Inoue Koji

Inoue Koji

Izan Co., Ltd. — CEO I am the CEO of the Kyoto-based company Izan and the principal writer of this publication. I have a strong interest in games, mobility, AI, digital transformation (DX), and tourism. My favorite game genre is JRPG, and my favorite films are The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars.

Games & Pop Culture

Tokyo Comic Con 2025: December 5–7 at Makuhari Messe — First Wave of Celebrity Guests Announced, Including Elijah Wood and Sean Astin The second wave of celebrity guest announcements is here: Antony Starr and Karl Urban are confirmed to visit Japan!

With excitement from Osaka Comic Con during Golden Week still fresh, Tokyo Comic Con 2025 has been announced for three days from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. The 2024 edition drew a total of 74,290 visitors, and this major pop-culture event—closely watched by MICE professionals worldwide—returns this...

Games & Pop Culture

TOKYO GAME SHOW 2025: September 25–28 at Makuhari Messe — Exhibitor highlights updated as announced

Under the theme “Unlimited, Neverending Playground,” TOKYO GAME SHOW 2025 will take place from Thursday–Sunday, September 25–28, 2025, at Makuhari Messe. From hands-on demos of new titles to e-sports and AR/VR showcases, Japan’s leading game show brings together a wide range of gaming experiences. This article provides an overview of the event and will be...

Columns

[On-Site Report] Hakodate, Hokkaido Is One of Japan’s Top Cities for Workations: An In-Depth, Hands-On Look at Workation and Coworking Options

Hakodate, one of Hokkaido’s premier travel destinations, is also well suited to business travel and events such as MICE and workations. Our editorial team carried out an on-site workation and, from that perspective, reports on Hakodate’s appeal and practical information.All photos in this article were taken by our editorial team. 160 Years Since Opening to...

Exhibitions & Events

[Report] APEC 2025 Will Be Staged in Korea’s Ancient Capital, Gyeongju — An Easy Day Trip About 30 Minutes by KTX from Busan; What Kind of Place Is Gyeongju, and Why It’s Worth a Visit for Business Travelers

When people in Japan hear “ancient capital,” they may think of Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura, or Kanazawa. In Korea, Gyeongju, Kaesong, and Buyeo are renowned ancient capitals. Unlike Japan, each of these cities served as the capital of a different dynasty. From Busan, Korea’s high-speed KTX takes only about 30–40 minutes one way; in no time,...

Hotels & Venues

A Complete Guide to “Messe Taoyuan,” Taiwan’s New MICE Hub — 23 Minutes from the International Airport; A Full Look at the Exhibition Hall, Conference Center, and Commercial Mall / Interview with the Operating Representative

Opened in 2024, “Messe Taoyuan” (桃園会展中心, Taoyuan Convention and Exhibition Center) stands at Taiwan’s gateway as a new landmark that blends artistry with functionality. It is designed as an ideal platform for large-scale international conferences, specialized trade fairs, corporate events, and industry exchange. With the potential to elevate Taiwan’s MICE industry into an Asia–Pacific hub,...

Japan Events

Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025 NAGOYA — Clear Booth Presentations and Attentive Explanations Drive Visitor Satisfaction

Held July 16–18, 2025 at Aichi Sky Expo (Aichi International Exhibition Center), the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025 NAGOYA is one of Japan’s largest technical trade fairs for automotive engineers. We visited the venue on opening day. The exposition is staged twice a year—first in Yokohama in May, then in Nagoya in July. Event Overview Name:...

Japan Events

FOOMA JAPAN 2025 Report — A Vibrant Show Floor and Bold Moves by Long-Established Manufacturers and Startups

FOOMA JAPAN 2025 — the World’s Leading Food Processing Expo — has opened, inviting visitors to “Touch FOOMA, Taste the Future.” The show spans 21 fields across food manufacturing, with nearly 1,000 exhibitors presenting over 5,000 state-of-the-art solutions under one roof. We visited the venue to report on what’s happening at the forefront of the...

MICE TIMES ONLINE is a Kyoto-based web media platform dedicated to MICE, conventions, and events. We deliver news and insights from Japan and across Asia, with the concept of “Capturing the Now of MICE” — staying on top of the latest trends and developments in the industry. We welcome contributions of information as well as inquiries regarding potential business partnerships.

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