by Philbert Ono
Last modified: March 18, 2005
The following is a list of trade shows and events which the photographer may find interesting to attend. Directions to the major venues are listed at the bottom of the page. Remember that if you call or fax from outside Japan, dial the country 81 then the local number without the first zero. For example, for 03-1234-5678, dial 81-3-1234-5678.
Photo Imaging Expo (PIE)
Held in Tokyo, this is Japan and Asia’s largest photography-related trade show. It started in 2005 when the old Photo Expo for small-format cameras and accessories, the former International Professional Photo Fair (IPPF) for large-format and professional equipment, and the Lab System Show for minilabs were combined into one big show under the same roof during the same dates in March. Up to 2004, these three big trade shows were held on different dates. Now, it has become very convenient to find all of them in one place at the same time. The camera show used to travel to Osaka and other cities as well, but no more. PIE is held only in Tokyo.
There are usually about 1,000 booths and 200 companies. About 100,000 visitors attend the 4-day Expo at Tokyo Big Sight. 1,000 yen admission. Organized by the Camera and Imaging Products Association, Photo-sensitized Materials Manufacturers’ Association, Japan Colorphoto Finishers’ Association, Japan Photo and Video Accessory Association). The dates of the next Photo Expo is posted at PhotoBulletin (during Jan. to March).
Antique Camera Fair (Sekai no Chuko Camera Ichi)
For camera collectors and people looking for used cameras, this 6-day fair can’t be beat. A large number of antique and used camera dealers fill glass showcases to show and sell their stuff. It can range from a Kodak Brownie to the rarest Leica. Leica seems to be the most popular brand here, although there are some Nikons and Canons. One booth also sells Japanese and English guide books for camera collectors.
Organized by the Import Camera Society (Yu’nyu Camera Kyokai) Tel: (03) 3832-2331, Fax: (03) 3832-2332., Matsuya Dept. Store Tel: 03-3567-1211
When & Where: Twice a year from late Feb. to early March at Matsuya Dept. Store (8th floor) in Ginza, Tokyo and at Shinjuku Keio Department Store in Sept.
Month of Photography, Tokyo (Tokyo Shashin Gekkan)
In Japan, June 1 is designated as Photography Day. It is when various photo-related activities are held. From 1996 in Tokyo, this date was expanded to a full month of events from May to June. It is a highly successful and enjoyable photography event.
During this month of photography, special photo exhibitions at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography and major photo galleries, symposiums, and awards ceremonies are held in Tokyo. The Shinjuku Park Tower also displays photos by women photographers, Tokyo. Perhaps the most popular event is the 1000-Person Photo Exhibition held at Yebisu Garden Place (near Ebisu Station). One thousand people from the general public are invited to submit one photograph for display. The Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography issues a pamphlet showing a complete schedule of events and exhibitions. For directions to this museum, see PhotoSpaces or the Museum’s Web site.
Organized by the Photographic Society of Japan (Nihon Shashin Kyokai) with the cooperation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography. Tel: (03) 5276-3585
PhotoGuide Japan’s International Photo Showcase
PhotoGuide Japan has organized and sponsored gatherings and activities in Japan for English-speaking foreigners and Japanese interested in photography. It is a purely voluntary and non-profit activity. The first gathering, called the Tokyo International Photo Showcase (TIPS), was a slide show held in Oct. 1999 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography Hall and attended by 136 people. The second was also a slide show held in Oct. 2000 at the Yokohama Museum of Art. And the third, called Kyoto International Photo Showcase 2001 (KIPS 2001), was held outside the Tokyo area for the first time, in Kyoto in Nov. 2001. It was both a 6-day photo exhibition and slide show lecture.
These annual Showcase events are organized and sponsored by PhotoGuide Japan (http://photojpn.org/), a Web site dedicated to being “a guide to photography in Japan.” Part of the profits made from PhotoGuide Japan’s online mail order service is used to cover expenses.
