Makuhari Messe

Makuhari Messe (幕張メッセ) is located in western Chiba Prefecture, and is a popular convention center and concert venue. The convention center, located just outside of Tokyo in Mihama-ku, Chiba City is used regularly for large events such as the Summer Sonic Music Festival and Jump Festa among many others

History

Makuhari Messe was formally finished and opened on October 9, 1989 and has long been the home of technology and pop culture related events such as car shows, gaming expos, and music festivals. Designed by Fumihiko Maki, the convention center is easily accessible from the main Tokyo train system.

Since the original structures and area of Makuhari New City was started in 1989, many other structures have developed around Makuhari Messe including a wide array of schools, parks, stadiums, hotels, and office spaces. Makuhari Messe remains the focal point of that growth with massive events drawing visitors and new residents to the city every year. In 2007, Makuhari was estimated to have as many as 110,000 residents, as well as a large number of visitors and workers.

The original name of the convention center was the Nippon Convention Center, but it was changed to Makuhari Messe on July 1, 2005. Makuhari is the name of the new city in which the center is located and Messe is the German word for fair.

Events

Makuhari Messe is well known for its various events held throughout the year, including some of the largest in Japan. Close to the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu and to the Pacific Chiba black sand beaches, Makuhari Messe is easily reached from Tokyo via the Keiyo Line and sees millions of visitors and guests pass through each year. The venue has also been home to many worldwide concert events including the first round of the Live8 concert series in 2005 promoting Aids awareness and the Tokyo venue for Live Earth on July 7, 2007. Recently, the venue was also home to the February 9 and 10, 2008 shows performed by Rage Against the Machine, two of their only reunion shows.

• Tokyo Auto Salon – Annual Car show held every January
• Tokyo Motor Show – Bi-annual Car show held every October and April
• Tokyo Game Show – Annual video game hardware and software show held in September
• Jump Festa – Annual anime, manga, and video game show held in December
• Summer Sonic Music Festival – Annual two-day music festival held in August (half of show held in Osaka)

External Links

• Makuhari Messe Official Website (Japanese)