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Art & Culture

CUEW Showcase & Conference to Be Held in Shibuya, April 9–12, 2026, Supporting Global Expansion of Artists

CUEW Showcase & Conference, an international event where music, culture, and business intersect, will take place over four days from April 9 to 12, 2026, in Shibuya, Tokyo. The event aims to create new connections between Japan, Asia, and the global market, providing a platform to support artists’ international expansion and to generate new business...

MICE Basics

IZAN Inc. Launches “MICE ZINE,” the Industry’s First Career-Focused ZINE for the MICE SectorAimed at students, the publication seeks to create opportunities to spark interest in the MICE industry

“My First MICE”: Introducing the MICE industry to students for the first time Delivering directly to students before they become familiar with MICE “MICE TIMES ONLINE,” a media platform that provides information on the MICE industry (operated by IZAN Inc.), has published a free paper titled “MICE ZINE” as a new initiative to connect young...

MICE Basics

What Types of Companies and Organizations Make Up the MICE Industry? A Guide to 24 Business Categories

“The MICE industry sounds interesting, but what kinds of companies are actually involved?” For those with this question, this article provides an overview of the types of companies and organizations that operate within the MICE sector. MICE is an acronym for Meeting (corporate and organizational meetings), Incentive Travel (reward and training travel), Convention (international conferences),...

Games & Pop Culture

【Report】Board Game Business Expo Japan 2026 (BGBE): Western Japan’s Largest Board Game Festival — A Report on the Event That Doubled Attendance to 20,000

In recent years, board games have increasingly been used in business settings, including workshops and team-building programs. Alongside this trend, a growing number of events related to board games have emerged. Among them, Board Game Business Expo Japan 2026, commonly known as BGBE, stands out as a particularly noteworthy event. Now in its third edition,...

MICE Basics

What Is an Integrated Resort (IR)? Current Developments in Asia and the Osaka IR’s High-Standard Regulatory Framework and MICE Strategy

An integrated resort (IR) is a large-scale, mixed-use development that combines a range of facilities — including hotels, convention and exhibition venues (MICE), entertainment facilities, and retail — under a unified operational model, with casino revenue forming part of its overall business foundation. IR are not limited to entertainment; they function as economic and cultural...

Art & Culture

Creators Caravan Utsunomiya, One of the Largest Entertainment Networking Festivals in Northern Kanto, to Be Held July 31–August 1, 2026 / Banpō Tsūshō Named Title Sponsor

Creators Caravan Utsunomiya, one of the largest entertainment networking events in the Northern Kanto region, will be held over two days on July 31 and August 1, 2026, in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. The event is organized by Trident Works Co., Ltd., with Banpō Tsūshō Co., Ltd. serving as the title sponsor. The initiative aims...

Art & Culture

Salone del Mobile.Milano 2026: One of the World’s Largest Furniture and Interior Design Fairs — Its History and Outlook for 2026 (April 21–26)

Salone del Mobile.Milano, held in Milan, Italy, is one of the world’s largest international trade fairs dedicated to furniture and interior design. The event not only showcases the latest trends in the industry but has also developed into a large-scale, multifaceted MICE event that extends across the entire city. As such, it attracts significant attention...

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...

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Hotels & Venues

PR/Is Busan, South Korea the Ideal Destination for a First Overseas Workation?A One-Week Business Stay Report Covering Work, Sightseeing, and Daily Life — From Taxis and Hotels to Convenience Stores and Local Cuisine

Among overseas destinations close to Japan, South Korea stands out for its accessibility. Within the country, Busan is the nearest major metropolitan city. With no time difference, convenient access, a mild and comfortable climate, reasonably priced hotels, and a wide range of affordable dining options, the city offers a familiar yet international environment. Traditional markets...

MICE Basics

Gala Dinners and MICE: How to Leverage Gala Dinners to Elevate MICE Events — Historical Background and Practical Considerations

The MICE (Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions/Conferences, and Exhibitions/Events) industry plays a central role in facilitating international business and academic exchange, connecting companies, organizations, and academic institutions across borders. For event organizers, however, success is defined not only by the functional aspects of conferences or exhibitions, but also by the ability to maximize opportunities for interaction...

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...

MICE Basics

How Strategic Excursion Planning Enhances Attendee Satisfaction and Strengthens Local Engagement in MICE Events

In the MICE industry—covering Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions—excursions are attracting growing attention as an important element for enhancing attendee satisfaction and strengthening connections with host destinations. When carefully designed, excursions can deliver value beyond sightseeing alone and make a meaningful contribution to the overall success of an event. This article provides MICE professionals with...

MICE Basics

How to Create Memorable Events with Historic and Experiential Event Venues

What Are Unique Venues? Unique venues refer to event locations that offer distinctive experiences beyond conventional meeting rooms or hotel banquet halls. These venues include places that are not typically used for events, such as historic buildings, museums, industrial heritage sites, gardens set in natural surroundings, and even waterfront facilities. By utilizing spaces with cultural,...

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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