Japan: A World-class Destination for Global Business Conventions (…and MICE)

Considering attending, or showcasing at a Trade or Business Exhibition or Convention in Japan?

My keen interest in ‘Business in Japan’ and business or professional networking, has often brought the numerous international conferences, expositions, and trade fairs held in Japan year-round to my attention.

See the list of the biggest venues for industry trade shows and expos below!

Recently Japan’s tourism efforts have focused not only on promoting its rich culture and leisure, but also on highlighting its economic importance through MICE...

Mice? No, I’m not talking about our little furry friends - I’m talking about [M]eetings, [I]ncentives, [C]onventions and [E]xhibitions/Events (MICE), an acronym coined by the Government to define events that will attract foreign business travelers to Japan (JNTO Website - MICE)

Indeed industry observers have signaled Japan's MICE landscape appears set for continuing rebound after the pandemic's impact.

How Japan Is Rebuilding Its Mice Sector Amid Tourism Recovery

Japan MICE tourism market to surpass USD 7 Billion by 2025

Japan is a world-class destination for global business conventions, exhibitions, and meetings (MICE). In 2022, Japan ranked 7th in the world for the number of international meetings hosted, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). This makes Japan the top destination for MICE in Asia.

There are many reasons why Japan is such a popular destination for MICE.

First, Japan has excellent infrastructure, including state-of-the-art convention centers, hotels, and transportation systems. Second, Japan is known for its high level of service and hospitality. Third, Japan offers a unique cultural experience that can help to make business events more memorable and engaging.

Many people’s first experience of Japan comes from attending a conference here and I have attended my fair share of such events too, which prompted me to introduce some popular Expo, Exhibition, Conference and Convention venues in Japan:

Tokyo Big Sight | http://www.bigsight.jp/english/

Japan’s largest exhibition-oriented convention center

Makuhari Messe | https://www.m-messe.co.jp/en/

A comprehensive convention complex near Tokyo Disney Resort

Pacifico Yokohama | http://www.pacifico.co.jp/english/

A waterfront convention center with stunning views of Yokohama Bay

Port Messe Nagoya | http://portmesse.com/en

A multipurpose venue with easy access to Nagoya’s attractions

Fukuoka International Congress & Kokusai Centers, Marine Messe | http://www.marinemesse.or.jp/eng/congress/ http://www.marinemesse.or.jp/eng/kokusai/ http://www.marinemesse.or.jp/eng/messe/

A modern facility adjacent to the Fukuoka Kokusai Center and the Marine Messe Fukuoka

West Japan General Exhibition Center | http://www.convention-a.jp/language/english.html

INTEX Osaka | http://www.intex-osaka.com/en/

Japan Exhibition Association (JEXA) is the country’s largest association in the exhibition industry. JEXA actively promotes economic revival and sustenance through promoting Japan as a popular convention venue. The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) promotes mutual trade between Japan and the rest of the world. For a list of Trade Shows showcasing 2023-2024 events, see this link: [JETRO Trade Shows in Japan].

Here are some of the top trade shows and exhibitions happening in Japan in 2023/24:

• Japan IT Week Autumn (October 11-13, 2023)

• Ad:tech Tokyo (November 8-10, 2023)

• International Conference on Women's Health and Breast Cancer (December 12-14, 2023)

• XR Fair Tokyo (January 31-February 1, 2024)

• NexTech Week Tokyo (February 14-16, 2024)

• 11th International Jewellery Tokyo Autumn (March 12-14, 2024)

• Annual Meeting of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (April 18-21, 2024)

• Manufacturing World (April 24-26, 2024)

• 3rd Edition of International Conference on Green Chemistry and Renewable Energy (May 8-10, 2024)

• 2nd World Congress on Materials Science Research & Nanotechnology (June 10-12, 2024)

If you need help investigating, booking and even running a booth at an Expo in Japan, or you can't make the Event you want to but you would like someone to attend on your behalf, meeting exhibitors and gathering contact details, making connections - contact Business In Japan and explain what you have in mind, and we'll match you to a BIJ Partner who can provide those services!

Need some help in Japan?