4 Major MICE Organizations Hold Joint Social Sports Event

On February 14, 2024, the Japan Convention Management Association (JCMA), the Japan Association for the Promotion of Creative Events (JACE), the Japan Exhibition Association, and the MPI Japan Chapter jointly organized a social sports event.

This marked the first joint collaboration between the 4 MICE industry organizations. During the event, HADO Arena Odaiba coordinated a “Techno Sports” tournament combining sports with cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) technology. 30 teams comprised of 3 individuals from different associations competed with the aim of encouraging networking through social interaction while enjoying competitive sports. The organizations hope to strengthen cooperation throughout the MICE industry, as well as increase awareness of the industry and its ability to circulate information throughout society.

The end goal of the collaboration between the 4 organizations is to even further promote information sharing, cooperation, and interaction within the MICE industry. In addition, the groups plan to increase their support of MICE, which have fully recovered with the resurgence of inbound tourism, as well as to improve the ability of the industry as a whole to spread information to the public.

Furthermore, by allowing employees in the younger demographic to network and interact with peers from other companies in the industry, the organizations plan to create opportunities for them to discover or reaffirm the appeal and potential of MICE jobs.

Tokyo International Gift Show Spring 2024: Domestic and Foreign Brands Set Sights on Tokyo Gift Market

On February 6, the 98^th Tokyo International Gift Show, Japan’s largest trade show, opened at the Tokyo Big Sight. Twice a year, the Gift Show gathers over 3000 exhibiting companies from regions throughout Japan and countries across the globe and spans 100,000 square meters of exhibition space.

The spring edition is partnered with the concurrent LIFE x DESIGN fair and the Gourmet & Dining Style Show to showcase a wide variety of goods that complement people’s lifestyles. Themed areas feature such products as home furnishings and decorations, daily necessities, stationery and paper goods, youth fashion, pet accessories, and even glamping and outdoor saunas.

The Tokyo Gift Show is a thoroughly international trade fair, and industry professionals from every corner of the world can be spotted perusing the booths and partaking in business negotiations. The 3 countries with the most prominent representation are Japan, China, and the United States.

Japanese companies from various rural areas brought their products to the Gift Show in hopes of expanding their reach to the Tokyo Metropolis and beyond. From Akita Prefecture, Sasaki Trading Co. introduced its flower petal and leaf flavored sustainable ice creams which have historically been exclusive to Akita. From Funabashi City in Chiba Prefecture, Kaiko Bussan Co. is presenting its stewed Konoshiro gizzard shad fish and carrot juice made entirely out of carrots. From Shizuoka Prefecture, Marushichi Seicha is showcasing its collection of craft brewed teas that, similar to wine, can also be paired with various cuisines, in response to the shift in popularity from tea leaves to bottled tea.

Chinese exhibitors congregate primarily at the official China Pavilion. Many Chinese companies, like Dongguan City-based For Season Clothing Co., operate their own factories and manufacture goods to be exported to Japan. For Season Clothing also receives orders directly from major Japanese franchises such as Sanrio for production of Japanese-licensed merchandise.

Popular United States brands such as Ty and Thrasher, as well as licensors of American cartoon and video game content, are taking advantage of the Tokyo Gift Show as an avenue to break into the Japanese market. Thrasher, in particular, is combining the efforts of several Japanese manufacturers of backpacks, shoes, and skateboard decks, under the management of Japanese wholesaler of foreign skate and street brands TRYON. Their goal is to create opportunities for the Japanese youth to find an entry into skate culture through Thrasher clothing, capitalizing on the gradually rising popularity of skateboarding in Japan as a result of the Olympics.

Tokyo International Gift Show Spring 2024 will run until Thursday, February 8. The 2024 Autumn edition will be held from September 4 to 6 at the Tokyo Big Sight.

Ekiden Relay Race to be Held to Commemorate Expo 2025 Osaka [MICE News]

[Leading Japan MICE News outlet POP Inc. special report]

On March 16, 2025, the “Expo 2025 Osaka Commemorative EXPO EKIDEN 2025” will be held to build momentum for the upcoming world exposition.

The course will run between the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, which was the site of the 1970 Japan World Exposition, and the Expo 2025 venue in Yumeshima, connecting the two Expo areas.

Members of the general public will not be able to participate.

