Licensing Japan 2027 – Tokyo

• June 23, 2027
  Event date:
• June 25, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

LICENSING JAPAN is Japan’s largest trade fair for character and brand licensing and IP marketing, and a key event of CONTENT TOKYO, Japan’s largest comprehensive B2B trade show for content business. The fair is a comprehensive trade show for the global licensing community industry who are interested in developing business in Japan and East Asia. It takes place annually at Tokyo International Exhibition Center Tokyo Big Sight and is organized by RX Japan Ltd., Japan’s largest exhibition organizer which organizes 109 exhibitions a year at large exhibition halls such as Tokyo Big Sight, Makuhari Messe and Intex Osaka.

What to expect is a pivotal business platform in the Asia-Pacific region that directly connects IP owners with companies seeking collaborative opportunities. The event focuses on the anime, gaming, sports, fashion, character and art sectors, bringing together exhibitors that span the entire value chain covering content creation, production, technology and marketing services. Under the umbrella of the CONTENT TOKYO integrated exhibition framework, it facilitates in-depth business matchmaking, helping participants tap into Japan’s licensing market, which accounts for nearly half of the Asia-Pacific region and ranks as the world’s third-largest licensing market.

The 2027 edition covers 14,000 square meters, features 278 industry exhibitors and is expected to attract over 12,000 visitors. Industry professionals worldwide including manufacturers, retailers and licensing agents looking for new business opportunities attend. Exhibitors showcase latest trends in characters, branded products, artworks, media entertainment and sports items. The deep connection to Japanese culture is highlighted through display of both traditional and modern content.

Event dates

Exhibition Dates: June 23 – 25, 2027

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

Venue Name: Tokyo International Exhibition Center, Tokyo Big Sight
Address: 3-21-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
Show Hours: 09:00-18:00 daily during exhibition period
Official Website: https://www.expolinkshop.com/events/LICENSING-JAPAN-2027 and https://www.content-tokyo.jp/hub/en-gb.html
Venue Overview: Tokyo Big Sight is Japan’s largest international exhibition center located in Ariake, Tokyo Bay area, with modern exhibition halls, direct access from Yurikamome Line Tokyo Big Sight Station and Rinkai Line Kokusai-tenjijo Station. The venue hosts numerous RX Japan exhibitions including CONTENT TOKYO, LIFESTYLE Week and other major trade shows.

Organizer: Reed Exhibitions Japan Co., Ltd. / RX Japan Ltd., Content Tokyo Show Management, Contact: Tel +81-3-6739-4107, Fax +81-3-4563-2100, Email licensing-e.jp@rxglobal.com

Same Period Exhibitions: Co-located within CONTENT TOKYO, which is Japan’s largest comprehensive show for content production, creation and distribution, comprising five distinct shows including LICENSING JAPAN focusing on characters and brands, Creators’ Expo providing space for individual creators, and other content related exhibitions.

Full event programme

Main Licensing Exhibition: Core program featuring 278 exhibitors showcasing characters, brands, sports, manga, art, gaming and more. Exhibitors include creator production companies, character and brand owners, licensees, IT technology providers and content marketing system providers.

Licensor Zone: Area for creator production companies, character and brand owners presenting IP available for licensing. This zone connects directly with companies actively seeking intellectual property ranging from characters and brands to sports, manga, art, gaming and more.

Technical Support Zone: Zone for IT technology solutions supporting licensing business, including digital asset management, rights management, e-commerce integration and technology platforms for licensing.

Marketing Services Zone: Zone for content marketing systems, advertising, promotional services and marketing expertise supporting licensing campaigns.

CONTENT TOKYO Integrated Programme: As part of CONTENT TOKYO, visitors can access other co-located shows covering content creation, production, technology and marketing services, including individual creators, production studios, licensing agencies, IT solutions and cutting-edge technologies.

Business Matchmaking Programme: Organized business matching facilitating meetings between IP owners and companies seeking collaborative opportunities, helping participants tap into Japan’s licensing market which accounts for half of Asia-Pacific region.

