Japan

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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...

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...

Columns

[Column] Where Does Innovation Emerge—If Not on the Stage? Designing Spaces That Blend Diverse Perspectives [TechGALA Japan 2026]

In January 2026, “TechGALA Japan 2026” was held in Nagoya.One particular session raised a central question: how should environments that foster innovation be designed? Do the events or communities you organize tend to bring together similar participants? Do they risk becoming spaces where attendees only listen to speakers? The structure of a setting can influence...

Japan Events

【April 2026】38 Must-Attend Trade Shows and Events: SEA JAPAN, SusHi Tech Tokyo, TEAMZ WEB3/AI SUMMIT and More

With the start of a new fiscal year, many professionals find themselves meeting new colleagues, joining new teams, and engaging with new business partners. This is also a season when opportunities to exchange business cards increase. At trade shows and events, conversations often begin with a simple introduction, and in some cases lead to unexpected...

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...

aonia-utsunomiya
Hotels & Venues

Singapore and Tochigi Connected Through Sake: Exploring the Potential of MICE in Regional Revitalization Through a Trade Mission

History, culture, nature, and people. How are the elements that feel familiar to us perceived from overseas? In November 2025, the “Discover Tochigi” tour was held in Utsunomiya City. The program was structured as a trade mission visiting sake breweries across Tochigi Prefecture. Participants noted that behind the craftsmanship refined over multiple generations, they sensed...

Japan Events

Advance Ticket Sales for GREEN×EXPO 2027 to Begin on March 19

The Japan Association for the 2027 International Horticultural Expo (official name: Public Interest Incorporated Association for the 2027 International Horticultural Expo) has announced that advance sales of admission tickets for GREEN×EXPO 2027 will begin on March 19, 2026, one year prior to the opening of the Expo. Advance Sales Begin March 19: Early-Bird One-Day Ticket...

Hotels & Venues

Redevelopment Project “KAMIHACHI X” Announced to Strengthen MICE and Accommodation Functions in Central Hiroshima — First “Andaz” by Hyatt in the Chugoku Region

The name of the high-rise tower and the hotel brand to be introduced on its upper floors have been announced for the Motomachi Aioi-dori District Type I Urban Redevelopment Project currently underway in central Hiroshima City. The high-rise tower will be named “KAMIHACHI X.” The hotel brand selected for the upper floors is Hyatt Hotels...

Japan Events

【February 2026】Notable Trade Shows and Events in Japan

As the year gets underway, February is already approaching. This time of year often brings a noticeable shift in pace, with calendars filling up and seasonal events beginning to line up one after another. Below is a curated overview of notable exhibitions and events scheduled for February 2026. Of particular interest are opportunities that serve...

Hotels & Venues

Hoshino Resorts’ Series of New Openings Toward 2026:Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings and New Travel Bases Rooted in Local Culture, with Potential for MICE Use

Hoshino Resorts is planning the phased opening of eight new properties nationwide by 2026. These developments include consecutive openings in the Yokohama area and Japan’s first luxury hotel created through the adaptive reuse of a former prison designated as an Important Cultural Property. Each facility reflects the unique history and culture of its location and...

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,...

太平洋フェリー
Japanese Mobility

Onboard Report: Can a 2-Night, 3-Day Taiheiyo Ferry Journey from Nagoya to Tomakomai (Hokkaido) Work for Business Travel? A Workcation-Style Review from the Nagoya Terminal to Sapporo

What modes of transportation do you usually choose for long-distance business trips? High-speed rail, company cars, and air travel are likely the most common options. At the company behind MICE TIMES ONLINE, ferries are also frequently used—specifically long-distance ferry routes. In the past, we have shared onboard reports on Orange Ferry and PanStar Cruise Ferry....

Hotels & Venues

[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...

Art & Culture

【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...

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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