infrastructure , and convenient international and domestic access via plane and train .

Osaka was ranked in 2021 as the # 2 most liveable city in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit .

Osaka attracts events from a range of sectors , but is particularly strong in the medical , engineering , and other technical fields due to many high-ranking universities in the region .

Aside from 2025 World Expo , one of the most heavily anticipated developments coming to Osaka is the integrated resort ( IR ) project planned for opening by 2028 . It will include considerable meetings space and will be one of the largest venue complexes in Japan .

Additionally , 2027 will see the opening of a new 18,000-capacity arena in northern Osaka prefecture . It will be designed for hosting international sporting events and also musical concerts .

Back to the present , and meetings and seminars still being held in Osaka ’ s venues , with domestic in-person attendance combined with hybrid formats for international participants the norm . Many successful , safe exhibitions have also been held throughout the past year .

The incentives sector has not seen the same level of activity , but should rebound quickly and the CVB reports receiving inquiries for incentive tours in 2022 and beyond .

Preparation for future business continues and a new Osaka MICE brochure for event planners and a promotional video are in the pipeline . Check out the official website ( www . mice . osaka-info . jp / en ) for more information , including fresh ideas on fun things to do in

the city . The 2019 G20 Osaka Summit ( www . youtu . be / Ti _ hLbHnR-A ) was a great case study on how the city hosted major foreign delegations and dignitaries at INTEX Osaka and you can be sure the city will be ready for such events to return once international travel picks up again .

Kyoto , a former capital , also on the island of Honshu and famous for classic Shinto shrines , Buddhist temples and also kaseiki dining and geisha , is a leading Japanese and Asian MICE destination .

In July 2020 the city expanded its subsidy system so that conferences could be held safely and securely even during the pandemic situation . Subsidies helped reduce the cost of infection control for venues and organisers , and other financial help created an environment where conferences could be held safely and securely .

In October 2020 , the ‘ Kyoto Model for MICE in a Coronavirus Plagued Society ’ programme was proposed as a new way of holding MICE events by utilising Kyoto ’ s culture and cultural assets in the fight against challenges caused by the virus .

With Japan ’ s second largest population , the port city of Yokohama played host to ICCA ’ s Asia-Pacific chapter meeting in Deember 2020 . The event demonstrated

Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau ’ s ability to move ahead with MICE events .

Venue PACIFICO Yokohama created an inclusive hybrid environment that brought together

in-person and online participants .

“ After all these months of the industry being at a total standstill , we were able to have this beautiful social event – it felt like clouds of darkness and depression were lifted ,” said Keiko Nishimoto , deputy chair and treasurer of the ICCA Asia-Pacific

In March 2021 , Kyoto successfully hosted the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice ( Kyoto Congress ). It was the first conference in Japan to include foreign participants in the coronavirus period . Many cultural elements typical of Kyoto were incorporated into that event .

In June this year , the Kyoto MICE Fund was established to collect donations from MICE organisers and participants , as well as corporate and individual donors , to help preserve Kyoto ’ s cultural and natural attractions . It was also a contribution to achieving the SDGs .

Meanwhile the task of rescheduling and reconfirming international conferences slated for 2021 or later goes on and the CVB is sending a strong positive message of welcome to companies and organisations looking to hold future events in Kyoto .

In the past , the CVB has focused particularly on Kyoto ’ s cultural , historical and environmental aspects when marketing to the international MICE market , and has had considerable success in attracting scientific and medical conferences . Now , the bureau says , that in order to continue to be chosen by the world , Kyoto is keen to attract conferences in all fields .

chapter .

The summit also pioneered sustainability measures , becoming the very first association meeting to purchase offset credits under the Yokohama Blue Carbon Offset System . Established by the city , the scheme offsets carbon

emissions through funding initiatives linked to the ocean , such as planting seagrass that absorbs CO2 .

Under the scheme , five euros from every delegate ’ s registration fee was set aside to offset the carbon footprint of the event .