Brought to you by Aichi Sky Expo
Situated in the heart of Japan, the Aichi prefecture has emerged as a premier destination for global conventions and events. In July, it was chosen to host Tourism Expo Japan in 2025, one of the world’s largest travel festivals.
While it may be commonly known for its capital city of Nagoya, there’s more in its surrounding cities that offer the infrastructure, facilities and environment for all types of events.
World-class convention and exhibition facilities
A venue that cannot be overlooked is the Aichi Sky Expo. Directly connected to the Chubu Centrair International Airport, it offers unparalleled access for delegates flying in from all over the world, as well as onward travel to other parts of Japan.
With a size of 60,000m², Aichi Sky Expo boasts one of the largest exhibition areas in the country. It houses six expansive halls, 20m high, which can be connected to form a massive space of up to 50,000m². There are also 18 conference rooms of various sizes with up to 370 seats. Outside, there is also up to 36,000m² of space for open air events and activities.
Since it opened in 2019, Aichi Sky Expo is a sought-after venue that has hosted more than 450 events. Its roster includes events such as The Independent Ageing Convention, organised by Kenes Group, which specialises in medical and scientific events, and the 124th Annual Congress of Japan Surgical Society.
Sustainability at its core
Central to Aichi Sky Expos’s operations is sustainability. The venue runs completely on solar powered clean energy and uses cleaning agents free from ocean polluting chemicals. In addition, a tree-supporting wall greening system called the Vertical Forest is installed at the entrance.
Its efforts are recognised in its Net Zero Energy Building Ready certification, which is given to buildings that reduce annual primary energy consumption by 50 per cent or more.
It is also the first exhibition centre in Japan certified S, the highest rank under the CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency) system for energy and resource efficiency, as well as consideration of indoor and outdoor environments.
Industrial powerhouse
Beyond the expo, the Aichi region itself is an industrial powerhouse. In fact, Aichi prefecture is the heart of manufacturing in Japan, with the automotive, aerospace and robotics industries its three biggest.
It is home to leading manufacturing companies such as Toyota, Denso, DMG MORI, and Mazak. Almost half of all automobile-related parts in Japan are produced in Aichi, which represent about US$170 billion dollars.
The Japanese government has also designated the Chubu region as an International Strategic Special Zone, named the “Special Zone to Create Asia’s No.1 Aerospace Industrial Cluster”. Today, 171 aerospace companies are located in the prefecture, and Aeromart, a leading aerospace event, is held every year in Nagoya.
The robotics industry is equally strong, with around 77 companies and 3,400 employees in the industry. The government has particularly focused on advancing manufacturing robots, medical robots, and unmanned flying robots. Aichi Prefecture also actively hosts prominent robotics events, such as the RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2021, a worldwide robotics competition held at Aichi Sky Expo.
Another emerging sector is hydrogen. The Chubu region, which includes Aichi, is promoting a hydrogen society. Efforts include the founding of the Hydrogen Utilization Council in 2020 with the aim of commercialising hydrogen energy by 2030.
Given that the Chubu region is a hub for various industries, there is a strong emphasis on using hydrogen for industrial applications, such as refining petroleum, metal treatment, electricity generation, and logistics. Additionally, Aichi is a leader in fuel cell technology, particularly fuel cell vehicles, and Japan aims to export this technology globally.
Beyond modern industries, the history of manufacturing in Aichi goes back more than 400 years.
Traditional manufacturing industries such as pottery are still very active, particularly in Tokoname city, famous for its pottery and also where Aichi Sky Expo is located. Tokoname ware is recognised as one of the six ancient kilns in Japan, and has been certified as an official Japanese Heritage site since 2017.
Adding value to itineraries
With the Aichi prefecture’s rich heritage and manufacturing prowess, organisers that want to create more interesting itineraries can include technical visits to see the latest product lines as part of a post-convention programme.
In the old town of Tokoname, besides Tokoname ware, there are also traditional houses and the Ghibli Park for sightseeing.
Aichi prefecture continues to develop its tourism offerings as well. During Field Style Jamboree, one of the largest outdoor events in Japan, which was held from 10th to 12th November, Aichi Sky Expo and Tokoname City organised a sightseeing programme for foreign exhibitors and visitors.
Keen to explore what Aichi has to offer? Host your next event at Aichi Sky Expo.
