法人別リリース

12th Asia Pacific General Galvanizing Conference to Be Held in Yokohama in 2022

YCVB — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 15:00:00 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Mar. 31, 2020 /Kyodo JBN/ --
12th Asia Pacific General Galvanizing Conference
to Be Held in Yokohama in 2022
The 12th Asia Pacific General Galvanizing Conference (APGGC) will be held in Yokohama from May 29 (Sun.) to June 2 (Thurs.), 2022. Drawing 350 participants from around the world, this will be the second time for Japan to host the conference, the last time being 28 years ago in 1994.

Under the concept of “For a Sustainable Future: Think Zinc!,” the event will feature presentations about world-class technology, as well as about products and technologies regarding general (batch) hot-dip galvanizing from companies around the world. The conference is expected to attract participants from the industry as a whole, including corrosion specialists, steel producers and fabricators.

Japan’s bid to host the conference was successful for a number of reasons, including the proposal made by the Japanese host, Japan Galvanizers Association, Inc., that showcased its traditions and high standards, the association’s passion and vision, the convenient access by public transport of the host city, Yokohama, Japan’s reputation as a safe country, and the cooperative partnership among everyone involved in the bid, including the national and local governments. These aspects were viewed highly by Asia Pacific General Galvanizing Association members, who voted unanimously to hold the conference in Japan.

Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau and Pacific Convention Plaza Yokohama (PACIFICO Yokohama) extended assistance to Japan Galvanizers Association, Inc. with its bid to host the conference in Japan.

Conference overview
- Name: 12th Asia Pacific General Galvanizing Conference (APGGC)
- Dates: May 29 (Sun.) to June 2 (Thurs.), 2022
- Venue: PACIFICO Yokohama Conference Center
- Estimated attendance: 350 (250 from outside Japan)
- Estimated countries represented: Approx. 25 countries and regions
- Conference theme: “For a Sustainable Future: Think Zinc!"

Photo: Scene from 11th Asia Pacific General Galvanizing Conference
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M102118/202003278547/_prw_PI1fl_308k1TiC.jpg

Past Conferences:
2019: Bangkok, Thailand
2016: Bali, Indonesia
2013: Singapore
2010: Taipei, Taiwan
2007: Beijing, Mainland China

*Japan Galvanizers Association, Inc. (JGA)
Through the elevation of galvanizing technologies and improvements to business management, the JGA strives for the sound development of the industry, seeking to strengthen the erosion-proof and rust-proof functions of galvanizing on iron and steel to improve the quality of steel structures. Through wide-ranging promotion of this technology, it aims to contribute to the enhancement of social capital, conservation of resources, and protection of the global environment.

Source: Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Yokohama to Host 28th International Conference on Statistical Physics in 2022

YCVB — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 14:00:00 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Jan. 29, 2020 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Yokohama to Host 28th International Conference
on Statistical Physics in 2022
- Winner of Boltzmann Medal, Second Most Prestigious Prize after Nobel, to Be Awarded at New Venue, PACIFICO Yokohama North -

Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau along with Pacific Convention Plaza Yokohama (PACIFICO Yokohama) are pleased to announce that they will host the 28th International Conference on Statistical Physics (STATPHYS28) in 2022. At STATPHYS27 held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 2019, Yokohama was chosen as the host city after competing with Beijing and it will be the first STATPHYS in Japan in 54 years since 1968. As many as 1,200 participants will be expected to attend the conference.

Yokohama won the bid due to the tradition and high-level research on statistical physics in the country as well as enthusiasm and a vision for the event expressed by a local committee chaired by Prof. T. Deguchi, Ochanomizu University. Moreover, superior advantages the city has to offer as a conference venue was also highly appreciated, such as easy access from around the world as well as safeness and cooperation among the local committee and organizations in hosting the event.

Throughout the bidding process, the YCVB (Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau), the City of Yokohama and PACIFICO Yokohama, working in unison with JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization), supported the local committee and a successful bid was made to host this conference.

Overview of the conference
Name: 28th International Conference on Statistical Physics (STATPHYS28)
Date: from July 25 (Mon.) to 29 (Fri.), 2022
Venue: PACIFICO Yokohama North
Expected number of participants: 1,200 including 600 from overseas
Expected number of participating countries and regions: approximately 40
Conference vision: Tradition of statistical physics, dynamism of younger researchers and networking among researchers

Photo: The 27th International Conference on Statistical Physics (STATPHYS27) in Buenos Aires, Argentina
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M102118/202001225949/_prw_PI1fl_LhG2UgQF.jpg

Past Editions
2019: Buenos Aires (Argentina)
2016: Lyon (France)
2013: Seoul (South Korea)
2010: Cairns (Australia)
2007: Genova (Italy)
2004: Bangalore (India)

About the 28th International Conference on Statistical Physics (STATPHYS28):
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202001225949-O1-P8pPmvLT.pdf

Source: Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

“PACIFICO Yokohama North” Set to Open Next Spring to Become Japan’s Largest Int’l Conference ...