Educational Conference: Three-day educational conference during Licensing Expo Japan featuring wide range of licensing-focused keynotes, business forums, seminars and presentations, sponsored by International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) in previous editions.

Key speakers & keynote speakers

International Licensing Leaders: Executives from International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) hosting educational conference with keynotes on global licensing trends, business forums and seminars.

Major Brand Owners: Representatives from major brands such as NISSAN, Astro Boy, B.Duck, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Capsubeans, Corvette, Dwell Studios and other international brands presenting licensing strategies.

Character and Entertainment Companies: Speakers from companies including Toho Co., Tsuburaya Productions, Capcom, Sony Creative Products, Sanrio Far East and other entertainment companies discussing character licensing and content business.

Global Licensing Agencies: Representatives from CAA-GBG, Green Camel, Handmade Creative, Le Cordon Bleu Japan, Victoria & Albert Museum and other licensing agencies sharing insights on international licensing business development.

Fashion and Lifestyle Brands: Speakers from fashion, sports and lifestyle brands including Ivana Helsinki World, Lagardere Active Enterprises Japan, Nordic Brand Licensing and others discussing brand extension strategies.

New Exhibitors and Innovators: New exhibitors confirmed in previous editions including Acty Agent, Amuse, Caterpillar, DesignBusan, National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA) and Rokurin Agent sharing new approaches to licensing business.

Conference sessions & tracks

Licensing Business Fundamentals Track: Sessions covering basics of licensing business, contract negotiation, royalty management and legal considerations for entering Japanese licensing market.

Character and Brand Licensing Track: Sessions focusing on character licensing, brand licensing, sports licensing, manga and anime licensing, art licensing and gaming licensing, with case studies from successful properties.

Global Market Expansion Track: Sessions on developing business in Japan and East Asia, covering market entry strategies, cultural adaptation and distribution channels in Asia-Pacific region which accounts for significant share of global licensing market.

Digital and Technology Licensing Track: Sessions on IT technology for licensing, digital asset management, NFT and digital collectibles, e-commerce integration and technology platforms supporting licensing business.

Marketing and Promotion Track: Sessions on content marketing systems, promotional strategies for licensed products, retail collaboration and marketing expertise for maximizing licensing impact.

CONTENT TOKYO Cross-Sector Track: Joint sessions with other CONTENT TOKYO shows covering content creation, production, technology and marketing, providing holistic view of content business from creation to licensing and distribution.

Session times & schedule

Daily Show Hours: Exhibition open from 09:00 to 18:00 each day during three-day event.

Conference Schedule: Educational conference runs throughout exhibition period with three-day program featuring keynotes in morning, business forums in afternoon and seminars throughout day. Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes with Q and A.

Business Matching Schedule: Business matching meetings scheduled throughout exhibition hours, with dedicated time slots for pre-arranged meetings between exhibitors and visitors.

Networking Time: Lunch breaks and afternoon breaks provide informal networking opportunities within exhibition halls and networking lounges.

Co-located Shows Schedule: Other CONTENT TOKYO shows operate on same schedule, allowing visitors to move between exhibitions and attend sessions in different areas.

Ticket types & registration

Visitor E-Ticket: Visitor tickets are e-tickets requiring online pre-registration with real-name verification. Domestic and international visitors must complete online pre-registration with passport verification. After purchase, organizer verifies visitor identity and visitors who do not meet entry requirements may need to submit additional documents. Once approved, visitors receive email confirmation or QR code.

Free Exhibition Tickets: Free exhibition tickets available via online application for qualified industry professionals. You can apply online for free exhibition tickets to LICENSING JAPAN and CONTENT TOKYO via official website.

General Visitor Registration: $0, free for qualified industry professionals including manufacturers, retailers, licensing agents and related businesses who pre-register online. Onsite registration available during show hours with original passport and confirmation letter to collect paper badge, or scan QR code to enter.

