From February 17 to 20, HCJ 2026 is being held at the Tokyo Big Sight. Consisting of three interlacing exhibitions, the 54th International Hotel & Restaurant Show, the 47th Food & Catering Show, and the 26th Japan Foodservice Equipment Show, HCJ brings together the entire hospitality industry in one place. Exhibitors wow attendees with live cooking demonstrations and elaborate hands-on displays in order to showcase the newest advancements in commercial kitchen equipment, hotel furniture, cutlery, and more. On the first day of the event, a total of 12,900 visitors flooded the halls of the exhibition, with many lining up before doors were open. Reporters from Japanese MICE news outlet POP Inc. explored the halls of HCJ 2026 in order to learn more about the latest trends.
Tap To You, created by IC Co., Ltd., is a beer tap system that offers a unique experience for customers. In contrast to usual drink service, with Tap To You, customers are the ones who pour their own beverages. The system involves the use of a personal QR code that, when scanned, allows access to the beer taps and records the amount poured. Beer, or any other drink, is charged by volume and registered to the customer’s QR code for payment. Furthermore, establishments can set a time frame that these QR codes are active, and an all-you-can-drink package for a specified time period is also an option.
The Tap To You model has many benefits. First, it helps reduce the burden on serving staff, especially during peak hours. In addition, being able to choose the amount that one pours is perfect for people who prefer to drink less alcohol, and it offers a fun opportunity to compare and contrast as well.
Tap To You was developed just recently at the end of last year, and IC Co. is expecting to begin selling machines this coming April.
Tap To You’s homepage: https://taptoyou.jp/
In a more traditional vein, TAKIZME is a tea house operating out of Shinagawa, Tokyo, that offers relaxing tea experiences featuring carefully-selected teas and seasonal snacks. Embodying their mission to “create a perch that all the people of the world can rest on,” TAKIZME aims to nurture a place that people gravitate towards to when they want to take a break from their daily lives.
TAKIZME’s booth at HCJ 2026 provides a great opportunity to get a taste of what the company stands for. Their stylized exhibit emulates the Shinagawa store, acting as a comfortable space in which Founder and CEO Takuya Takizume serves tea in his customary manner while engaging in conversation. A visit to the TAKIZME booth is recommended for attendees who need a refresh from the hustle and bustle of the trade fair. Furthermore, Takuya explained that HCJ is the company’s first foray at exhibiting, and he is looking forward to making high-quality connections over the 4-day period.
TAKIZME homepage: https://takizme.jp/
On the technical side of things, ERECTA International Corporation is demonstrating its prowess as a manufacturer of professional kitchen equipment. A bi-hourly cooking performance showcases the unique properties of their “Eisfink” smoke-free food preparation cart. The Eisfink collects smoke, oil particles, water vapor, and unpleasant odors from the air, filters them out, and then recycles clean air back into the room. This enables comfortable cooking for an audience, and the Eisifnk’s glass front also allows for easy viewing.
In addition, the cart can be customized with 6 food preparation devices, most notably the double griddle. ERECTA’s griddle contains 8 circular grills that can be set individually to various desired temperatures. This, combined with the high-tech “SWISS-PLY” stainless steel and aluminum technology, promotes quick and even cooking while simultaneously preventing the release of excess heat. All these properties make Eisfink the optimal choice for buffets and events with live kitchen performances.
ERECTA’s homepage: https://www.erecta.co.jp/english.html
HCJ 2026 will be held until Friday, February 20th, alongside ProLight & ProVisual 2026 at the Tokyo Big Sight. Admission is free of charge for all industry professionals.