YCVB — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:00:00 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Dec. 11, 2019 /Kyodo JBN/ --
“PACIFICO Yokohama North” Set to Open Next Spring
to Become Japan’s Largest Int’l Conference Center
- Opening Date for New Addition to “PACIFICO Yokohama” Set for April 24, 2020 -

The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced that it will open “PACIFICO Yokohama North,” which the Yokohama municipal government is building as a new addition to “PACIFICO Yokohama,” one of the largest international convention complexes in Japan, on Friday, April 24, 2020.

PACIFICO Yokohama North will have an approximately 6,300-square-meter multipurpose hall, Japan’s largest of its kind, as well as 42 conference rooms, and its operator has successfully invited academic societies and other organizations to hold more than 100 international conferences and academic meetings, etc. at the facility. The opening of PACIFICO Yokohama North will make PACIFICO Yokohama Japan’s largest international conference center.

Images: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/201912064415?p=images

Catering services at the facility will be provided by two hotels -- InterContinental Yokohama Grand and Yokohama Royal Park Hotel. These hotels can organize super-sized banquets and flexibly respond to visitors’ needs such as by giving consideration to their religions and cultures. The hotels will offer hospitality to visitors with their high-grade food and beverage services.

About Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau (YCVB)
The YCVB is an extra-governmental organization funded primarily by the City of Yokohama. It is tasked with promoting this unique metropolis as an ideal destination for both leisure tourists and participants in meetings, incentive tours, conventions and exhibitions.
https://business.yokohamajapan.com/media/en/

About PACIFICO Yokohama

The complex has been designed under the concept of “All in One,” integrating conference rooms, exhibition halls and hotels, and is one of Japan’s largest MICE (meetings, incentive tours, conventions and exhibitions) complexes that have all functions needed to hold such gatherings. Major international conferences, such as those of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), have been held at the complex since its opening in 1991. PACIFICO Yokohama has successfully invited the largest number of major international conferences among all MICE facilities in Japan.

PACIFICO Yokohama
https://www.pacifico.co.jp/english/tabid/500/Default.aspx

PACIFICO Yokohama North
https://www.pacifico.co.jp/english/floorguide/north/tabid/620/Default.aspx

Source: Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau Opens Websites for News Media, Tourism Businesses

YCVB — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 15:00:00 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Sept. 27, 2019 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau
Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau Opens Websites for News Media, Tourism Businesses
- One-stop Service to Introduce Latest Materials, Statistical Data and Convenient Tools -

Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau opened websites on September 20, 2019, to provide information on tourism and the meeting industry in Yokohama to news media and tourism business operators in Japan and overseas.

The websites, titled "MEDIA & TRAVEL TRADE," provide information on various surveys and statistic data on tourism in Yokohama as well as programs to support tourism business operators. Visitors to the websites can download images, videos and other materials, for which there has been strong demand from media outlets.

In an effort to promote tourism in Yokohama and attract travelers to the capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau is determined to improve the websites to be useful for news organizations gathering information on Yokohama and tourism businesses dealing with package tours of the city on the occasions of world-class sporting events, such as the Rugby World Cup 2019 (TM) and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

(Images: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/201909251285?p=images)

Name of the new website
MEDIA & TRAVEL TRADE:
https://business.yokohamajapan.com/media/en/

Contents
- Latest information
Topics, press releases, the future of Yokohama (information on development projects), the schedule of various local events
- About Yokohama
Basic information on Yokohama, access information
- Surveys & statistic data
- Various materials
Yokohama photo library (over 160-high resolution images), promotion video (in 4K, drone/aerial images, copyright free) and other materials that can be downloaded
- Tourism businesses
Reasons why Yokohama is selected as a tourism destination, subsidized projects, programs to support news media and tourism businesses, recommended sightseeing routes and information necessary to businesses (How to manage meetings, tours, exhibitions, printing and advertisement agencies, etc.)
- About Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Yokohama to Unveil Series of Videos to Attract Foreign Tourists

YCVB — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 14:00:33 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Mar. 30, 2016 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Yokohama to Unveil Series of Videos to Attract Foreign Tourists

The Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau (YCVB), which is very active in boosting the number of foreign tourists to their city, has recently produced a set of four videos to draw attention to the city as a major tourist destination and heighten awareness about its attractions.

The new fast-paced and topical videos are designed to encourage foreigners to visit Yokohama. American Matthew Gammon, a resident of Yokohama and Art Director of the multimedia company, Bright Wave Media, produced the videos for the city.

The videos will be posted on YouTube and the YCVB's website for use as a promotional tool at tourism fairs and international conferences abroad.

Producer's Statement
"Yokohama stands out as a world-class city that is full of vibrant communities, history, and sights. I think these videos will provide potential visitors with a small slice of what makes Yokohama an enjoyable and beautiful city, and hope they will encourage a fresh new generation of people to visit our city."

The videos showcase Yokohama's fascinations in the areas of sightseeing, music, food, and art & culture.

"Welcome to Yokohama" (Sightseeing)
From the glittering futuristic skyline and amusement areas of Minatomirai to Japan's largest Chinatown, Yokohama serves as an exciting, eye-catching, multicultural tourist destination.