Group Tour Packages: Group tour packages available including tour itinerary duration 6 days and 5 nights, airport transfer, local reception, entry badge, 4-star hotel, business meals, full transport and sightseeing, priced at approximately $1,650 per person, providing comprehensive support for international visitors.

Exhibitor Badges: Exhibitor badges provided to exhibiting companies for staff, including access to exhibition halls and exhibitor lounge.

VIP and Press Registration: Special registration categories for VIP buyers, press and speakers with additional benefits.

Ticket Verification: Japan Tokyo Brand Licensing Exhibition tickets require passport verification, with organizer checking identity before issuing badge.

Registration deadlines

Visitor Pre-registration: Pre-registration opens several months before event and remains open until day before event, with onsite registration available during show hours at Tokyo Big Sight entrance.

E-Ticket Verification: E-ticket verification process requires time for organizer to verify visitor identity, so early registration recommended, particularly for international visitors needing passport verification.

Exhibitor Application Deadline: Exhibitor applications for booth space close several months before event, with standard booth and blank booth options available. Standard booth is 9 square meters including basic setup, blank booth from 18 square meters with construction not included.

Group Tour Registration: Group tour package registration closes several weeks before event to allow for hotel and transport arrangements.

Free Ticket Application: Free exhibition ticket application via official website closes shortly before event, with early application recommended to secure badge.

Exhibitor list & major companies

Exhibitor Overview: 278 exhibitors expected, covering 14,000 square meters, with 500 plus exhibiting companies potentially when including co-located CONTENT TOKYO shows.

Major Categories: Character and brand owners, creator production companies, licensing agencies, IT technology providers, content marketing system providers, manufacturers seeking IP, retailers, and service providers.

Notable Past and Expected Exhibitors: Companies from UK, France, Italy, Mexico, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and other countries. Brands such as NISSAN, Astro Boy, B.Duck, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Capsubeans, Corvette, Dwell Studios, Hoppe-chan, Maisy, Maui and Sons, Panda no Tapu Tapu, Pokopan, Poppy, and companies including CAA-GBG, Green Camel, Handmade Creative, Le Cordon Bleu Japan, Victoria and Albert Museum, Ivana Helsinki World, Lagardere Active Enterprises Japan, New Taipei City Computer Association, Nordic Brand Licensing, Perfetti Van Melle, Sanrio Far East, Sony Creative Products, Swissbrand, Terrified Sushi, Taiwan National Museum of History, Capcom, Toho Co., Tsuburaya Productions, V&A Enterprises, Acty Agent, Amuse, Caterpillar, DesignBusan, National Entertainment Collectibles Association, Rokurin Agent, Hitachi Systems and 2SPOT STUDIO.

New Exhibitors: New exhibitors confirmed each year including international brands entering Japanese market and domestic companies launching new IP.

CONTENT TOKYO Integration: As part of CONTENT TOKYO, exhibitors include individual creators, production studios, licensing agencies, IT solutions and cutting-edge technologies, providing full spectrum of content industry.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

Venue Layout: Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center, with LICENSING JAPAN occupying dedicated halls within CONTENT TOKYO complex. Exhibition area 14,000 square meters.

Floor Plan Features: Halls divided into zones for licensor, technical support and marketing services, with business matching areas, conference stages and networking lounges.

Booth Types: Standard booth 9 square meters including basic setup with display panels, carpet, spotlights and company nameplate. Blank booth from 18 square meters with construction not included, allowing custom booth design.

Booth Pricing: Standard booth and blank booth pricing available via floor price consultation with organizer. View floor price booth consultation via official website.

Access Points: Direct access from Yurikamome Line Tokyo Big Sight Station and Rinkai Line Kokusai-tenjijo Station, with signage guiding visitors to exhibition halls.

Conference Areas: Educational conference stages located within exhibition halls, with seating for business forums and seminars.

Networking & business meetings

Business Matchmaking Platform: As pivotal business platform in Asia-Pacific region, event directly connects IP owners with companies seeking collaborative opportunities, facilitating in-depth business matchmaking.