Ekiden Summary:

Name: Expo 2025 Osaka Commemorative EXPO EKIDEN 2025
Organizer: Asahi Broadcasting Group Holdings Corporation (Representative Director and President: Susumu Okinaka)
Co-organizers: Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, Osaka Prefectural Government, Osaka City, Suita City, Toyonaka City, The Asahi Shimbun Company
Supervising Management: Osaka Association of All Athletics
Date: March 16, 2025 (rain or shine) *scheduled to be broadcast live on national networks
Course: Start at the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, pass through Osaka City, finish at Expo 2025 venue in Yumeshima
Participating Teams: Total of 20 teams from various organizations and universities

Largest Camping Car Exhibition in Tokai Region to Open February 23, 2024

From February 23 to 25, Nagoya Camping Car Fair 2024 Spring Edition, a camping car and trailer trade fair, will be held by Aichi Television Broadcasting Co., LTD. in the F Hall of Aichi Sky Expo. The Japan RV Association (JRVA) will be a special sponsor of the event.

In recent years, camping cars have risen in popularity as a new form of leisure while camping, and they have also become helpful allies for remote workers and people experiencing disaster situations. As such, possibilities have been increasing for the use of camping cars in many ways, not just as a means of transportation. The Nagoya Camping Car Fair will showcase a diverse array of vehicles that beginners can enjoy, including the newest 2024 models of camping cars and trailers. The event will have the largest number of exhibits in the Tokai region, and the visitors will be able to enter a majority of the vehicles.

Popular celebrities and Youtubers will appear in talk shows on stage, and the ever-popular “Fun Raffle” will be held each day of the fair. Attendees can win a portable generator and other camping goods in the raffle.

The Outdoor Attraction Park will host engaging content for children, such as an athletic experience and segway test rides. The event will offer a full day of fun and a variety of food and beverage vendors, including authentic Brazilian BBQ. Pets are allowed entry for a fee, and admission is free for elementary school students and younger.

JCD’s Well-Being Exhibition to be Held for First Time with 44 Companies in 40 Booths

From January 31 to February 2, JTB Communication Design (JCD), which offers various communication services as part of the JTB Group, and the Converting Technical Institute will hold the first ever WELL-BEING TECHNOLOGY (WellTech) trade fair at the Tokyo Big Sight.

WellTech is a comprehensive exhibition for products and services that are near and dear to people. Focusing on “creating an environment for well-being,” the event will provide opportunities for collaboration and communication among people involved in business development, product development, and design throughout a wide range of industries, including materials, spatial design, sensing technology, and robotics.

For the inaugural event, 44 exhibitors will fill 40 booths to showcase products and services that appeal to the five senses. At the Well-Being Lab’s “Look, Touch, Experience” exhibit area, visitors can discover the latest information on services that utilize generative AI, cognitive sensing devices known as Brain Tech, and a hackathon centered on prolonging well-being.

Osaka University Professor Tsuyoshi Sekitani and Mazda’s Kenta Kubo will give keynote speeches regarding development and the latest trends of well-being perspectives in the flexible electronics and automotive industries. Keio Technical University Graduate School’s Takashi Maeno, a leading expert in well-being research, will discuss how to design products and services that shine a light on well-being, along with specific examples of homes, community buildings, AI, and education that bring joy to people.

On February 1 at 4pm, a networking party will be held in the venue for industry professionals. The party aims to promote interactions between different industries and professions through new business opportunities and collaborations with industry-leading researchers and companies that are engaged in the development of well-being products and services.

In order to focus on well-being at the venue, desks and chairs made from scrap wood will be installed on the WellTech Stage, as well as in rest areas with the cooperation of SEMBA, which supports the creation of commercial, school, and office spaces.

Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai: New Hot Spring and Gourmet Commercial Facility to Open February 1

On February 1, Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai will open within the Toyosu Market.

The commercial facilities will consist of “Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club,” a public bathhouse, and “Toyosu Jogai Edo-mae Market,” for shopping and gourmet dining.

The operations will be produced by Manyo Club Co., Ltd., which develops comprehensive bathhouse facilities throughout Japan.

AFTEA 2023: Asia’s Largest Agriculture Exhibition Held in Singapore

From October 31 to November 2, Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA) 2023 was held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. The event was organized by Gourmetpro and Constellar.

AFTEA is Asia’s largest exhibition for the international Agri-food and Agri-tech industry, showcasing cutting-edge technology in the field. This year marked the second annual event, creating a place for the latest trends and demand in international agri-food technology. AFTEA focuses on networking, setting the stage for new collaborations, sharing knowledge and information, and forming lasting business partnerships.

