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Art & Culture

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...

Art & Culture

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...

Art & Culture

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...

Games & Pop Culture

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...

Games & Pop Culture

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...

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Columns

[On-Site Report] Hakodate, Hokkaido Is One of Japan’s Top Cities for Workations: An In-Depth, Hands-On Look at Workation and Coworking Options

Hakodate, one of Hokkaido’s premier travel destinations, is also well suited to business travel and events such as MICE and workations. Our editorial team carried out an on-site workation and, from that perspective, reports on Hakodate’s appeal and practical information.All photos in this article were taken by our editorial team. 160 Years Since Opening to...

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Exhibitions & Events

[Report] APEC 2025 Will Be Staged in Korea’s Ancient Capital, Gyeongju — An Easy Day Trip About 30 Minutes by KTX from Busan; What Kind of Place Is Gyeongju, and Why It’s Worth a Visit for Business Travelers

When people in Japan hear “ancient capital,” they may think of Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura, or Kanazawa. In Korea, Gyeongju, Kaesong, and Buyeo are renowned ancient capitals. Unlike Japan, each of these cities served as the capital of a different dynasty. From Busan, Korea’s high-speed KTX takes only about 30–40 minutes one way; in no time,...

Japan Events

Tourism EXPO Japan 2025 Aichi, Chubu & Hokuriku: Japan’s Largest Travel & Tourism Event—History and the First Aichi Edition at a Glance

Tourism EXPO Japan 2025 Aichi, Chubu & Hokuriku will be held for the first time in Aichi at Aichi Sky Expo from September 25–28, 2025. As Japan’s largest and one of the world’s leading comprehensive tourism events, this year’s edition adopts the theme “Rediscovering the Wisdom of Travel.” Positioned to drive tourism across the wider...

Japan Events

[Japan Mobility Show 2025] Main Visual and Program Outline Announced / Competitive Program with Startups Also Planned — The Show Runs October 30–November 9 at Tokyo Big Sight

Evolving from the approximately 70-year history of the Tokyo Motor Show, the Japan Mobility Show (ジャパンモビリティショー2025) announced its main visual, program outline, and participating companies. This article presents those details and the call for participating companies for the startup-focused program. Concept: “Let’s go explore an exciting future!” Also Expressed in the Main Visual Japan Mobility...

Japan Events

On-site Report: What Is SPORTEC 2025? Japan’s Largest International Sports and Wellness Industry Exhibition at Tokyo Big Sight

This on-site report covers the opening day of SPORTEC 2025—Japan’s largest comprehensive exhibition for the sports and wellness industry—and highlights standout exhibitors across the show floor. What Is SPORTEC? Japan’s Largest Comprehensive Sports and Wellness Exhibition SPORTEC is Japan’s largest comprehensive exhibition for the sports and wellness industry, bringing together companies and organizations from around...

Japan Events

Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025 NAGOYA — Clear Booth Presentations and Attentive Explanations Drive Visitor Satisfaction

Held July 16–18, 2025 at Aichi Sky Expo (Aichi International Exhibition Center), the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025 NAGOYA is one of Japan’s largest technical trade fairs for automotive engineers. We visited the venue on opening day. The exposition is staged twice a year—first in Yokohama in May, then in Nagoya in July. Event Overview Name:...

Hotels & Venues

Overseas Report: Busan’s Ocean-View Workation Center — A Business Base That Shows the City’s Potential Beyond Tourism (Location, Facilities, and User Feedback)

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city. From Japan it’s an easy trip by air or ferry, which makes it a popular overseas destination. Yet its role as a stage for business is less well known. Our editorial team visited a workation center in Busan—a place you can use as a first step for doing business—and...

Games & Pop Culture

BitSummit The 13th in Kyoto — Business Day Highlights: Standout Indie Games from Japan and Overseas (Even If You Couldn’t Attend)

BitSummit The 13th, one of Japan’s leading independent game festivals, took place at Miyako Messe (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall) from July 18 (Fri) to 20 (Sun), 2025. The event brought together indie creators, publishers, and stakeholders from Japan and overseas.This article reports from the first day, Business Day—useful for readers who wanted to go but...

Art & Culture

On-the-ground report: A Megijima-based reporter guides you through Setouchi Triennale 2025 — from standout artworks and recommended spots to how islanders live with the festival

A spring breeze blows across the Seto Inland Sea. Twenty minutes by ferry from Takamatsu Port, Megijima greets visitors with a unique mix of contemporary art and a cave tied to the Momotaro legend. The spring session of Setouchi Triennale 2025 has opened. New site-specific installations across the island link everyday life with the sea,...

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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