Sapporo to Open New MICE Facility in 2033

SAPPORO, Sep 09 (News On Japan) - Sapporo announced plans to open a new large-scale MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facility in fiscal 2033, positioning the city to attract international conferences and exhibitions.

The project envisions a complex with a 2,000-seat main hall and a multipurpose hall of 3,200 square meters, accommodating up to 5,000 people. Officials said the goal is to create a venue capable of hosting major global events.

The site is slated for the grounds of the Sapporo Park Hotel, which will close in April 2027. Construction is scheduled to begin after the site becomes available in February 2027, with completion and opening expected in fiscal 2033.

The city estimates an annual economic ripple effect of 49.2 billion yen, driven by visitor spending on accommodations, dining, and other services.

However, project costs have risen sharply. Initially planned at less than half the current figure, the budget has ballooned due to surging construction expenses and expansion of the land to be acquired. The latest estimate stands at 59.2 billion yen.

Source: Hokkaido News UHB

Japan Braces for Typhoon No. 23

As of 6 a.m. on October 10, Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) was moving northward and bringing the Daito Islands in Okinawa under its strong wind zone. Forecasts show the typhoon approaching Okinawa’s main island and Amami on October 11, southern Kyushu and Shikoku on October 12, and reaching southern Honshu and the Izu Islands on October 13 — coinciding with the three-day holiday weekend. Authorities are warning of strong winds, heavy rain, and rough seas from Okinawa through the Kanto region, potentially disrupting travel and outdoor plans.

Deadly Tick-Borne Virus Detected in Tokyo Dog for First Time

Tokyo has confirmed its first case of a dog infected with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a potentially fatal disease transmitted by ticks. It is the first time an animal infection has been recorded in the capital.

Why Are Bear Attacks Increasing Across Japan?

Bear attacks are intensifying across Japan, with fatalities in fiscal 2025 already matching the record high set in 2023. Experts warn that the rise reflects not only an increase in bear numbers but also changes in human society that have blurred the line between mountain habitats and residential areas.

Typhoon No. 22 Leaves Hachijo Island Devastated with Roofs Torn Off and Roads Blocked

Typhoon No. 22, classified as a very strong system, made a direct hit on the Izu Islands, leaving widespread damage across the region. On Hachijo Island, located about 300 kilometers south of Tokyo, the storm brought record-breaking rainfall and violent winds, leaving residents stunned by the destruction.

Japanese Teachers Still Work World’s Longest Hours

Elementary and junior high school teachers in Japan still work the longest hours among their peers worldwide, according to an OECD report released on Tuesday. While the 2024 results by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development showed working hours had fallen by around four hours per week compared with the previous survey in 2018, Japan’s teachers still far exceeded their global counterparts.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Osaka Faces Turmoil Over Short-Term Rental Clampdown

Osaka is grappling with a wave of confusion and last-minute activity after announcing it would halt new approvals for special “minpaku” short-term rental properties in response to mounting complaints over noise and garbage. One week after the policy shift, application counters are fully booked, with wait times stretching to two months.

Fender Unveils Godzilla Guitar With Roar Feature

Fender, the US-based instrument maker, unveiled its first collaboration guitar with Godzilla on October 9 in Tokyo, featuring a special-edition “Godzilla Guitar” capable of reproducing the monster’s iconic roar.

Rising Living Costs Squeeze 80% of Households in Japan

Sumitomo Life Insurance has reported that around 80% of households in Japan are being impacted by rising prices, with monthly living costs now about 9,600 yen higher than a year ago. The findings come from the company’s latest survey on household finances, which shows that inflation is putting significant pressure on family budgets.

Tokyo Prosecutors Arrest AI Startup Leaders

Four former executives of Alts, an AI development company previously listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s Growth Market, were arrested on October 9 on suspicion of falsifying financial statements.

How Modern Interior Design Has Impacted The Real Estate Market

The intersection of modern interior design and real estate has become increasingly significant in recent years, fundamentally transforming how properties are valued, marketed, and sold.

Nissan Bets on All-New Leaf to Drive Its Corporate Revival

Nissan, currently in the midst of rebuilding its business, has unveiled a new model of its world-first mass-produced electric vehicle, the Leaf, as part of efforts to revive the company’s fortunes. The automaker will begin domestic sales of the third-generation Leaf on October 17th.

High Prices Crippling Japan’s Cleaning Sector

Prices continue to squeeze businesses across Japan, with the number of bankruptcies caused by rising costs reaching a record 488 cases in the first half of this fiscal year, according to data compiled by Teikoku Databank.

Japan and Indonesia Sign Agreement to Simplify Customs Procedures

Japan and Indonesia have signed an agreement aimed at facilitating trade by simplifying customs procedures. Under the deal, both countries will apply the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) system to companies that are officially recognized as trustworthy by customs authorities.

< 2 3 4 5 >