JAPAN - Let New Ideas Find You (Part 1/2)

Japan is a fascinating destination to meet – where world-leading scientific and industrial knowledge, blend in harmony with unique customs (of 47 prefectures) to create diverse possibilities with meaningful cultural experiences. Hosted by Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), Meet Japan 2019 (February 24^th– March 1^st) was a thoughtfully coordinated opportunity to experience the high-quality MICE offerings and Japanese spirit of heart-warming hospitality.

Ken TJX reports (this article is best enjoyed with several sips of sake)

Seasoned MICE Landscape for All Seasons

The Land of the Rising Sun is a land of never-ending innovation, globally recognised for pushing the forefront of knowledge and technology. Delegates’ safety and cleanliness throughout Japan truly put organisers and visitors at ease, allowing them to let each regional cultural diversity stimulate the senses and intellect, inspiring new ideas and perspectives.

Efficiently connected by a network of high-speed trains and domestic airports, Japan is the top country for association events in Asia, with a track record of high-quality conferences and events grounded in decades of experience and expertise. International business events in Japan have an economic ripple effect of JPY1,059 billion and 96,000 job creation. Japan hosted 31.19 million overseas visitors in 2018, and achieving a new record-breaking figure has been a consistent trend since 2012. The government’s global strategy and the highly anticipated Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic Games put the nation on track to attract 40 million international visitors in 2020. 

This year, world leaders attending the G20 Summit will get to experience summer in Osaka (and eight other cities);the Rugby World Cup will take place across twelve destinations nationwide; and the World Congress of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO, 5,000 delegates) will take place in Kobe, timely before Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020.

Kanazawa – Authentic Feudal Japan Charm

Devoid of natural disaster damage for 430 years, Kanazawa – a city of Samurai culture– contains countless preserved areas that still exude the aura of feudal Japan. Such as the well-preserved Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa Castle, and mesmerising Kenroku-en Garden (picture above), regarded as one of the top three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Soak in Kenroku-en’s unparalleled harmony of conflicting landscapes and participate in a tea ceremony at the Shigurei-tei Tea House, a private sanctuary to clear and calm any restless mind. If that isn’t enough to trigger new ideas, head to Omicho Market next. This stimulating sensory journey into Japan’s culinary heritage opened since 1721.

Last year, this compact walking city held 400 conferences (30 are international), and the largest event hosted 10,000 participants. The opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2015 made Kanazawa’s rich cultural asset accessible(2.5 hours from Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya).

The strategic location of the striking Kanazawa Station, ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa, and Ishikawa Ongakudo (total capacity of 2580, largest concert hall 1560) enables incredible convenience to have transportation, accommodation, and event venue nestled right next to one another. A delightful note for event planners, Kanazawa Convention Bureau provides generous subsidies such as a 2/3 subvention for Geiko performances to entertain business delegates while they bond over sake and kaiseki-ryori (traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine).

Click here to be transported
to part 2 of this journey.