Special Themes

Japanese Mobility

JR East to Introduce New Overnight Limited Express “Luna Azul” in Early FY2027: Seasonal Services Planned Between Shinagawa–Aomori and Shinagawa–Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi

East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has announced that the name of its new limited express train, designed to offer a new railway travel experience, will be “Luna Azul.” The train is scheduled to begin operation in early fiscal 2027. To embody the philosophy behind JR East Group’s management vision, “Yusho 2034,” which aims to...

Japan Events

International Matcha Congress 2026: World’s First International Matcha Conference to Be Held in Tokyo on November 12, 2026

International Matcha Congress 2026, described by the organizer as the world’s first and one of the largest international conferences dedicated to the matcha industry, will be held on November 12, 2026, at TOFROM YAESU Tower in front of Tokyo Station. The conference will bring together leading figures from the global matcha industry to discuss the...

Japan Events

Japan Events Guide: 36 Major Exhibitions and Conferences in July 2026, Including IVS, Manufacturing World Tokyo, WebX, and KOZAROCKS

As Japan enters July 2026, the country moves into one of its busiest seasons for exhibitions, conferences, trade shows, and cultural events. Despite the summer heat, the month offers numerous opportunities to discover new products, technologies, business trends, and networking opportunities across a wide range of industries. This article highlights 36 major exhibitions and events...

Art & Culture

[Interview] Exploring UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE Through a MICE Lens Following Its March 2026 Renewal: Exclusive Buyouts for Up to 1,000 Guests and VIP Cultural Experiences Redefine Kyoto’s Evening MICE Offerings

Following a major first-phase renewal, Toei Kyoto Studio Park has been renamed “UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE.” The facility has also introduced extended operating hours until 9:00 p.m. daily, evolving into an entertainment destination that can be enjoyed both during the day and in the evening. The renewal project also takes into consideration business events, group use,...

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Japan Events

What Is GREEN×EXPO 2027? Dates, Venue, Highlights, and Exhibitor Information for the International Horticultural Expo in Yokohama, Japan

GREEN×EXPO 2027 (International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Japan) will be held from March 19 to September 26, 2027, at the former Kamiseya Communication Facility in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. The expo will focus on flowers, greenery, agriculture, food, and coexistence with nature, featuring exhibits and experiential programs from Japan and around the world. This article provides...

Japan Events

One Year Until the Opening of the International Horticultural Expo 2027: Latest Updates and Key Topics from GREEN×EXPO 2027, Including the One-Year-to-Go Press Conference, Official Uniforms, and Sponsorship Project Announcements

Yuzu Appointed as Official Ambassadors; Mana Ashida Appears at the One-Year-to-Go Press Conference With just one year remaining until the opening of the International Horticultural Expo 2027 (GREEN×EXPO 2027), scheduled to begin in March 2027 at the former Kamiseya Communication Site in Yokohama, a series of new announcements have been unveiled. In this article, MICE...

MICE Basics

Accommodation and MICE: The Role of Hotels and How to Select Them

The Relationship Between MICE and Accommodation MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions/Events) represents a key driver of economic activity in both the business and tourism sectors. To ensure the success of MICE events, selecting appropriate accommodation is as important as choosing the venue itself. Accommodation facilities are not merely places to stay; they play a...

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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...

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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