Over 300 companies from 35 countries exhibited, including 18 individual country pavilions. At Sandbox Sessions and Founder’s Hub Sessions, visitors could gain insight on the future of food from pioneers in the industry. The Living Lab Tech Showcase offered a chance to get up close and personal with the newest technologies from around the world.

Sponsors: Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), French Chamber of Commerce Singapore (FCCS), Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SGC), Asia-Pacific Society for Cellular Agriculture (APAC-SCA), Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC), Indonesian Food and Beverage Association (GAPMMI), Partnership for Indonesia’s Sustainable Agriculture (PISAgro), Japan Association for Cellular Agriculture (JACA)

Project Details for Redevelopment of Tsukiji Market Site to be Decided in March 2024

During a press conference last September, Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike announced that the city has received proposals from several groups for the redevelopment of the Tsukiji Market area.

The call for applicants closed on August 31, and the project is scheduled to be finalized around March of 2024, alongside a review being conducted by a committee of outside experts.

The number of applicants, prospective projects, and their proposal outlines will be announced once the review is completed.

Responding to questions after the press conference, the Governor acknowledged that the site of the Tsukiji Market is one of the most prestigious locations in Tokyo and spoke about plans for the future development, stating, “Regarding urban development, next to it there is a wonderful metropolitan park overflowing with green, and the Tsukiji market, which has cultivated food, is still well loved. In addition, Tsukiji has a food culture with many traditions. Also, the Hama-rikyu Imperial Palace Gardens which I just mentioned, as well as the Sumida River. We hope that the various charms associated with that area will be properly taken advantage of. We will create landscapes that symbolize a waterfront Tokyo and birth a new culture. Also, as a center for spreading information, we are expecting urban development that greatly increases the appeal of Tokyo and continues to attract visitors.”

Castle EXPO 2023: Business Trip Edition Held in Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture

On November 19, Shiga Prefecture held “Business Trip! Castle EXPO in Shiga / Biwako Lake,” a popular castle event that has become a regular tradition, at Shirai Theater Yasu in Yasu City, Shiga.

This year’s event featured projects for all ages to enjoy, including a “carefully selected program” presented by castle specialists, a panel exhibition of “100 Greatest Castles in Japan” selected by the Japan Castle Foundation, and a display of ink paintings of warlords related to Shiga alongside an ink painting performance, both presented by ink painter Okazu.

At the joint project “Community Center Yasu,” Yasu City and Shiga Prefecture organized “Omi Province Castles and Tourism,” in which exhibits and mini lectures were held. Yasu souvenirs, food, and beverages were sold at “OideYasu Marché.”

Castle EXPO is one of the largest castle events in Japan, held annually in Yokohama to promote and develop castle culture and mingling amongst castle lovers. This year’s “Business Trip! Castle EXPO in Shiga / Biwako Lake” sent Castle EXPO on a business trip outside of Yokohama for the event’s fourth excursion. 2020’s expo was in held in Otsu City, 2021 in Nagahama, and 2022 in Koka City.

Exclusive merchandise from Yokohama’s Castle EXPO was available for purchase at the Shiga venue.

Hokuriku Shinkansen: Bullet Train Lines Between Kanazawa and Tsuruga to Open March 16, 2024

On August 30, the East Japan Railway Company and the West Japan Railway Company announced that Hokuriku Bullet Train lines between Kanazawa and Tsuruga will open to travelers on March 3, 2024.

The new lines will shorten the travel time for each of the following routes:

Tokyo → Fukui: 2 hours 51 minutes (36 minutes shorter)
Tsuruga: 3 hours 8 minutes (50 minutes shorter)
※when using Hokuriku Bullet Train

Osaka → Fukui: 1 hour 44 minutes (3 minutes shorter)
Kanazawa: 2 hours 9 minutes (22 minutes shorter)
Toyama: 2 hours 35 minutes (29 minutes shorter)
※when using Hokuriku Bullet Train or Limited Express Line Thunderbird

Nagoya → Fukui: 1 hour 33 minutes (3 minutes shorter)
Kanazawa: 2 hours 9 minutes (16 minutes shorter)
Toyama: 2 hours 35 minutes (23 minutes shorter)
※when using Hokuriku Bullet Train or Limited Express Line Shirasagi