Japan MICE newsletter 
February 2021
 
Japan. New ideas start here
 
The global COVID-19 crisis is unfortunately not showing any sign of slowing down, continuing to deeply affect the events industry.
Despite the distance and general pessimism, we want to remain positive in the face of these challenges as we continue to share with you the latest information on Japan.
 
In our newsletter you will find examples showing how the Japanese events industry has adapted and proved its resilience, as well as activities to enjoy Japan from the comfort of your home. We also share with you the case study of an event organised at the end of 2020 which we hope will serve as a model for when you bring your events back to Japan.
 
 
 
COVID-19: The situation in Japan
 
• On 7th January, the government declared a state of emergency in response to the recent contamination wave affecting certain regions of Japan. It now covers Tokyo and its surroundings, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Fukuoka. The measure pushes businesses to close earlier, while calling on locals to go out only when necessary. The state of emergency has been extended to 7th March 2021.

• Phased measures toward resuming cross-border travel are suspended until the current state of emergency declaration is lifted. Check the most up-to-date information on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website
 
 
 
 
Our new guide "Planning the Ideal Business Event in Japan"
 
In order to help you prepare for the future, we have published a new guide to planning international events in Japan.
Here we share the results of a survey on the future of business events, reports on local organisations and professionals which have updated their services (you will find some examples below), along with suggested itineraries, venues and activities.
 
Download the guide here
 
 
 
Examples of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19
 
The conference centre PACIFICO Yokohama has rearranged its seats to ensure physical distancing, installed thermal cameras at the entrances and established a stringent food and beverage protocole.

The Imperial Hotel disinfects every room after use, and leaves it for two days until the next guest stays. All the common areas, and especially the high touch points, are regularly disinfected.
 
The DMC The J Team has developed an expertise in holding safe events, which allowed it to organise two charity events with its partners, “The Great Tokyo Odyssey” and “The Great Kansai Odyssey”, in the form of relay races around Japanese metropolises.
   
The airline ANA All Nippon Airways has optimised its boarding process to ensure as much physical distancing as possible between its passengers. The cabin crew wears masks and gloves during meal service. The aircraft is regularly cleaned and disinfected, while antibacterial wipes are provided to passengers. 
 
 
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Dive into Japan’s iconic sites from home
 
Until travel is possible again, (re)discover Japanese cities and monuments with the virtual tours available! Through the programme Japan 360° , we share initiatives to let you explore historical sites, natural areas and even museums.
 
A great example is the website Miyajima Tours, where you can visit, among other places, the famous shrine of the island and its large floating torii gate.
 
Click here to see more
 
 
 
A successful hybrid experience: One Young World Tokyo Caucus 2020
 
In preparation for the 2022 Global Summit in Tokyo, One Young World – the association of young leaders, or “Young Davos” – held its 2020 Tokyo Caucus, and looked at some of the crucial challenges facing Japan and the world. 
 
Gathered in the BMW Tokyo Bay Showroom, the newly implemented hybrid format of the conference offered those who could not attend remote access, with the chance to interact in real time via questions and comments for the onsite speakers.
 
We interviewed the organisers of the Tokyo Caucus on the challenges they met and the results of their event.
 
Read our case study here
 
 
 
New Year celebrations, Japanese style 
 
Mochi, a cake made from rice, is a typical food used for celebrating the New Year in Japan. Used also for offerings to the gods, mochi has a stretchy texture that is associated with longevity. The paste is prepared by pounding with a wooden hammer and turning it around in quick successions. 
 
Check out the stunning speed and coordination of these experts on this video! This activity is available as an experience for visitors, so how about including it in your itinerary to enhance team building?
 
Watch the video here
 
 
 
 
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