"Feel the Pulse of Yokohama" (Music)
Having led the way by being the first area in Japan to establish a predominant jazz scene, Yokohama has taken influence from blues and other Western musical styles as well.

"A Taste of Yokohama" (Food)
Yokohama stands out as a city of endless culinary exploration, ranging from local ramen stalls to high-end fusion restaurants.

"Yokohama's Art: Blending Tradition & Culture" (Art & Culture)
Having been the port city at the epicenter of Japan's opening up to the West, Yokohama still holds onto that unique position of being able to fuse a variety of cultural influences while keeping an eye on the ever-changing and playful landscape of modern art and expression.

The videos: Each video lasts roughly 2 minutes without narration, is in full HD resolution, and includes English subtitles.

You can watch the videos by visiting
Official website: Yokohama Visitors Guide: http://www.yokohamajapan.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3s7Mt89lyvTZVl1x5_Mr_g

Source: Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Yokohama Extends Hospitality to Convention Delegates

YCVB — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 13:00:21 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Oct. 14, 2015 /Kyodo JBN/ --
YCVB

Yokohama Extends Hospitality to Convention Delegates

Yokohama has launched efforts focusing on offering hospitality to visitors to vie for world conventions and attract more people from around the world, the Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau said Oct. 14.

During the 12th Asian Congress of Nutrition held at PACIFICO Yokohama on May 14-18 with the theme of "Nutrition and Food for Longevity: For the Well-Being of All," citizens and suppliers in Yokohama provided meticulous services to some 3,800 convention delegates by offering numerous events on the sidelines of the conference to make sure they were satisfied with their stay at the Japanese port city.

Citizen volunteers were placed at the information desk of the conference venue to accommodate the participants' various needs such as information on restaurants, shopping and tourism.

"The ACN delegates were highly satisfied with services and hospitality provided by Yokohama City," said Teruo Miyazawa, chair of the organizing committee of the 12th ACN. "Especially, they were impressed with thoughtful services provided by those citizen volunteers at the information desk in the conference venue," he said.

Nissin Foods Holdings Co., a sponsor of the conference, offered free admission to Cupnoodles Museum, while Pacifico Yokohama and the Takashimaya Yokohama store conducted a tour of experiencing Japanese culture and tax free shopping.

The tour participants took advantage of a free shuttle service between PACIFICO Yokohama and the department store and experienced a "kimono" dressing workshop, "origami" paper folding, and the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Discount coupons for restaurants and tourist facilities were distributed as well.

Also, a special pipe organ concert was performed at the Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall for free of charge.

Since these hospitality services were favorably received by the convention delegates, the YCVB, together with local suppliers for conventions, will continue to provide quality hospitality to further enhance convention delegates' satisfaction in Yokohama.

A total of 3,769 delegates (1,149 from abroad) from 51 countries and regions participated in the ACN2015, which was conducted under the auspice of the Federation of Asian Nutrition Societies (FANS) and supported by the city of Yokohama. The quadrennial conference was held for the first time in Japan since it was held in Osaka in 1987.

http://www.yokohamajapan.com/
http://www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng/convention/

About the YCVB: Nonprofit organization, mainly funded by Yokohama City, established to promote tourism and conventions in Yokohama

Source: YCVB

2016 Asia Pacific Dyslexia Festival to Be Held in Yokohama

YCVB — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:00:39 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Aug. 20 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau
2016 Asia Pacific Dyslexia Festival to Be Held in Yokohama
Yokohama will host an event to promote a better understanding of people with reading and writing disabilities in June next year as a prelude to the 2020 World Dyslexia Forum to be held in Japan, the Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau (YCVB) said Aug. 20.

The Asia Pacific Dyslexia Festival (APDF), scheduled to be held at the Workpia Yokohama and Kanagawa Kenmin Hall with the theme "Diversity and Identity - Ideal School," is the first such world conference pre-event.

Expected participants in the conference include dyslexic people from the Asia Pacific region and education experts.

Regarding the selection of Yokohama as the host city, Eiko Todo, the APDF executive committee chair, underscored its location and accessibility. "It is easily accessible from Haneda airport and its accessibility is comparable to that of the heart of Tokyo," Todo said. "Also, it is very convenient because places for sightseeing, meals, conferences, and exhibitions, etc. are all located within walking distance," she said.

Programs of the event include:

- Presentation on education for dyslexic persons in the Asia Pacific region
- Presentation on teaching English as a common language and on an ideal school by experts and dyslexic person(s)
- Performances (dance, music, talks, movie) by people with dyslexia
- Exhibitions of works (photographs, furniture, architecture, etc.) by dyslexic people
- Exhibitions on Assistive Technology (AT)/Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices
- Workshops

The number of participants: 500

Participants:
- NGOs and dyslexics from ASEAN, Australia, China, Hawaii, India, Russia
- Representatives from countries in the Asia Pacific
- Teachers, parents and local educational authorities
- Foreign students especially in education from the Asia Pacific
- General public

Yokohama is known for its ties with the field of learning disabilities as it hosted the Japan Academy of Learning Disabilities conference, attended by about 3,400 participants, at Pacifico Yokohama in October 2013.

