Sustainability

[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...

Hotels & Venues News

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...

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,...