CONTENT TOKYO Network: Integration with CONTENT TOKYO provides access to full content industry network including creators, production studios, licensing agencies and marketing expertise, allowing cross-sector networking.

International Networking: Event attracts 12,000 visitors and 278 exhibitors from around world, providing opportunity for international business collaboration and tapping into Japan’s licensing market which accounts for half of Asia-Pacific region.

Conference Networking: Three-day educational conference featuring LIMA keynotes, business forums and seminars provides structured networking opportunities with licensing industry leaders.

Group Tour Networking: Group tour packages include business meals and sightseeing, providing informal networking among international participants.

Online Platform: Online platform may be available before and after event for scheduling meetings and continuing discussions initiated at fair.

Industry sectors & highlights

Character Licensing: Core sector including anime characters, manga characters, entertainment characters and original characters, with Japan being leading market for character licensing.

Brand Licensing: Sector covering fashion brands, lifestyle brands, corporate brands and art brands, including major brands like NISSAN and international fashion labels.

Sports Licensing: Sector including sports teams, athletes, sports events and sports brands, with growing market in Japan.

Art and Design Licensing: Sector including artworks, museum collections, design brands and artist collaborations, including Victoria and Albert Museum and other cultural institutions.

Gaming and Digital Content: Sector covering video games, mobile games, digital content and e-sports, with companies like Capcom and other gaming companies participating.

Publishing and Media: Sector including manga, publishing, broadcasting and digital media content available for licensing.

Technology and Services: Supporting sectors including IT technology for licensing management, content marketing systems and marketing services that enable licensing business.

Event rules & visitor information

Badge Requirement: All visitors must wear visitor badge at all times within exhibition halls. Badge requires passport verification and is not transferable.

Business Attire: Business attire recommended as event is B2B trade show for industry professionals.

Professional Restriction: Event is for industry professionals including manufacturers, retailers and licensing agents. General public may not be permitted.

Real-Name Verification: Visitor tickets are e-tickets requiring real-name passport verification. Domestic and international visitors must complete online pre-registration with passport verification. After purchase, organizer verifies identity.

Photography Rules: Photography may be permitted in general exhibition areas but restricted at individual booths at exhibitor discretion. Commercial photography requires press accreditation.

Material Distribution: Distribution of materials, promotional items or conducting surveys must be done within booth area by exhibitor personnel.

Process for Exhibitors: Exhibitors must submit business license, product pictures and names, receive exhibition presentation documents and booth drawings, submit booth application form and sign contract, pay deposit and prepare for exhibition.

No Smoking: Smoking prohibited inside exhibition halls, with designated smoking areas outside halls.

Security: Security screening at entrance, large bags may be inspected.

How to get there

Address: Tokyo Big Sight, 3-21-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan, with alternative address notation 3-11-1 Ariake.

By Train – Yurikamome Line: Take Yurikamome Line to Tokyo Big Sight Station, directly connected to venue, approximately one minute walk.

By Train – Rinkai Line: Take Rinkai Line to Kokusai-tenjijo Station, approximately seven minutes walk to Tokyo Big Sight.

From Tokyo Station: From Tokyo Station, take JR Yamanote Line to Shimbashi, transfer to Yurikamome Line to Tokyo Big Sight Station, total journey approximately 30 minutes.

From Haneda Airport: From Haneda Airport, take Tokyo Monorail to Tennozu Isle, transfer to Rinkai Line to Kokusai-tenjijo Station, or take bus directly to Tokyo Big Sight, total journey approximately 45 minutes.

From Narita Airport: From Narita Airport, take Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then transfer to Yurikamome Line, or take limousine bus to Tokyo Big Sight, total journey approximately 90 minutes.

By Bus: Direct bus services available from major hotels and Tokyo Station to Tokyo Big Sight during large events.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport Recommended: Due to large number of attendees and limited parking, public transport via Yurikamome Line and Rinkai Line is strongly recommended.

Day Pass Options: Tokyo Metro and Toei day passes do not cover Yurikamome and Rinkai lines, but combined passes including these lines available for approximately $10.

