Japan Reports

Hotels & Venues

Why Companies and Sports Teams Are Choosing Obihiro, Hokkaido for Corporate Retreats and Training Camps — Facilities, Local Support, and Regional Strengths Examined On Site

Vast open plains stretching toward the distant Hidaka Mountains. Hot air balloons floating in the sky, a rich culinary scene, and beautifully maintained gardens. These may be the images that come to mind when thinking of the Tokachi region in Hokkaido, a destination well known for tourism. However, when Obihiro—the central city of Tokachi—is viewed...

Japanese Pop Culture

MICE to Appear? Yokohama City Announces Collaboration with Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway — A Look at MICE Settings in Past Conan Films

The latest installment in the long-running franchise, Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway, is scheduled for nationwide release on April 10, 2026. The film has already attracted attention for its subtitle, read directly as “Daten-shi” (Fallen Angel). For professionals in the MICE sector, however, a different aspect may warrant closer examination: the possibility that...

aonia-utsunomiya
Hotels & Venues

Singapore and Tochigi Connected Through Sake: Exploring the Potential of MICE in Regional Revitalization Through a Trade Mission

History, culture, nature, and people. How are the elements that feel familiar to us perceived from overseas? In November 2025, the “Discover Tochigi” tour was held in Utsunomiya City. The program was structured as a trade mission visiting sake breweries across Tochigi Prefecture. Participants noted that behind the craftsmanship refined over multiple generations, they sensed...

Hotels & Venues

Redevelopment Project “KAMIHACHI X” Announced to Strengthen MICE and Accommodation Functions in Central Hiroshima — First “Andaz” by Hyatt in the Chugoku Region

The name of the high-rise tower and the hotel brand to be introduced on its upper floors have been announced for the Motomachi Aioi-dori District Type I Urban Redevelopment Project currently underway in central Hiroshima City. The high-rise tower will be named “KAMIHACHI X.” The hotel brand selected for the upper floors is Hyatt Hotels...

Games & Pop Culture

Tokyo Game Show 2026 Announced Celebrating 30th Anniversary with Record 5 Day Event

The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), in co-organization with Nikkei Business Publications and Sony Music Solutions, has officially announced the event outline for Tokyo Game Show 2026 (TGS2026). Celebrating its momentous 30th anniversary, the event will be held for a record-breaking five days. We provide the details on this world-class gaming festival, which will be...

Hotels & Venues

Hoshino Resorts’ Series of New Openings Toward 2026:Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings and New Travel Bases Rooted in Local Culture, with Potential for MICE Use

Hoshino Resorts is planning the phased opening of eight new properties nationwide by 2026. These developments include consecutive openings in the Yokohama area and Japan’s first luxury hotel created through the adaptive reuse of a former prison designated as an Important Cultural Property. Each facility reflects the unique history and culture of its location and...

Games & Pop Culture

Pokémon’s First Outdoor Theme Park, PokéPark KANTO, to Open in Spring 202626-Hectare Facility Planned Within Yomiuriland

The Pokémon Company has announced the opening of PokéPark KANTO, the first outdoor facility dedicated to Pokémon.The new park is scheduled to open in spring 2026 and will be developed on a site of approximately 2.6 hectares within Yomiuriland, an amusement park located in western Tokyo. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale starting in...

太平洋フェリー
Japanese Mobility

Onboard Report: Can a 2-Night, 3-Day Taiheiyo Ferry Journey from Nagoya to Tomakomai (Hokkaido) Work for Business Travel? A Workcation-Style Review from the Nagoya Terminal to Sapporo

What modes of transportation do you usually choose for long-distance business trips? High-speed rail, company cars, and air travel are likely the most common options. At the company behind MICE TIMES ONLINE, ferries are also frequently used—specifically long-distance ferry routes. In the past, we have shared onboard reports on Orange Ferry and PanStar Cruise Ferry....

Hotels & Venues

TOFROM YAESU Named as the District Designation for a National Strategic Zone Directly Connected to Tokyo Station — Completion Scheduled for 2026, with Theater and Conference Facilities Positioned as a New MICE Hub

A new urban landmark emerges in front of Tokyo Station, integrating facilities and programs designed to enhance well-being. The Tokyo Station Yaesu 1-chome East District Type 1 Urban Redevelopment Project, promoted by Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd., is a large-scale redevelopment initiative designated as a National Strategic Special Zone. The district name has been officially decided...

Hotels & Venues

[Report] The appeal of MICE in Mie Prefecture lies in “mobility, cuisine, and experiences” – Strengths of Mie MICE revealed through a trial tour organized to develop new model tours

In December, I joined a trial tour conducted as part of Mie Prefecture’s “Model Course Development Project for Corporate MI Programs.” Within the prefectural government, the International Tourism Promotion Division has staff dedicated to MICE and high value-added tourism, and the prefecture is making a concerted effort to attract MICE events. This article introduces the...

Hotels & Venues

Hilton Tokyo Completes Renovation of All Banquet Halls becoming Next Generation MICE Facility with Largest LED Wall in Japan

Hilton Tokyo, located in Shinjuku, has completed a large-scale renovation of its entire banquet floors on the 3rd and 4th levels. This renovation was conducted with a multimillion-dollar investment to meet the growing demand for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) from both domestic and international markets. With themes of flexibility, audiovisual integration, and experience-driven...

Japan Events

[Coverage] Japan MICE EXPO 2025 — Nov 27–28 at INTEX Osaka — Two Days to Explore the “Now” and “Next” of MICE — Exhibitor Booth Highlights

On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Japan MICE EXPO 2025 opened at INTEX Osaka. Under the theme of connecting business events with new stages for regions, tourism, and exchange, the show returns to Osaka, where MICE activities continue to accelerate in the run-up to the Expo. The MICE TIMES ONLINE editorial team also exhibited. Nationwide MICE...

Hotels & Venues

Exploring the Appeal of Aichi Sky Expo: Just a Five-Minute Walk from the Airport and 30 Minutes by Train from NagoyaInterviews with Meitetsu and Chubu Centrair International Airport Reveal Why Tokoname, Aichi—Home to Aichi Sky Expo—is an Ideal MICE Destination

Aichi Sky Expo (Aichi International Exhibition Center) is a leading MICE venue located in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.In this feature, we take a closer look at the venue’s outstanding accessibility through interviews with Chubu Centrair International Airport Co., Ltd. and Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd. (Meitetsu). We also highlight Tokoname’s unique appeal as a destination that...

Hotels & Venues

Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Aichi: A Premier Venue Directly Connected to the International Airport with One of Japan’s Largest Exhibition Spaces – Introduced from a MICE Expert’s Perspective

With the cooperation of Aichi Sky Expo, this article explores the venue’s unique features from the perspective of a professional MICE media outlet. It is intended for event organizers who are considering venues in Japan and wish to better understand what makes Aichi Sky Expo a standout destination. What Is Aichi Sky Expo – 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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