"I hope similar pre-events will be held in countries like Singapore, China, India, Australia, and Russia because they will make the 2020 World Forum even better," Todo said.

Organizer: APDF Executive Committee
Co-organizers: Japan Dyslexia Association, NPO Edge
Sponsor: Japan Academy of Learning Disabilities

About the YCVB
Nonprofit organization, mainly funded by Yokohama City, established to promote tourism and conventions in Yokohama

Summer Campaign Rewarding Yukata Wearers Underway in Yokohama

YCVB — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 14:00:54 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Aug. 10 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Summer Campaign Rewarding Yukata Wearers Underway in Yokohama

A campaign to reward people donning yukata, traditional Japanese summer clothing, at various summer events and major commercial facilities is underway in Yokohama through Aug. 30, the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau (YCVB) said Aug. 10.

As part of efforts to lure foreign visitors and promote yukata, a learning session on how to dress in yukata was conducted at an international exchange event, "Tomodachi Machicon in Yokohama 2015" held on June 20 at Yokohama Marine Tower, a symbol of the port city. A total of 160 people including 41 foreigners took part in the first international "Machicon" (*1) event held in Yokohama. As for "Tomodachi Machicon in Yokohama 2016" to be held around the spring next year, information will be posted on the YCVB's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/helloyokohamatc) once details are determined.

Meanwhile, during "Minato Yokohama Yukata Matsuri 2015" started on July 4 in the areas of Yokohama Station's east exit, Minato Mirai and Yamashita-cho, people wearing yukata can receive discounts and gifts at locations such as the Yokohama Bay Quarter, the InterContinental Yokohama Grand hotel, the Sogo Yokohama department store, and on the Sea Bass water bus connecting scenic spots in the bay area.

Among summer events, visitors in yukata will get gifts at the "Minatomirai Dai Bonodori" dance festival (Aug. 14 and 15).

There are other summer events going on as well, such as Dino World 2015 in Yokohama (Jul. 18 - Aug. 31) and the Pikachu Outbreak! event (Aug. 8 - 16), in which a number of Pikachu, a world-famous Pokemon character, will appear in the Minato Mirai area.

(*1) The name "Machicon" represents interaction with "Machi," which is a Japanese word meaning town, and "contact" with other people regardless of race or nationality.

Yokohama Station East Exit Area URL: http://www.yokohama-east.net/

Chinese brochures available at: Pacific SOGO, Hong Kong SOGO, Tourist Information Centers, Yokohama Porta, Hara Model Railway Museum

English brochures available at: Tourist Information Centers, SOGO Yokohama, LUMINE Yokohama, Yokohama Porta, Keikyu Line Haneda Airport International Terminal Station (Keikyu Tourist Information Center), Hara Model Railway Museum

About the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau ( http://www.yokohamajapan.com/ ): Nonprofit organization, mainly funded by Yokohama City, established to promote tourism and conventions in Yokohama.

Source: The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Summer Campaign Rewarding Yukata Wearers Underway in Yokohama

YCVB — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 14:00:42 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Aug. 10 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Summer Campaign Rewarding Yukata Wearers Underway in Yokohama
A campaign to reward people donning yukata, traditional Japanese summer clothing, at various summer events and major commercial facilities is underway in Yokohama through Aug. 30, the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau (YCVB) said Aug. 10.

As part of efforts to lure foreign visitors and promote yukata, a learning session on how to dress in yukata was conducted at an international exchange event, "Tomodachi Machicon in Yokohama 2015" held on June 20 at Yokohama Marine Tower, a symbol of the port city. A total of 160 people including 41 foreigners took part in the first international "Machicon" (*1) event held in Yokohama. As for "Tomodachi Machicon in Yokohama 2016" to be held around the spring next year, information will be posted on the YCVB's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/helloyokohamatc) once details are determined.

Meanwhile, during "Minato Yokohama Yukata Matsuri 2015" started on July 4 in the areas of Yokohama Station's east exit, Minato Mirai and Yamashita-cho, people wearing yukata can receive discounts and gifts at locations such as the Yokohama Bay Quarter, the InterContinental Yokohama Grand hotel, the Sogo Yokohama department store, and on the Sea Bass water bus connecting scenic spots in the bay area.

Among summer events, visitors in yukata will get gifts at the "Minatomirai Dai Bonodori" dance festival (Aug. 14 and 15).

There are other summer events going on as well, such as Dino World 2015 in Yokohama (Jul. 18 - Aug. 31) and the Pikachu Outbreak! event (Aug. 8 - 16), in which a number of Pikachu, a world-famous Pokemon character, will appear in the Minato Mirai area.

(*1) The name "Machicon" represents interaction with "Machi," which is a Japanese word meaning town, and "contact" with other people regardless of race or nationality.

