on the sea.

Finally, environmental protection and sustainability were overarching themes present in every facet of the event, especially due to the notoriety of large yachts to contribute to ocean pollution. Tyura Sango used their booth to educate visitors on the importance of protecting coral reefs, which provide a home to 1/4^th of all marine species, and to explain their organization’s coral replanting activities. The team encourages everyone to do their part in helping prevent pollution.

The Japan International Boat Show online content will be available until May 31 on the event’s official website. The 64^th edition will be held March 20 to 23, 2025, at Pacifico Yokohama and the Yokohama Bayside Marina.

On Tuesday, March 5, Foodex Japan 2024 commenced at the Tokyo Big Sight. Boasting over 2300 exhibiting brands, Foodex is the largest of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) for the food and beverage industry held in Japan. The opening day reported a total of 17,702 registered visitors.

This year’s Foodex hosts a wide array of national pavilions. The European Union Pavilion provides an introduction to the numerous European country pavilions by showcasing highlighted products that are available taste testing, including Italian salami, French roquefort cheese, and Riesling wine from Luxembourg. Throughout East Halls 1-3, Europe dominates the landscape with pavilions spanning from wall to wall and eye-catching signage sporting colors from each country’s national flag.

Italy is the largest of the European pavilions, followed by Spain, Turkey, France, Belgium, Poland, Lithuania, and several others. Attendees can be seen throughout the venue snacking on the popular “Original Belgian fries,” which also offer a variety of condiments including a spicy “Samurai” sauce. Ludwig Winery Ltd., from the Czech Republic, has been exporting its wines to several Asian countries since 2010 and is looking to break into the Japanese market by negotiating with importers at Foodex. Ludwig also showcased its new grape tea and grape flour, which the company hopes will revolutionize the gluten-free industry.

Wine certainly holds a prominent position among the exhibited products. A vast majority of participating companies have brought wine to the table. In particular, Agro-Azerinvest LLC, which represents the wineries of the Qabala region in Azerbaijan, is introducing several wines chosen specifically for Japanese consumers. The flavors are cultivated to appeal to the Japanese palette, and the wines are made affordable to account for the Japanese inclination towards mindful spending. Agroi-Azerinvest has also been invited to attend the SAKURA Japan Women’s Wine Awards for 2024.

A little closer to home, China hosts the largest national pavilion overall. From Asia, Taiwan and Thailand feature impressively-sized pavilions, as well. Sri Lankan exhibitors are showcasing a variety of locally-grown teas. South Korea, capitalizing on the boom in popularity of Korean culture worldwide, has increased its efforts this year. Korean companies have come together with support from the sponsors of the Korean pavilion to cooperatively run a “K-Food Street” section. Fried food, snacks, and alcohol from various companies are available for taste testing in a food stall-styled booth in order to advertise Korean products that are already on sale in Japan, as well as to ultimately promote the spread of Korean culture even further. In addition, TYG Trading Co., Ltd., a Japanese importer of Korean snacks, is using Foodex as a means of advertising their products, as well as connecting with Korean manufacturers.

Not everyone is completely satisfied with the Foodex exhibition, however. Chilean wine exporter Bodegas Tagua Tagua (BTT) was disappointed in the amount of foot traffic by its booth on the first day. Though the company chose to exhibit at Foodex due its status as the largest trade fair in Japan, the BTT representative noted that other Japanese food industry exhibitions have had more significant buyer turnouts, and he was worried about the unusually long 4-day event period. However, the company is pleased to be able to meet known Japanese buyers and conduct pre-scheduled business meetings with customers. BTT remains hopeful for the remaining days of the exhibition.

Foodex Japan 2024 will continue until Friday, March 8, showcasing cuisine and spirits from the aforementioned countries, as well as from North America, South America, the Middle East, Oceania, and beyond.