See also KIPS 2001 Report, TIPS 2000 Report and TIPS ‘99 Report.
Japan Telescopes and Binoculars (JTB) Show
This show features top-notch telescope and binoculars manufacturers from Japan, America, Russia, and Germany. They include Asahi Optical, Olympus, Canon, Kowa, Nikon, Pacific Tour Systems, and Minolta. Several hundreds of products are exhibited including camera equipment for astrophotography. The show attracts astronomers, birdwatchers, sports spectators, and kids of all ages. Side attractions include lectures, astronomy and bird art exhibitions, and a drawing of prizes. This annual show is nicknamed the “JTB Show.” Admission is free. Organized by the Nihon Boenkyo Kogyo-kai. Tel: 03-3431-7708
Access: Go to Hamamatsucho Station (Yamanote Line) and get out of the North (Kita-guchi) Exit. After going down the stairs to reach the street, turn right and walk toward the pier. After you pass under the elevated expressway, the building will be on the right.
CEATEC Japan
Asia’s largest trade show for the electronics industry. It features a wide range of electronic goods, from electronic parts for industrial use to consumer electronics. A good place to see the latest digital cameras. The Internet, multimedia, and digital imaging have recently become major themes.
The show was launched in 2000 when the Japan Electronics Show was combined with the COM JAPAN show. CEATEC stands for Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies.
Admission is 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for students. http://www.ceatec.com
When & Where: October in Tokyo (Makuhari Messe). Click on the above link for more information.
MacWorld Conference and Expo Tokyo
World PC Expo Tokyo
No longer held.
Tokyo International Book Fair
Japanese and overseas publishers gather and show their books, CD-ROMs, and other published materials. The show is geared for bookstore and library managers, but a lot is in store for the general public as well. A large area selling discounted foreign-language books (mainly English) and calendars is a favorite hunting place. Most of the major Japanese book publishers will also sell their titles at a good discount ranging from 20 to 40 percent. This is the only time in Japan when book sellers can sell new books at a discount. Most of the major photo book publishers will also be there, including Heibonsha, Shueisha, and Shogakukan.
Admission charged, but discount coupons are available at major bookstores in Tokyo. Organized by the Executive Committee of TIBF (which includes the Japan Book Publishers Association) and planned by Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd. Tel: 03-3349-8507, Fax: 03-3344-2400, E-mail: tibf-eng@reedexpo.co.jp
When & Where: Click here for the dates of the next book fair.
Access to Major Venues
Tokyo Big Sight: From Shimbashi Station (JR Yamanote Line or Ginza subway line), take the Yurikamome tram (great scenic route going over the Rainbow Bridge) to Kokusai Tenji-jo Seimon Station. This ride takes 21 min. Or from Kiba Station (JR Keiyo Line or Yurakucho subway line), take the Rinkai Fukutoshin Line to Kokusai Tenji-jo Station and walk for 10 min. There are also buses departing from Tokyo Station, Hamamatsucho Station, Monzen Nakacho Station (Tozai subway line), Toyosu Station (Yurakucho subway line), Haneda Airport, and Narita Airport. You can also take a ferry (suijo bus) from Hinode Pier near Hamamatsucho Station.
Makuhari Messe (Japan Convention Center): From Tokyo Station or Kiba Station, take the JR Keiyo Line to Kaihin Makuhari Station (taking 30 min.). Then walk for about 10 min. See the map on their English Web site. There are also Airport Limousine buses departing Haneda Airport and Narita Airport for Makuhari Messe. This venue first opened in Oct. 1989.
Ikebukuro Sunshine City (Japanese Web site): Go to JR Ikebukuro Station (Yamanote Line) and get out of the East Exit (Higashi-guchi). Follow the crowd and walk for 10 min. A closer station is Higashi Ikebukuro Station (Yurakucho subway line). 5 min. walk.
Intex Osaka: Near Naka-futo Station on the New Tram Line.
Posted under What's New
This post was written by philbert on October 1, 2008
