DMO GATEWAY Takanawa-Shinagawa Partners with Fukuoka for Enhanced MICE Promotion
On March 13, DMO GATEWAY Takanawa-Shinagawa officially announced a partnership agreement with the Fukuoka Convention Bureau aimed at enhancing international competitiveness in the MICE sector. This strategic alliance is designed to bolster collaborations between Fukuoka, recognized as a prominent MICE city, and the innovative Takanawa-Shinagawa area, situated close to Haneda Airport.
The partnership is set to foster joint content development, co-promotional activities, the attraction of MICE events, and comprehensive training for MICE professionals. By leveraging the strengths of both regions, the agreement seeks to create a competitive environment to attract MICE events on a global scale.
The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market is increasingly becoming a battleground for nations worldwide, due to its significant economic ripple effects and potential for business innovation. However, Japan faces stiff competition from Asian nations such as Singapore and South Korea, particularly in terms of facilities, content, and promotional tactics. This has highlighted the limitations of attracting MICE events individually at the regional level.
Fukuoka offers a strategic geographical position, being in close proximity to Asia, as well as state-of-the-art convention facilities and a rich culinary and cultural heritage. It ranks third in Japan for hosting international conferences, with projections suggesting its importance as the MICE hub of Western Japan will continue to grow. On the other hand, the Takanawa-Shinagawa area, which will welcome the grand opening of the international exchange facility “TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY” in March 2026, benefits from near access to Haneda Airport and is a dynamic smart city engaged in advanced technologies like automated driving. By consolidating various cultural and gastronomic unique venues, it becomes a distinctive area for MICE activities.
By complementing each other's assorted strengths, the partnership aims to actively develop multi-city MICE programs. This collaborative effort is anticipated to maximize Japan's appeal to MICE organizers.
The agreement outlines key areas where both parties will work together to enhance MICE competitiveness through collaboration. These include:
1. Development of MICE-focused content and collaborative promotional initiatives.
2. Strategic efforts to attract MICE events to both regions.
3. Initiatives focused on nurturing the next generation of talent in the MICE sector.
4. Other necessary fields that contribute to achieving the collective goals established in the agreement.
Keiko Igakami, Secretary General of the Fukuoka Convention Bureau commented, "Fukuoka's economy heavily relies on the service sector, with about 90% of the workforce engaged in this field. Thus, increasing the flow of visitors is vital for urban revitalization. We've proactively tackled MICE, collaborating with local universities to attract international conferences, achieving the prestigious third placement in Japan for such events in 2024." She expresses excitement about the partnership, noting the commonality of being close to airports and the potential to create thrilling opportunities together.
Yoshinori Inoue, Chairperson of DMO GATEWAY Takanawa-Shinagawa stated, "As we reach our ninth year, we aim to turn collective trust amongst our member organizations into tangible outcomes. The MICE market is increasingly competitive, with cities pooling their distinct strengths being crucial for enhancing Japan’s overall competitiveness in MICE. With Fukuoka’s existing robust MICE track record, its unrivaled accessibility to Asian nations and rich culinary culture, our collaboration will result in groundbreaking cultural experience offerings connecting Tokyo, Fukuoka, and other regions in Japan."
The Fukuoka Convention Bureau serves to attract and host tourism and MICE visitors, contributing to the region's economic stimulation and human exchange. Recognized as a 'Global MICE Strategy City' by Japan's Tourism Agency, the bureau has strengthened its research capacity and sales functionalities by establishing a dedicated MICE division, 'Meeting Place Fukuoka,' to better service international conference needs.
Meanwhile, the DMO GATEWAY Takanawa-Shinagawa region combines rich historical significance and modern conveniences, featuring Japan’s newest transportation hubs like Takanawa Gateway Station. Utilizing its extensive ballroom facilities for international conferences and corporate events, DMO GATEWAY is committed to fostering diverse culinary and cultural experiences to ensure successful business event outcomes.
The partnership is set to foster joint content development, co-promotional activities, the attraction of MICE events, and comprehensive training for MICE professionals. By leveraging the strengths of both regions, the agreement seeks to create a competitive environment to attract MICE events on a global scale.
Background of the Partnership
The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market is increasingly becoming a battleground for nations worldwide, due to its significant economic ripple effects and potential for business innovation. However, Japan faces stiff competition from Asian nations such as Singapore and South Korea, particularly in terms of facilities, content, and promotional tactics. This has highlighted the limitations of attracting MICE events individually at the regional level.
Fukuoka offers a strategic geographical position, being in close proximity to Asia, as well as state-of-the-art convention facilities and a rich culinary and cultural heritage. It ranks third in Japan for hosting international conferences, with projections suggesting its importance as the MICE hub of Western Japan will continue to grow. On the other hand, the Takanawa-Shinagawa area, which will welcome the grand opening of the international exchange facility “TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY” in March 2026, benefits from near access to Haneda Airport and is a dynamic smart city engaged in advanced technologies like automated driving. By consolidating various cultural and gastronomic unique venues, it becomes a distinctive area for MICE activities.
By complementing each other's assorted strengths, the partnership aims to actively develop multi-city MICE programs. This collaborative effort is anticipated to maximize Japan's appeal to MICE organizers.
Areas of Collaboration
The agreement outlines key areas where both parties will work together to enhance MICE competitiveness through collaboration. These include:
1. Development of MICE-focused content and collaborative promotional initiatives.
2. Strategic efforts to attract MICE events to both regions.
3. Initiatives focused on nurturing the next generation of talent in the MICE sector.
4. Other necessary fields that contribute to achieving the collective goals established in the agreement.
Statements from Both Organizations
Keiko Igakami, Secretary General of the Fukuoka Convention Bureau commented, "Fukuoka's economy heavily relies on the service sector, with about 90% of the workforce engaged in this field. Thus, increasing the flow of visitors is vital for urban revitalization. We've proactively tackled MICE, collaborating with local universities to attract international conferences, achieving the prestigious third placement in Japan for such events in 2024." She expresses excitement about the partnership, noting the commonality of being close to airports and the potential to create thrilling opportunities together.
Yoshinori Inoue, Chairperson of DMO GATEWAY Takanawa-Shinagawa stated, "As we reach our ninth year, we aim to turn collective trust amongst our member organizations into tangible outcomes. The MICE market is increasingly competitive, with cities pooling their distinct strengths being crucial for enhancing Japan’s overall competitiveness in MICE. With Fukuoka’s existing robust MICE track record, its unrivaled accessibility to Asian nations and rich culinary culture, our collaboration will result in groundbreaking cultural experience offerings connecting Tokyo, Fukuoka, and other regions in Japan."
About the Organizations
The Fukuoka Convention Bureau serves to attract and host tourism and MICE visitors, contributing to the region's economic stimulation and human exchange. Recognized as a 'Global MICE Strategy City' by Japan's Tourism Agency, the bureau has strengthened its research capacity and sales functionalities by establishing a dedicated MICE division, 'Meeting Place Fukuoka,' to better service international conference needs.
Meanwhile, the DMO GATEWAY Takanawa-Shinagawa region combines rich historical significance and modern conveniences, featuring Japan’s newest transportation hubs like Takanawa Gateway Station. Utilizing its extensive ballroom facilities for international conferences and corporate events, DMO GATEWAY is committed to fostering diverse culinary and cultural experiences to ensure successful business event outcomes.
Topics Business Technology）
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