Yokohama Station East Exit Area URL: http://www.yokohama-east.net/

Chinese brochures available at: Pacific SOGO, Hong Kong SOGO, Tourist Information Centers, Yokohama Porta, Hara Model Railway Museum

English brochures available at: Tourist Information Centers, SOGO Yokohama, LUMINE Yokohama, Yokohama Porta, Keikyu Line Haneda Airport International Terminal Station (Keikyu Tourist Information Center), Hara Model Railway Museum

About the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau ( http://www.yokohamajapan.com/ ): Nonprofit organization, mainly funded by Yokohama City, established to promote tourism and conventions in Yokohama.

Source: The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Offering Hospitality to Thai Tourists in Thai Language: "Yokohama Official Visitors' Guide" Website

YCVB — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 14:00:32 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Mar. 30 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau

Offering Hospitality to Thai Tourists in Thai Language: "Yokohama Official Visitors' Guide" Website Ready for Use

The Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau announced March 30 it has compiled a Thai-language version of the "Yokohama Official Visitors' Guide" website to help Thai tourists enjoy Yokohama.

In 2014, the number of Thai people who visited Japan grew 45% from the previous year to more than 650,000 (Japan National Tourist Organization statistics), and the number of tourists from Thailand who visit Yokohama is increasing sharply. By introducing the attractions of Yokohama in the Thai language, the bureau aims to have Thai guests spend their time in Yokohama more comfortably.

Based on the "Yokohama Official Visitors' Guide" English website, the new Thai version makes exploring Yokohama easier than ever, visually oriented and responsive to various mobile devices. The websites contain a comprehensive collection of articles and photos on activities, accommodation options, events guide, tourist information and much more.

The Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau also published a Thai-language version of the official guide map in 2014. Featuring an easy-to-see map with illustrations, a list of popular tourist attractions and access information, the guide map is a perfect complement to the website to stroll around the city. It is available for free at tourist information centers.

Yokohama Official Visitors' Guide website
Thai version : http://www.yokohamajapan.com/th/
English version: http://www.yokohamajapan.com/

Source: Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau

In Partnership with Much-Talked-About "Machicon" International Exchange Event:

YCVB — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 14:00:30 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Mar. 12 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

In Partnership with Much-Talked-About "Machicon" International Exchange Event: Holding "YOKOHAMA x TAIWAN TOMODACHI PARTY" in Taipei!

The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau will hold the "YOKOHAMA x TAIWAN TOMODACHI PARTY" at BARCODE, a popular restaurant in Taipei, on March 15 in partnership with the "Machicon" international exchange event.

"Machicon" is an event name that represents interaction with "Machi," which is a Japanese word meaning town, and "contact" with other people regardless of race or nationality. The event has been held nine times in Taiwan since 2012, joined by a total of about 2,000 people.

The "YOKOHAMA x TAIWAN TOMODACHI PARTY" is a new tourism promotion blitz under the theme: "Let's make friends from Yokohama and go visit Yokohama." The bureau is also soliciting  the participation of Yokohama residents and people with links to Yokohama. At the upcoming "Machicon" event, exchanges among participants will be facilitated through trivia games and other events concerning Yokohama.

At the venue, the bureau will set up a section where participants can taste original ramen noodles, snacks, sake rice wine and other products of Yokohama as well as a booth for promoting tourism in Yokohama. A lot of drawing will also be held, with prizes including a trip to Yokohama.

-Seeking participants!
How to register: Register on the Machicon website (http://machicon-world.com/)
Total participants: Around 300
Participation fee: NT$1,000 per person when registering on day of event
Pre-register for NT$900 per person! NT$1,300 for two people!! NT$1,900 for three people!!!

-Schedule: March 15 (Sunday), 2015, 15:00 to 18:00 (doors open at 14:30)
-Venue: BARCODE/The Den, 5th floor, NEO 19 building, Taipei, Taiwan
-Participants: About 300 people in their 20s to 30s, including Taiwanese and Japanese living in Taiwan
-Sponsor: Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau
Operator: AI Agent Co., Ltd.
Cooperation: Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Hara Model Railway Museum, Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru/Yokohama Port Museum, Okura Art China, Inc., Yokohama Takashimaya, Sogo Yokohama, Keikyu Corp., Colowide East Japan Co., Ariake Co., Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu
-Co-sponsors: Mitsuhashi Inc., Chikazawa Lace Co., Yokohama Minatomirai Manyo Club, the Brewing Society of Japan, Yokohama Iekei Ramen Yamatoya, Kuchiguchi Co., Matabei Co., Eva Airways Corp.

-Yokohama tourism information
Website:  www.welcomeyokohama.com/tc/
*Coupon book in traditional Chinese available for downloading from March 16!
Facebook in traditional Chinese:  www.facebook.com/helloyokohamatc

Source: The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Yokohama, Japan's First Port of Call, Wins 2 International Conventions

YCVB — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 11:00:35 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Dec. 19 /Kyodo JBN/ --
The Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau
Yokohama, Japan's First Port of Call, Wins 2 International Conventions
The Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau said Dec. 19 Yokohama has successfully landed the contracts to host two major international conventions. The port city south of Tokyo is known as an international city focusing on MICE -- meeting, incentive travel, convention, and exhibition/event.

