Sapporo to Open New MICE Facility in 2033

Sep 09, 2025 | News On Japan

SAPPORO - 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

Sano Issues Level 5 Emergency Safety Order

Sano in Tochigi Prefecture issued a Level 5 Emergency Safety Order at midnight on July 18 after the Hata River, which flows through the city, exceeded the designated flood occurrence level following heavy rain.

Research Map Shows Japan Faces Scorching Summers

Japan is likely to face increasingly long and dangerously hot summers as global temperatures continue to rise, with advanced climate simulations also pointing to more frequent torrential rain, rising seas and accelerating ice loss by the end of the century.

Japan Revises Imperial Law to Keep Married Women in Royal Family

Japan's revised Imperial House Law was enacted after clearing the House of Councillors with majority support, allowing female members to retain royal status after marriage and male-line descendants of former imperial family branches to enter the Imperial Household through adoption.

New Typhoon Likely to Form Far South of Japan

A tropical depression near the Truk Islands is expected to strengthen into a typhoon within 12 hours, but forecasters say it is unlikely to have any direct impact on Japan.

Protest Held Against Japan Flag Protection Bill

A protest against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was held in Tokyo's Shibuya district on July 16 as public concern grew over a bill that would impose criminal penalties for damaging the Japanese flag.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Mexican Crude Oil Arrives in Japan After 70-Day Voyage

A tanker carrying about 1 million barrels of Mexican crude oil arrived off Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, on the morning of July 17, marking Japan's first such delivery since the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed.

Nikkei Enters Correction as Chip Rout Deepens

Tokyo stocks plunged on July 17 as a global selloff in semiconductor and artificial intelligence-related shares pushed the Nikkei 225 into correction territory, while Middle East tensions, higher oil prices and persistent yen weakness added to pressure on investors.

Nissan Unveils First New Elgrand in 16 Years

Nissan Motor unveiled a fully redesigned Elgrand minivan on July 17, marking the model's first complete overhaul in 16 years, while introducing a new brand message as the automaker seeks to rebuild its business and revive sales.

Japan 7/11 Plans Major Polish Takeover

Seven & i Holdings is considering investing several hundred billion yen in Zabka Group, Poland's largest convenience store operator, as the Japanese retailer seeks to expand its presence in Europe.

Japanese Firms Increase Focus on Automation and AI

Japanese manufacturers including Fanuc, Yaskawa Electric, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Komatsu announced new artificial intelligence initiatives on July 16 as Nvidia expanded its partnerships with Japan's robotics and industrial sectors.

Nikkei Drops as Korea Rate Hike Revives AI Selloff

Tokyo stocks fell sharply on July 16 as renewed selling in South Korean semiconductor shares spread to Japan’s AI and chip-related names, while household inflation expectations hit a record high and kept pressure on the Bank of Japan to maintain a tightening bias.

Currency Pairs to Trade During the Tokyo Session: A Guide for Beginner Forex Traders

Many beginner forex traders often frown upon the Tokyo trading session because of its low trading volume and liquidity levels. However, it can be a gold mine if you know which currencies to trade.

Nichirei System Failure Disrupts KFC and Major Retailers

A system failure at frozen food giant Nichirei has disrupted shipments and logistics, raising the risk of product shortages and temporary closures at some Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants while also affecting major supermarket and retail chains.

< 2 3 4 5 >