Sendai Convention Bureau

🚍✨【Loople Sendai Choro-Q – A Must-Have Souvenir!】✨🚍 Looking for a special souvenir from Sendai? How about the charming Loople Sendai Choro-Q? This is a collectible toy version of the beloved Loople Sendai sightseeing bus! Choro-Q are Japan’s iconic pull-back miniature toy cars, measuring just 3–4 cm. Their name combines the playful Japanese term choro-choro (meaning "dash around") and "cute," reflecting their small size and fun design. Loople Sendai Choro-Q Lineup: These unique Choro-Q feature designs inspired by the retro-style Loople Sendai bus, which takes visitors to Sendai's top attractions. This October, a new version called "Miyagino-Hagi", inspired by Sendai’s city flower Hagi and the traditional butterfly knot mizuhiki, was released. The design was crafted by local vocational school students, making it even more special! Price: 1,200 yen (tax included) Where to Buy: Sendai Station West Exit Bus Terminal Information Desk, Sendai International Center, Zuihoden Mausoleum, Akiu Sato Center, Hotel Pearl City Sendai, Yunomachi Sakunami Tourism Exchange Center "La Santa", FamilyMart Sendai Station Store, FamilyMart Kotodai Koen Station Store, FamilyMart Yaotome Station Store, Hotel Keihan Sendai. ・TOMY "Choro-Q" is a registered trademark of Takara Tomy Co., Ltd. ・Store hours vary by location, and some models may sell out, so don’t wait to grab yours! #LoopleSendai #ChoroQ #SendaiSouvenir #SightseeingBus #TravelJapan #VisitSendai #UniqueSouvenirs #SendaiAttractions #PullBackToys #SendaiTravel #ToyCollector #JapanExclusive #Sendai #MICE #meetingplanners #meetingprof #meetingsandevents #eventprofs #Japan #SendaiConventionBureau

In December 2024, the Sendai Convention Bureau participated in two major business matching events in Southeast Asia, connecting with travel agencies to promote Sendai as a prime destination for incentive travel. On December 10, the team attended the "JNTO Incentive Travel Business Meeting (Malaysia)" in Kuala Lumpur. With 19 organizations from Japan and 21 travel agencies from Malaysia, our team held business meetings with 8 agencies, providing information about Sendai and its support programs for incentive travel. We also visited local agencies in Kuala Lumpur to gain insights into Malaysia's MICE market and its needs. Two days later, on December 12, we took part in the "JNTO Incentive Travel Business Meeting (Thailand)" in Bangkok. A total of 25 Japanese organizations and 31 Thai travel agencies participated. Our team met with 14 agencies to share the latest information on Sendai and introduce support programs. A post-event visit to Bangkok’s travel agencies provided deeper insights into the Thai MICE market, which shows a high demand for reward ceremonies and overseas incentives. With this valuable information, we aim to continue enhancing our efforts to attract more visitors in the future. For more details on these events, visit the links: •　Malaysia Event:  https://lnkd.in/ggk3zy4w •　Thailand Event:  https://lnkd.in/gShT4R2F #Sendai #IncentiveTravel #MICE #BusinessMatching #Malaysia #Thailand #TravelAgencies #JNTO #MICEMarket #ConventionBureau #Japan

Interview Link: https://lnkd.in/gSZQqqqY The 20th International Conference on Precision Engineering (ICPE 2024) took center stage in Sendai, Japan, from October 23-27, 2024. With over 650 participants from 23 countries and regions, the event not only showcased cutting-edge research but also marked its 50th Anniversary and celebrated advancements in Nanotechnology. Sendai's stunning natural beauty and remarkable ability to host world-class international events were key highlights. To delve into the success and impact of ICPE 2024, we interviewed two key contributors: • Associate Professor Yasuhiro Mizutani (Osaka University, Graduate School of Engineering) • Assistant Professor Ryo Sato (Tohoku University, Department of Finemechanics, Sendai) Read more about their insights and the conference’s achievements: https://lnkd.in/gSZQqqqY Photo Credit: Compilation of photos from organizers and Sendai Convention Bureau #ICPE2024 #PrecisionEngineering #InternationalConference #Sendai #TohokuUniversity #MICE #Sustainability #EngineeringInnovation #ConferenceInsights #SendaiConventionBureau #academic #OsakaUniversity #ICPE

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has released its 2023 rankings for cities hosting international conferences. Here’s how the top destinations stacked up:  ・Tokyo (23 wards): 311 conferences   ・Kyoto: 172   ・Yokohama: 98   ・Fukuoka: 79   ・Nagoya: 62   ・Sendai: 6th place with 60 conferences   Sendai continues to stand out as a premier destination for global events, securing its place among Japan’s top MICE cities.  Announcement link from the Sendai Convention Bureau website here: https://lnkd.in/ghdVX--y  Rankings list by year on the JNTO website:   [JNTO MICE Statistics](https://lnkd.in/gttjGsPp) (available in Japanese).  What Makes a Meeting an "International Conference"?   To be counted in JNTO's statistics, a meeting must meet the following criteria:   - International Participation:At least three countries must be represented (including Japan).   - Minimum Attendance: 50 participants or more.   - Duration: At least one day in length.   - Organizational Structure: Organized by an international body, national association, or equivalent.   - Purpose: A clear academic, business, or professional focus—not purely social or recreational.  The Sendai Convention Bureau is proud to contribute to these statistics by reporting international conferences held in the Sendai area. We thank all our partners for their continued cooperation in keeping Sendai at the forefront of international events!

East Japan Golden Route: Journey Beyond the Classics!  While the famous “Golden Route” (Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka) is well-known to overseas visitors, the “East Japan Golden Route” is only just starting to gain attention. This route connects Tokyo with Sendai, Morioka, Aomori, and Hakodate (Hokkaido) via the shinkansen bullet train, showcasing the unique charm of Tohoku and Hokkaido. For those attending conventions in Sendai, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the region before or after your event—or even organize day trips with your group using Sendai as your base. Two convenient JR passes make travel even easier: • JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass • ¥35,000 for adults ¥17,500 for children • Valid for 6 consecutive days • JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) • ¥30,000 for adults, ¥15,000 for children • Valid for 5 consecutive days Both passes offer unlimited shinkansen and JR local line travel, making regional exploration affordable and hassle-free. Discover East Japan’s hidden treasures and experience a more authentic side of Japan. 👉 Details: East Japan Golden Route https://lnkd.in/gHQaCpE7

For those attending conventions and business events in Sendai during December, the iconic “Sendai Pageant of Starlight” offers an added bonus activity to experience the beauty and spirit of the city! This December, Sendai will host the 39th annual “Sendai Pageant of Starlight”, a cherished winter tradition in the city. This year, 115 Zelkova trees along Jozenji-dori Avenue will be illuminated with approximately 450,000 LED lights, creating a breathtaking display. The event will run from December 6 to December 25, with the lights shining from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, and 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, the display will be illuminated 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Special extended hours will be available on December 24 and 25. Don’t miss out on this stunning winter spectacle while in Sendai! #SendaiPageantOfStarlight #SendaiEvents #WinterInSendai #StarlightFestival #SendaiChristmas #SendaiLights #BusinessEvents #ConventionsInSendai #VisitSendai #WinterTradition #SendaiCity #SendaiSights #SendaiAttractions #LEDLights #ZelkovaTrees #WinterSpectacle #DecemberInSendai #HolidayInSendai #MICEInSendai

Tohoku University has been officially recognized as Japan’s first “Top Global Research University” by MEXT, making it eligible for the prestigious “Universities for International Research Excellence” Program. As part of this initiative, Tohoku University is also the first recipient of the ¥10 trillion ($68 billion) university endowment fund, set to provide ¥10 billion ($65 million) the first year, and continue to pay over the next 25 years. This funding will enhance the university’s research capabilities, allowing associate and assistant professors to conduct independent research and foster innovation. This marks a major milestone in the university’s mission to strengthen its global research presence. The Sendai Convention Bureau, Sendai City Hall, and Tohoku University have an ongoing formal agreement to collaborate on attracting and hosting academic conferences in Sendai. With this partnership, we are excited about the potential to enhance Sendai's global recognition as a hub for research and innovation, which will not only draw greater attention to the city's scientific community but also foster increased academic exchange through future conferences held here. #TohokuUniversity #GlobalResearch #MEXT #Innovation #AcademicExcellence #ResearchCollaboration #Sendai #HigherEducation #SustainableDevelopment #InternationalConferences #ResearchHub #Japan #SendaiConventionBureau #UniversityEndowment #FutureOfResearch #GlobalRecognition #AcademicExchange #InnovationInResearch #ResearchPartnership

From November 9-11, 2024, Japan hosted the “Tourism Resilience Summit” in Sendai, in collaboration with UN Tourism. The city was chosen as the site of this global gathering due to its ongoing recovery from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and its role in the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 during the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. The Summit aimed to advance the global tourism sector’s resilience and sustainability while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Summit addressed the evolving concept of "resilience," traditionally associated with natural disasters and economic crises, but now encompassing vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the projected growth of global tourism, the event highlighted the increasing importance of integrating sustainability and resilience to mitigate tourism-related risks on economies and societies. The three-day event welcomed around 100 participants from 10 countries and 7 international organizations across the Asia-Pacific region. Key sessions included a symposium, bilateral meetings, and ministerial discussions, culminating in the adoption of the "Sendai Statement," a framework for enhancing public-private collaboration in disaster preparedness and recovery. Participants also explored Sendai’s recovery efforts and cultural assets through excursions to local landmarks. Events were hosted at premier venues, including the Sendai International Center and Sakan, a historic ryokan with over 1,000 years of tradition in the Akiu hot spring resort. Sendai’s Tourism Crisis Management Manual, developed in conjunction with the Summit, was unveiled to improve disaster response and communication, especially for international visitors. The Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association, to which the Sendai Convention Bureau belongs, contributed by recruiting volunteers, creating a welcome board, and having the association Chairperson participate in a panel discussion. Photos provided by the Tourism Resilience Summit Promotion Office, Department of Culture and Tourism. See the official report in Japanese by Sendai City here: https://lnkd.in/gen8C-2U See the “Sendai Statement” (in English) on the Japan Tourism Agency website here: https://lnkd.in/gkux86R5 #TourismResilienceSummit #GlobalTourism #DisasterRiskReduction #SendaiFramework #TourismResilience #CrisisManagement #SustainableTourism #ResilientTourism #TourismAndSDGs #Sustainability #SendaiJapan #VisitSendai #GreatEastJapanEarthquake #AkiuOnsen #InternationalCollaboration #UNTourism

Stamp collecting has become a popular activity in Japan, but it’s not about postage stamps—it’s all about special stamps featuring unique designs from specific locations. You can find these stamps in train stations, at shrines and temples, popular sightseeing spots, and now at the i-Sendai tourism desk on the first floor of the Fujisaki Department Store. Since this summer, visitors to the i-Sendai desk can enjoy stamp designs created by Sendai-based illustrator Junko Sato. These stamps capture the essence of Sendai, featuring iconic symbols like Date Masamune, the Sendai Tanabata Festival, kokeshi dolls, beef tongue, the sparrow dance, and ice skating. Bring your own notebook or paper and stop by for a unique Sendai souvenir! #isendai #sendai #miyagi #sendaitouristinformationdesk #stamp #sendaistamp #originalstamp #localstamp #stampcollection #stampcollecting #visitjapan

The latest issue of the online magazine "The PCO", produced by IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organizers), features Sendai in its Issue 113, Edition 4 (2024), published on August 27, 2024. Under the theme “Contributing to the Greater Good,” this edition highlights the powerful role events can play in addressing social and environmental issues, promoting positive change, and enhancing societal well-being. On page 8, JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) submitted an article showcasing how international conferences are helping the disaster-stricken Tohoku region, demonstrating the positive impact events can have on communities. Check it out here: [The PCO Magazine, Issue 113] https://lnkd.in/dcsnYNGt #Sendai #MICE #MeetingPlanners #MeetingProfs #MeetingsAndEvents #EventProfs #Japan #SendaiConventionBureau #venues #facilities #PCO #ThePCOmagazine