Parking: Tokyo Big Sight has paid parking with limited spaces, fee approximately $2.50 per 30 minutes, maximum $15 per day. Parking fills quickly during popular exhibitions. Nearby commercial parking available in Ariake area.

Taxi and Ride Share: Taxi from central Tokyo such as Tokyo Station or Ginza costs approximately $30 to $40. Ride share services operate in Tokyo.

Accessibility Transport: Yurikamome and Rinkai lines have elevators and escalators, and Tokyo Big Sight has barrier-free access with elevators to exhibition halls.

Accommodation areas

Ariake and Odaiba: Hotels within walking distance of Tokyo Big Sight including Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel and other business hotels, rates from $80 to $200 per night. Ideal for exhibitors and visitors seeking proximity.

Shimbashi and Ginza: Hotels in central Tokyo with direct Yurikamome access to venue, rates from $100 to $400 per night.

Tokyo Station and Marunouchi: Major hotel cluster with wide range of accommodation from $100 to $500 per night, with direct train access to venue via Yurikamome.

Shinagawa and Hamamatsucho: Hotels near Haneda Airport access and Yurikamome line, rates from $80 to $300 per night, convenient for international visitors.

Group Tour Hotels: Group tour packages include 4-star hotel accommodation, with business meals and full transport included.

Booking Advice: Accommodation should be booked well in advance as event coincides with other CONTENT TOKYO shows and business travel peak in Tokyo.

Previous year’s highlights

Scale and Growth: Previous editions have grown to become Japan’s largest trade show for licensing business, with 1,530 exhibitors getting together at CONTENT TOKYO 2016 cluster, and LICENSING JAPAN featuring 278 exhibitors and over 12,000 visitors in recent edition covering 14,000 square meters.

International Participation: Exhibitors include companies from UK, France, Italy, Mexico, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and other countries, with numerous brands including NISSAN, Japan, Astro Boy, B.Duck and others presented.

Educational Conference Success: Sponsored by International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association, educational conference featured wide range of licensing-focused keynotes, business forums, seminars and presentations, providing valuable insights for attendees.

New Exhibitor Growth: New exhibitors confirmed each year including Acty Agent, Amuse, Caterpillar, DesignBusan, NECA and Rokurin Agent, demonstrating expanding interest in Japanese licensing market.

Business Matching Results: Event has facilitated numerous licensing deals between IP owners and companies seeking collaborative opportunities, helping participants tap into Japan’s licensing market accounting for half of Asia-Pacific region.

Co-location Benefits: As part of CONTENT TOKYO, Japan’s largest comprehensive show for content production, creation and distribution, LICENSING JAPAN benefits from cross-sector traffic and networking with creators, production studios and marketing expertise.

Official registration & tickets

Visitor E-Ticket: Japan Tokyo Brand Licensing Exhibition tickets are e-tickets requiring online pre-registration with real-name passport verification. After purchase, organizer verifies visitor identity. Visitors who do not meet entry requirements may need to submit additional documents. Once approved, email confirmation or QR code provided.

Free Ticket Application: Free exhibition tickets available via online application at http://www.licensing-japan.jp/en/inv/ for LICENSING JAPAN and CONTENT TOKYO.

Official Websites: https://www.expolinkshop.com/events/LICENSING-JAPAN-2027 and https://www.content-tokyo.jp/hub/en-gb.html for registration, exhibitor list and program details.

Exhibiting Info Request: Brochure, participation cost, exhibitors’ comments and ads opportunities available via exhibiting info request at official website. Contact Organizer: RX Japan Ltd., Content Tokyo Show Management, Tel +81-3-6739-4107, Email licensing-e.jp@rxglobal.com.

Onsite Badge Collection: On site, present original passport and confirmation letter to collect paper badge, or scan QR code to enter.

Group Tour Booking: Group tour packages including 6 days and 5 nights itinerary available via travel agencies specializing in exhibition tours, including airport transfer, local reception, entry badge, hotel and business meals.

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