Makuhari Messe, Chiba’s Massive Convention Centre

WeXpats

2021/12/13

Megastructure Makuhari Messe is a huge convention centre situated in Chiba. Consisting of three event halls, it is THE venue for hosting all manner of events, whether it’s music concerts, important business conferences, art exhibitions, or sports competitions. Be awed by its modern architectural design when you visit.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Makuhari Messe
Makuhari Messe’s Three Main Zones
Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics Flashback
Makuhari Messe’s Other Facilities
Access and Other Information
Summary

Introduction to Makuhari Messe

First established as the Nippon Convention Center in 1989, it was renamed to Makuhari Messe 幕張メッセ in July 2005, and has been known by that name since. Makuhari is the area where the convention centre is located, Messe meaning “trade fair” in German. Makuhari Messe is located in Chiba Prefecture by Tokyo Bay.

Makuhari Messe has been host venue to many internationally famous events, such as:

Tokyo Game Show
Summer Sonic
Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics
Space Expo
Pokemon Trading Card Game

and more! Many are even held annually.

In terms of concerts, many many notable artists both Japanese and international have held concerts and fan greetings in this complex including X JAPAN, AKB48, BABYMETAL, Bruno Mars, One Direction, Lady Gaga and many many more. Long time beloved boyband V6 held their final concert as a group here on November 1, 2021.

The year-end Music Station Super Live, a huge hours-long music event broadcast live showcasing hit artists every year is also held at Makuhari Messe.

Building Structure and Surroundings

Designed by Fumihiko Maki, Makuhari Messe is the second largest convention center in Japan (the first being Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba). It spans over 100,000 square meters and is sturdily built with concrete and steel.

Makuhari Messe lies in the center of what is known as Makuhari New City. This mini city revolves around the convention centre offering services like hotels, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and sightseeing. All have the shared goal of enhancing visitor’s to Makuhari Messe’s experiences whilst benefiting themselves from the crowds of customers that flow over.

Writer's Pick

Makuhari Messe’s Three Main Zones

Makuhari Messe is a huge site capable of hosting several types of events. Unsurprisingly therefore, they would need a selection of facilities that would fit the size and type of event. Makuhari Messe’s event sites can be divided into 3 main zones:

International Exhibition Hall

The largest facility in Makuhari Messe is the International Exhibition Hall spanning 54,000 square meters of space and up to 30 meters high ceilings. It is a divisible space that uses movable partitions to divide the entire space into 8 separate halls without pillars, which also means that the “walls” between the halls can be removed if more space is needed. Its most outstanding feature is its bright red underroof which can often be seen in photos of the venue.

Across from International Exhibition Halls 3 & 4 is the Makuhari Event Hall, and across from that is the medium sized International Exhibition Halls 9 - 11. This hall is relatively smaller at 18,000 square meters of space. Similarly, the entire space can be divided into 3 halls with movable partitions. The building is interestingly designed with its roof curved upwards like a bow. It is the most accessible facility with direct access from Messe Mall and quickly reachable from the station.

International Conference Hall

Near International Exhibition Halls 7 & 8, and straight ahead from Makuhari Event Hall’s west entrance, is the International Conference Hall. With a convention hall and 22 conference rooms, this hall can accommodate up to 1,600 persons. It is more suitable for holding forums, small receptions, and seminars.

Makuhari Event Hall

Suitable for all sorts of events, the dome-shaped Makuhari Event Hall can hold up to 9,000 people. It is flexible as well, but not in the same manner as the exhibition hall. Makuhari Event Hall allows flexible staging with various ways to light up or decorate the arena to best serve its intended purpose whether it's for sports, exhibitions, or performances. It is located between the large and medium-sized international exhibition halls. Straight ahead of its east entrance is an outdoor exhibition space.

Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics Flashback

Tokyo was the host country for the 2020 Summer Olympics from 23 July to 8 August 2021, whilst the Paralympics ran from 24 August to 5 September of the same year. Makuhari Messe was host to 3 Olympic Sports and 4 Paralympic Sports.

Olympic Sports

Japan won a total of 58 medals as the home team - 27 gold, 14 silver, and 17 bronze. The sports events held at Makuhari Messe were wrestling, fencing and Taekwondo. Taekwondo and wrestling were held in International Exhibition Hall 1 to 8, whilst fencing was held in the medium sized 9 to 11 hall.

Japan’s achievements were as follows:

Wrestling: Total 7 Medals

🥇 Takuto Otoguro, Men’s Freestyle 65kg

🥇 Yui Susaki, Women’s Freestyle 50kg

🥇 Mayu Mukaida, Women’s Freestyle 53kg

🥇 Risako Kawai, Women’s Freestyle 57kg

🥇 Yukako Kawai, Women’s Freestyle 62kg

🥈 Kenichiro Fumita, Men’s Greco-Roman 60kg

🥉 Shohei Yabiku, Men’s Greco-Roman 77kg

Fencing: Total 1 Medal

🥇 Men’s Epee Team

Paralympic Sports

Japan won a total of 51 medals as the home team - 13 gold, 15 silver, and 23 bronze. The events held were sitting volleyball, Taekwondo, wheelchair fencing, and goalball. Sitting volleyball was held in International Exhibition Hall 1 to 8, Taekwondo & wheelchair fencing in mid-sized 9 to 11, and goalball in Makuhari Event Hall.

Japan’s achievements were as follows:

Goalball Total 1 Medal

🥉 Women’s Team

※ Chiba Prefecture Govt., “Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 Information”
※ Bureau of Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 Preparation, “Makuhari Messe”
※ Olympics, “Tokyo 2020 Results”
※ Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, “Results”

Makuhari Messe’s Other Facilities

Since you’re going to be spending quite some time here, refreshments and a place to catch a break would make things more comfortable. Here are the R&R facilities in Makuhari Messe.

World Kitchens!

As its name implies, this cafeteria offers international food made with fresh local ingredients. Great for having a proper hearty meal before or after your event. Aside from local Japanese food, they also have Thai, Chinese, and more.

New Yamazaki Daily Store

A konbini to grab a quick snack and drinks. There are two in Makuhari Messe, one at the central entrance and the other near International Exhibition Hall 9.

For more about Japanese convenience stores, check this:

Konbini, Japanese Convenience Stores

Royal Garden Court

A food court style restaurant. Aside from proper meals, they also serve side dishes and finger foods for quick eating.

Access and Other Information

From Tokyo

Makuhari Messe is a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo Station to Kaihin Makuhari Station on the Keiyo Rapid Line. The train fare is 570 yen.

Entrance Fees

There are no entrance fees to explore Makuhari Messe’s open area. Though, you will need to pay the relevant fees when attending an event.

Visit the event calendar page to check what events are available. Who knows, something may just catch your eye.

Summary

Makuhari Messe is where the biggest events and exhibitions in Japan occur, none more famous than the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. This ginormous modern building is where all the biggest and boldest happenings occur. Want to watch an A list celebrity concert? Or join a mega event? Chances are this is the place you’ll be needing to go.