Japan Reports

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...

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...

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....

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...

Can You Work on an Overnight Ferry? A Business Travel Review of Orange Ferry Between Osaka and Ehime (Matsuyama)

Orange Ferry offers a convenient transportation option for travelers heading to Ehime. Operating between Osaka Nanko Port and Toyo Port in Ehime Prefecture, the ferry is not only a means of getting from point A to point B, but also a distinctive option that allows passengers to spend their travel time comfortably while continuing to...

MICE TIMES ONLINE

スマホアプリができました

MICE TIMES ONLINEがスマホアプリになりました。いつでも手軽に業界ニュースにふれることができます。利用料金は一切かかりません

[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...

“AnimeJapan 2026,” one of the world’s largest anime events, confirmed for March 28–31, 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight

The AnimeJapan Organization has announced that AnimeJapan 2026, one of the world’s largest anime events, will be held over four days from March 28 to 31, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight. Now in its 13th edition, the event will expand into the South Exhibition Halls and the Rooftop Exhibition Area, marking the largest footprint in...

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...

[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...

BitSummit PUNCH 2026: Japan’s Largest Indie Game Festival to Be Held in Kyoto, May 22–24, 2026 — Over 58,000 Visitors in 2025

The “BitSummit PUNCH,” one of Japan’s largest indie game events, has been announced to take place over three days from Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Miyako Messe in Kyoto. The theme for 2026 is “High Impact.” With a mission to share Japan’s most exciting indie games with the world, BitSummit has...

MICE TIMES ONLINE

人気の記事は何？ランキングコーナー

今、読まれている記事。これまでに注目を集めた話題。これらを知りたいなら人気記事ランキングコーナーへどうぞ。

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...

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...

Tokyo Comic Con 2025: December 5–7 at Makuhari Messe — Johnny Depp, Norman Reedus, Sean P. Flanery, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Antony Starr, Karl Urban, and more; “Back to the Future” 40th-anniversary cast, including Christopher Lloyd and three others, also...

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...

One of Japan’s largest machine tool trade fairs, Mechatronics Technology Japan (MECT) 2025 — October 22–25 at Port Messe Nagoya

Held in the manufacturing hub of Nagoya every odd-numbered year in autumn, Mechatronics Technology Japan (MECT) is one of Japan’s largest specialized exhibitions for machine tools and FA technologies. Marking its 20th edition, MECT2025 is slated to host a record 524 exhibitors, making it the largest machine tool trade fair in Japan this year. The...

On-site Preview: “teamLab Biovortex Kyoto” Opens October 7 — How long does a visit take? What can you experience? Knowing the works’ background can change the way you see the world

On October 7, 2025, a new permanent art museum by teamLab—“teamLab Biovortex Kyoto”—will open in the Higashikujo area of Minami Ward, a short walk from Kyoto Station. Ahead of the public opening, a media preview held on September 29 offered an early look at the newly completed venue. What is “teamLab Biovortex Kyoto”? “teamLab Biovortex...

3Dウォークスルー

MICEに必須！VRツアーで営業力強化、コスト削減

導入実績500以上。マーケティングに、オペレーション改善に、コスト削減、DX推進に。MICE関連施設での導入事例をご紹介します

Osaka Hobby Fes 2025, one of Kansai’s largest model & hobby events, to be held at INTEX Osaka on November 1–2

The 2025 Osaka Hobby Fes, one of Kansai’s largest model and hobby events, will be held over two days on Saturday–Sunday, November 1–2, 2025, at INTEX Osaka, Hall 3. Designed for everyone—from dedicated enthusiasts to first-timers and families with children—the event offers hands-on experiences that showcase the fun of hobbies, a cornerstone of Japan’s craftsmanship...

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...

CEATEC 2025 to be held October 14–17 at Makuhari Messe — “Innovation for All” in action; overview and exhibitor information

CEATEC 2025 will take place over four days from Tuesday, October 14 to Friday, October 17, 2025, at Makuhari Messe. This year’s theme is “Innovation for All.” This article introduces the event overview and will be updated with exhibitor information as it becomes available. CEATEC 2025: Event overview and organizing structure Dates, venue, and theme...

Cruise EXPO 2025 Tokyo to be held on December 5–6 at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal; Japan’s largest cruise event expects 5,000–10,000 attendees

One of Japan’s largest cruise-focused events, Cruise EXPO 2025 Tokyo, will take place on Friday–Saturday, December 5–6, 2025, at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. According to the organizer, expected attendance is between 5,000 and 10,000. While detailed programming has yet to be fully announced, here is what has been shared so far. Cruise EXPO 2025 Tokyo...