In 2017, it will host the 24th ICO General Congress of the International Commission for Optics, an international academic coalition aiming to contribute to the progress of the fields of optics and photonics. More than 1,000 scientists from around the world are expected to attend.

In 2022, the 8th Asian Congress of Dietetics (ACD2022) , with some 3,000 attendees, will be held. The selection this time as the host city derived from the high evaluation of Yokohama in hosting the 15th International Congress of Dietetics (ICD2008) in 2008.

Making it a strong candidate for hosting international events, Yokohama possesses functions crucial for a convention city and an extensive system to provide hospitality and support for event organizers and participants.

The waterfront Minato Mirai 21 area, featuring event facilities such as the world-class convention complex Pacifico Yokohama with a capacity of 5,000 people, as well as hotels and art museums, and the Yokohama Noh Theater nearby, offers great convenience and accessibility. In 2020, new facilities and hotels are planned to be constructed in the vicinity of Pacifico Yokohama to boost the city's functions as a MICE city.

Visitors can also enjoy Yokohama as a tourist city since numerous attractive spots, such as parks boasting beautiful scenic seaside views and its Chinatown, exist within walking distance from convention facilities.

The Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau has been supporting international conferences in various aspects based on its abundant experiences. Its comprehensive support system covering the preparation process to acceptance of participants is a significant factor for selecting Yokohama as a host site.

Yokohama has easy access to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) -- about 22 minutes by train and about 30 minutes by car -- as well as direct access to Narita International Airport.

An outline of the Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau and information on its convention support services are available on the websites.
http://www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng/convention/

Yokohama Visitors Guide
http://www.yokohamajapan.com/

Tour of "Culture City of East Asia 2014, YOKOHAMA" for Foreign Correspondents

YCVB — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 14:00:30 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Sept.25 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tour of "Culture City of East Asia 2014, YOKOHAMA" for Foreign Correspondents
The Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau conducted a press tour on August 22 for foreign correspondents stationed in the Tokyo metropolitan area for events at the "Culture City of East Asia 2014, YOKOHAMA." Thirteen people including journalists from Bangladesh, China, France, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan participated in the tour.

Based on the agreement by the Japanese, Chinese and South Korean cultural ministers in September 2013, the "Culture City of East Asia" project started this year. South Korea's Gwangju, China's Quanzhou, and Yokohama were designated as culture cities of East Asia for the opening year.

The tour focused on cultural and art events in Yokohama. The tour introduced Yokohama's objective of strengthening its communication capabilities to globally advertise the diversity of East Asian cultures and deepening mutual understanding and cooperation through the trilateral exchange programs and events.

At the outset of the tour, Kimiyoshi Matsumoto, manager for the East Asian Cultural City at the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Yokohama City, gave a briefing on the "Culture City of East Asia 2014, YOKOHAMA" project. Participants visited "Yokohama Sand Art Exhibition," "East Asia Youth Ballet Week in Yokohama" and "Yokohama Triennale 2014."

The participating journalists asked numerous questions and made comments at the sites, showing great interest in the Culture City of East Asia 2014, YOKOHAMA programs. Some notable comments by the journalists included:

- "It is significant that the 'Culture City of East Asia' events are being held in Yokohama, a Japanese city with great cultural diversity. It was great to see the people of Japan, China and South Korea in the process of creating something together." (Reporter from Hong Kong)

- "Culture may bring countries closer together when they are having a hard time politically." (Reporter from Bangladesh)
- "I hope South Korea, China and Japan will enhance their exchanges and improve their relations through the 'Culture City of East Asia' project." (Reporter from South Korea)

List of URLs
-Yokohama Visitors Guide
http://www.yokohamajapan.com/ (English)
-Culture City of East Asia 2014, YOKOHAMA
http://culturecity-eastasia.jp/en/ (English)
-Yokohama Sand Art Exhibition
http://www.yokohamasand.jp/ (Japanese)
-East Asia Youth Ballet Week in Yokohama
http://akarenga.yafjp.org/youth-ballet-week/2014/ (Japanese and English)
-Yokohama Triennale 2014
http://www.yokohamatriennale.jp/english/2014/index.html (English)

Full Marathon Race to Take Place in Yokohama in March 2015

YCVB — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 15:00:26 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Aug. 22 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau
Full Marathon Race to Take Place in Yokohama in March 2015
The Yokohama Marathon, which has a history of 33 years, will transform into a much-awaited full marathon race on March 15, 2015."Yokohama Marathon 2015," which expects to have about 25,000 runners, will be the third-largest marathon event in Japan in which members of the general public can take part, after the Tokyo Marathon and the Osaka Marathon.

The upcoming Yokohama Marathon will use a course that passes many tourist spots, with the latter half of the course also including part of an expressway. Thus participants can fully enjoy the views of places like Yokohama Bay Bridge, the Port of Yokohama and high-rise buildings in central Yokohama. Entry applications are currently being accepted, and there are 500 first-come, first-served slots for non-Japanese participants from overseas.

