Tokyo Big Sight Cancels Four Exhibitions - UPDATED

In the wake of the earthquake, tsunami and ongoing nuclear crisis, Tokyo Big Sight has canceled four B2B exhibitions. They are:

UBM Japan Tokyo Heath Industry Show 16-18 March 2011 (approx 2010 size: 26,000 sqm)

The 10th International Auto Aftermarket EXPO 2011 16-18 March

3rd International Auto Materials & Processing Technologies Tokyo 16-18 March

(Auto Aftermarket and Auto Materials together approx 2010 size 18,000 sqm)

Tokyo International Anime Fair 2011 24-27 March (approx 2010 size: 26,000 sqm)

According to BSG's research, Japan is the second largest B2B exhibition market in Asia behind China. The country hosts well over 300 exhibitions each year resulting in approximately two million sqm of space sold. Japanese B2B exhibitions generate revenues in excess of US$800 million.

In 2009, Japan was the worst performing B2B exhibition market in Asia - contracting by 4% compared with a regional average of 3.8% growth. Obviously, the current disaster will deal yet another difficult blow to industry in Japan.

Tokyo Big Sight has a capacity of 80,000 sqm making it the largest venue in the country. Of the 12 major venues in the country, there are two others with capacity in excess of 70,000 sqm. Makuhari Messe (72,000 sqm) and Intex Osaka (70,000 sqm). We will keep you posted as we learn more about the inevitable cancellations yet to come.

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UPDATE:
Intex Osaka has canceled the Osaka Motorcycle Show and a consumer event.
Makuhari Messe has postponed several consumers shows: a car show, 2011 Japan Pet Fair. The 2011 Japan Flower and Garden Show has been canceled.