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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...

[Overseas Coverage] Visiting a Japanese Fan Exchange Event in Lyon, France That Attracted 40,000 Visitors Over Two Days — What a Japanese Exchange Student Learned About How Japan Is Seen from France

My name is Yamamura, and I am currently studying abroad in Lyon, France. I am aspiring to build a career in the MICE industry in the future. During my stay, I had the opportunity to cover Japan Touch Lyon 2025, a Japanese culture event that attracted approximately 40,000 visitors over two days. What emerged from...

[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...

【January 2026】Notable Trade Shows and Events in Japan

For some, this season brings thoughts of hot springs. As for me, I enjoy creating a hot-spring atmosphere at home with bath additives. As the year draws to a close, we have compiled a list of notable trade shows and events scheduled to take place in January 2026. Three major events related to mobility will...

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“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...

The World’s Premier Esports Tournament ALGS to Be Held in Sapporo in 2026, Alongside a Career Information Session for Game Industry Jobs Aimed at Gaming Fans

In January 2026, the ALGS Year 5 Championship, the world championship of the globally popular game Apex Legends, will be held in Sapporo, Hokkaido. On the following day, a career information session focused on employment opportunities in the game industry and aimed at gaming fans is also scheduled to take place. The World’s Highest-Level Competition:...

Japan’s MICE Venues See a Wave of Environmental Certifications: TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO and Sapporo Convention Center Earn LEED Gold

Japan’s events and MICE sector is accelerating efforts to benchmark venue sustainability against international standards. In December 2025, major facilities in Tokyo and Sapporo announced they had attained Gold-level certification under the globally recognized LEED rating system. This milestone—achieved by a newly built arena and an existing convention center with distinct characteristics—highlights significant progress on...

Sanrio, known for Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll, unveils a basic plan to turn Oita’s Harmonyland into an “entertainment resort,” reimagined as a “Sky Park”

Sanrio Co., Ltd. and Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd. have announced a basic development concept to transform Harmonyland, a theme park in Oita Prefecture, into a resort. Under the “Sky Park” concept, the project will embark on large-scale upgrades, including an all-weather grand roof and the potential construction of a new hotel. In collaboration with Oita...

Japan Hobby Show to celebrate its 50th anniversary at Tokyo Big Sight, May 8–10, 2026 — In collaboration with The Asahi Shimbun Company, attendance is expected to reach 120,000 at one of Japan’s largest handmade festivals

The Japan Hobby Association has announced that “The 50th Japan Hobby Show 2026,” one of the largest festivals for the hobby and handmade market, will be held over three days from May 8, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight. Since its first edition in 1976, the event has been supported as a place for makers to...

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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...

“KYOTO NIPPON FESTIVAL 2026” to be held February 1–May 24, 2026 at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto — 10th-anniversary edition featuring Mika Ninagawa with EiM and DAZZLE

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, “KYOTO NIPPON FESTIVAL,” which has shared the beauty and culture of Japan with the world, will present “KYOTO NIPPON FESTIVAL 2026 – Beyond time, the garden blooms –” at the historic Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto) from February 1 to May 24, 2026. Artist Mika Ninagawa, the creative team...

Design Festa vol.62 — One of Asia’s largest international art events — November 15–16 at Tokyo Big Sight; experience “freedom of expression” across 6,500+ booths

Design Festa vol.62, one of Asia’s largest international art events, will be held over two days on Saturday–Sunday, November 15–16, 2025, across all West & South Halls of Tokyo Big Sight. Under its principle that “anyone can participate without screening as long as the work is original,” the event brings together the diverse expressions of...

October 30–November 9: Japan Mobility Show 2025 — Event Overview and Highlighted Exhibitors at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan’s Largest Mobility Festival

Carrying forward the excitement and passion of the Tokyo Motor Show cherished for roughly 70 years, the Japan Mobility Show—nicknamed “MobiShow” since its 2023 relaunch—returns this year. Organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), the event will run for 11 days from Thursday, October 30 to Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight....

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...

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Waves of art in motion across the lake country — “International Art Festival BIWAKO BIENNALE 2025” opens September 20 through November 16 in Omihachiman, Shiga

Set against the living history and nature of Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, the International Art Festival BIWAKO BIENNALE 2025 will run from Saturday, September 20 to Sunday, November 16, 2025. Now in its 11th edition and curated by General Director Yoko Nakata, the festival will invite around 70 artists from Japan and overseas under the theme...

MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 confirmed — the stage moves to Tokyo. From the new home, TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, Japanese music goes global

Japan’s largest international music awards, MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ), has officially announced its 2026 edition. Established under the concept “Connecting with the world and lighting the future of music,” the award is organized in collaboration by five leading organizations representing Japan’s music industry: Nihon Record Kyokai, Nihon Ongaku Jigyosha Kyokai, Nihon Ongaku Seisakusha Renmei, Nihon...

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...