Yokohama, located roughly 30 kilometers south of Tokyo, is a tourist city that has developed around the Port of Yokohama, and is abundant in water and greenery. The port city is also characterized by an exotic mood of foreign influence, as seen by Yokohama Chinatown and historical Western-style residences in the Yamate area.

Yokohama is also known for sports activities, hosting professional baseball, soccer and basketball teams. It was also the venue for a World Triathlon Series event five times, and has hosted an international women's marathon every year. In 2002, the final match of the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament was held in Yokohama.

A growing number of people have recently been seen enjoying jogging or marathon runs amid the beautiful scenery of Yokohama. Some of the people who come to Yokohama to participate in international conferences at Pacifico Yokohama, a large-scale convention center, also take the opportunity to do some jogging in the morning while taking in the sea breeze. Both foreigners and Japanese alike appear to find it attractive to jog in Yokohama, which has few slopes, while enjoying its scenery marked by abundant water and greenery around the port area.

Yokohama Marathon Organizing Committee Administrative Office:http://www.yokohamamarathon.jp/2015/en/

Yokohama Tourism Information Website
(English):http://www.yokohamajapan.com/
(Chinese):http://www.welcomeyokohama.com/tc/

Source: Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Yokohama Tourism Site for Muslims Gaining Favorable Response, Rich in Information on Restaurants and

YCVB — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 15:00:27 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Mar. 28 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Yokohama Tourism Site for Muslims Gaining Favorable Response, Rich in Information on Restaurants and Mosques

The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau (YCVB) announced on March 28 that the Muslim Tourist Information site within the English version of the official Yokohama Visitors' Guide website is gaining favorable responses from Muslims in Southeast Asia.

The Muslim Tourist Information website (http://www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng/travel/muslim/ ) was set up in December 2013 to enable Muslims to enjoy their tour and stay in Yokohama without worries despite differences in culture and practices. It introduces places such as tourist facilities, restaurants, halal shops and mosques based on recommendations by Muslims living in Yokohama.

In a questionnaire concerning this website conducted on Muslims in Southeast Asia, more than 90% said they find the information on "restaurants," "mosques," and "suggested itineraries" to be useful.

In 2013, the number of foreigners who visited Japan surpassed 10 million people. In response to the recent increase in tourists from other Asian countries, YCVB has highlighted the charms of Yokohama through its websites and brochures in the English, Chinese and Korean languages.

From 2013, YCVB reinforced its activities to attract tourists from Southeast Asia. It has been widely publicizing Yokohama as a sightseeing city through means such as setting up booths at tourism fairs in countries like Thailand and Malaysia as well as receiving media organization representatives from Southeast Asian countries to show them around Yokohama.

As part of efforts to attract Muslim tourists, YCVB has been working on ways to help Muslims feel more comfortable during their stay in Yokohama, including organizing a training session for people involved in tourism in the city on how to receive Muslim travelers and distributing brochures for Muslim travelers at tourist information centers.

Yokohama is Japan's second biggest city after Tokyo, located near the capital with a population of 3.7 million. Since opening its port to the world 155 years ago, the city and the port have been developing as a sightseeing destination with an exotic air. Keeping an eye on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the city is working on enhancing its support for foreign tourists so that many such people will be able to feel comfortable in enjoying Yokohama. The city hopes people around the world will take note of its continued efforts.

Source: Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

YCVB Releases Video of Yokohama as Convention City under Slogan "Yokohama, Japan's First Port of Cal

YCVB — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 14:00:57 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Mar. 7 /Kyodo JBN/ --
YCVB

YCVB Releases Video of Yokohama as Convention City under Slogan "Yokohama, Japan's First Port of Call"

The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau (YCVB) has released a video featuring the charms of Yokohama based on the slogan, "Yokohama, Japan's First Port of Call," to inform the world how suitable the city is for hosting international conventions.

Yokohama was where Japan opened its port for the first time following the national isolation policy under the Tokugawa Shogun era. The city therefore has a history of serving as the door for foreign cultures and products to enter Japan and spread throughout the country. "Japan's First Port of Call" is a slogan created in 2013 to show Japan and the rest of the world that Yokohama has continued to lead Japan's technologies and businesses from when the port opened 155 years ago to the present and that it is a city with an open disposition as well as flexibility.

The video includes scenes from past conferences held in Yokohama and interviews with participants to express thoroughly the attractiveness of the city and its achievements in hosting large-scale conferences. It introduces not only the state-of-the-art technologies and traditional cultures of Yokohama but also the modern atmosphere of jazz music and cocktails, which are said to have been introduced to Japan via Yokohama.

For the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg-QMKRYjs8

Yokohama has thus far hosted numerous authoritative international conferences such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meetings in 2010 and the 10th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research in 2012.

For comments by Prof. Hisashi Hirano, Director of the Advanced Medical Research Center at Yokohama City University who served as the Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee of the Human Proteome Organization 12th Annual World Congress, held in Japan for the first time when Yokohama hosted it in 2013:
http://www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng/convention/clients/201401.php

Yokohama will host a number of notable international conferences this year. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is scheduled to hold its first session in Japan in March. The International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and the World Congress of Sociology will be held in June and July, respectively, with more than 4,000 leading researchers from around the world expected to attend each of the meetings.

