The Mutual Benefits of Japan and the MICE Industry

Brief introduction

Japan is a world-class destination for the MICE industry with hints of technology and innovation. It stands out for many different things, be they anime culture or delicious food. At the same time, the MICE industry has been a leading business to develop Japan’s global exposure. Hong Kong businesses hosting events in Japan is more than just accessing a premium location, but it strengthens economic ties, supports local businesses and creates high-value experiences.

On Stage’s recent event in Intex Osaka had left a lasting impression on the VIPs and event participants, which demonstrates how Hong Kong businesses can engage in Japan’s MICE sectors successfully. Here are 3 reasons why this partnership is considered a win-win:

Driving tourism and economic growth

With Japan as one of the ‘must-go’ destinations, it also brings potential to businesses to host events. With almost 4 million internationals on average visiting Japan this year, it proves how it is a popular place to visit. Flying from Hong Kong to Osaka takes roughly four hours, thus making this a worthy destination to travel to. At the same time, with Japan’s international appeal that sparks people to travel, many flights to Japan have become more frequent, creating flexible flight schedules for event guests and planners to plan ahead of time. 

Beyond accessibility, Japan has many luxurious yet traditional hotels to relax before and after events. In terms of its culture, Japan builds on efficiency, politeness and farmed hospitality (Sato et al., 2019), where they bring a unique perspective of the work and life cultures to a non-local. With a luxurious and rich culture like Japan, it opens many doors to the event industry to organise events in a place adored by many. Not only does it bring out cultural mixes for international delegates, but it contributes to the country’s economic growth in its business tourism development alongside leisure tourism. According to Japan National Tourism Organisation’s statistics, Hong Kong business tourism is gradually increasing ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, which serves as a market opportunity to host events, especially with a business-oriented city like Hong Kong.

Supporting the events to thrive

The MICE industry aims to provide a platform of experience and connections. With On Stage specialising in corporate events, it is the bridge between clients and a one-of-a-kind event experience, which includes entertainment. The local government advocates for more people to learn about traditional Japanese culture. Thus, the Osaka Conventions & Visitors Bureau offers support to corporate events that would be held in Japan. For instance, the bureau offered local entertainers to perform at the event (Osaka Convention Tourism Bureau, n.d.). This can be seen with our recent event organised in Osaka, where a few traditional Japanese performers were featured in the convention. With low costs in seeking entertaining performances, it gives more room for businesses to invest elsewhere for the events. As experience-makers, we do not serve bare minimum, but we open doors to new cultures, new opportunities and most importantly, new experiences. If not for the government’s support towards this event, we would not be able to deliver an authentic cultural experience for the participants to briefly get a glimpse of traditional Japan. 

Unleashing creativity in event execution

Events are not without a theme. It serves as a way to give a clear direction on the overall objectives of an event, especially when it is large-scale (Infinixglobal, 2025). With Japan’s rise in its local pop culture, there are many themes, such as Nintendo and anime that remind the audience of its origin, creating noise and garnering attention in a short time. The theme for the event was Japanese comic characters, which included famous cartoons like Power Rangers and characters from Studio Ghibis, all being highly recognised by Hong Kongers (Cochrane, 2008, Chapter 15). At the same time, we hosted Avantgardey as a guest performer to hone a livelier and refreshing concept. The participants enjoyed the corporate convention with a little bit of youthfulness instead of only listening to company directions, way forwards or performance reviews. Not only was it inclusive to Japanese culture, the event welcomed Hong Kong culture. Cantopop artist Vincy Chan was invited on stage to perform, bringing Hong Kong’s culture to another place that resonates with the Hong Kong audience. It gives room to unleash creativity and create a cross-cultural buzz that sets the uniqueness of the convention. Therefore, starting from Japan is the perfect opportunity to blend what Hong Kong people enjoy and what sticks to their home, enhancing the overall experience of a local corporate event held internationally.

Event planning is as difficult as it is challenging if the event is overseas. However, following the 3 reasons why Japan and the MICE industry works well together, it is welcoming with open arms. Grow your events in diversity and innovations – starting with Japan.

References

Cochrane, J. (2008). Asian Tourism: Growth and Change. Elsevier.

Japan-Bound Statistics - Tourism statistics. (n.d.-b). JTB Tourism Research &Amp; Consulting Co. https://www.tourism.jp/en/tourism-database/stats/inbound/

Infinixglobal. (2025, April 2). Does your event need a theme? Infinix Global Meetings & Events. https://www.infinixglobal.com/events/does-your-event-need-a-theme/ 

Osaka Convention Tourism Bureau. (n.d.). Meeting & Event support for organizers | Business Events | Osaka Convention Tourism Bureau. 

https://mice.osaka-info.jp/en/event_planning/organizers/ 

Sato, K., サトウケ., & 佐藤研. (2019). The Impact of Cultures on International Business : An analysis of cultural contact in the Japanese Inbound tourism business. 同志社商学 = the Doshisha Business Review, 70(4), 525–544. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/120006586038