For YCVB description and testimonials of past conference organizers: http://www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng/convention/

Source: YCVB

Yokohama Wins 2 New Int'l Conference Bids for 2015, 2017

YCVB — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 14:00:26 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Aug. 6 /Kyodo JBN/ --
YCVB

Yokohama Wins 2 New Int'l Conference Bids for 2015, 2017

Yokohama has been chosen as the host city for the 12th International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society Congress (ISRS) in 2015 and the Asian-Pacific Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (A-PHPBA) Regional Congress in 2017, in the latest reflection of the Japanese port city's appealing qualities as the nation's center of innovation and research.
Fighting off competition from Hong Kong, Yokohama successfully won the ISRS 2015 bid thanks to Japan's strategic plan for maximizing attendance for the congress, as well as the nation's working knowledge in dealing with the dangers of radiation and nuclear plants acquired through its recovery from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster, according to Dr. Motohiro Hayashi at the Tokyo Women's Medical University.
Moreover, "Japan has played an integral role in the development of stereotactic radiosurgery over the last few decades," commented Dr. Hayashi, who chairs a local organizing committee for ISRS 2015. The event will be held at PACIFICO Yokohama, Japan's largest convention complex.
As for the A-PHPBA Regional Congress in 2017, Japan won by a majority vote in a bid against Indonesia. Co-hosted by the Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery (JSHBPS) and the A-PHPBA, which is part of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (IHPBA), the congress is expected to attract over 3,000 researchers from within and outside the country.
Home to the RIKEN Yokohama Institute, Yokohama's coastal district is one of the world's leading centers for regenerative medicines and other life science fields. It has been designated by the Japanese government as a "Comprehensive International Strategic Zone for the Life Sciences."
Kana Nomoto from the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau (YCVB) said: "The successful bids to host ISRS 2015 and A-PHPBA 2017 are testament to Yokohama's attractiveness as the nation's center of innovation and research. We are proud that our city's powerful image as 'Japan's First Port of Call' gives confidence to conference organizers around the world."
Accessible from both Haneda and Narita airports, which handle over 1,500 direct flights a week from 40 countries, Yokohama is known for its success in attracting large attendances to its conventions. PACIFICO Yokohama is the city's largest all-in-one convention complex with a plenary capacity of 5,000. Thirteen hotels located within a 15-minute walking distance offer some 3,400 rooms for accommodation.
Photos: http://www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng/convention/media-center/

Source: YCVB

Yokohama Partners with K-Pop Group to Promote City's Attractions

YCVB — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 16:00:18 +0900

YOKOHAMA, Japan, June 26 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Yokohama Partners with K-Pop Group to Promote City's Attractions

To give an extra momentum to its promotion campaign in South Korea, the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau is partnering with Korean pop group "The Tourist" to publicize the city's attractions through music and various other forms of media.

The collaboration, as part of the bureau's efforts particularly to woo younger visitors through multimedia channels, features the group's new song -- "in Yokohama" -- that carries the theme "Love in Yokohama" and was released June 3. Its music video, highlighting the port city's scenic spots and popular dating destinations, has also been released via YouTube and other sites since June 13.

South Korea has been Japan's largest source market for visitors for 13 consecutive years and is one of the most important inbound tourism markets for the city of Yokohama. The song and music video are expected to reach a broad audience in South Korea through channels such as online music stores, video-sharing Web sites such as YouTube, travel magazines and the blogs of famous "power bloggers."

Furthermore, given the growing popularity of K-pop worldwide, the song and video will also be featured on the official Yokohama Visitors' Guide home page and Facebook page, as well as in the bureau's presentations at travel fairs overseas, to raise the city's profile and attract visitors from across the world.

Major Promotional Activities in Collaboration with "The Tourist":

Early May       The Tourist shoots music video in Yokohama
May 9             The Tourist begins featuring Yokohama on its Facebook page
                     www.facebook.com/MusicTour
June 3            Song "in Yokohama" released on 8 South Korean
                      online music stores
                      Melon http://bit.ly/QOryoc
                      Mnet http://bit.ly/11oG6Oq
June 13           Music video released
                      YouTube http://youtu.be/oD65-PCa3wc

Mid-July           Article on The Tourist's video set in Yokohama to be featured
                      in the July issue of monthly travel magazine
                      "Lonely Planet Magazine Korea"
                       http://www.lpmagazine.co.kr/

Around July      Yokohama to be featured by South Korea's popular travel blogger
                       Nova, a member of The Tourist
                       http://blog.naver.com/bluenova00/

About "The Tourist"
Formed in April 2012 by six avid travelers -- 3 songwriters, 1 vocalist, 1 Web cartoonist and 1 travel photographer -- the music group has since been releasing a new song each month about their journeys.

For reference:
YCVB Facebook page in Korean
www.facebook.com/BlueNightYokohama.jp

Yokohama Visitors' Guide in Korean
www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/kor/

Source: Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau