From September 5 to 7, 2025, DMO Osaka Umeda proposed and supported diverse MICE initiatives across the Umeda area for the “Regional Revitalization Koshien 2025” international forum program. This went beyond typical conferences, creating programs that fostered deep interaction between participants and the city.

 

Global City/Regional Revitalization Forum / Nikkei Business Forum (Breakout Session) @ Congress Square Grand Green Osaka (CSG) – Discussing “Regional Revitalization 2.0” from an International Perspective

“Regional Revitalization Koshien 2025” was an international forum organized by the Regional Revitalization Koshien Executive Committee (including Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp.), driving regional revitalization in Japan. Its goal was to accelerate nationwide revitalization by inviting advanced regions, including the U.S. organization “Main Street America (MSA),” to create and disseminate new models aligned with the Japanese government’s “Regional Revitalization 2.0” initiative. Approximately 350 participants gathered to passionately discuss the future of regional revitalization.

　

Global City/Regional Revitalization Forum

 

DMO Osaka Umeda’s Package Proposal for “Umeda MICE”

In supporting “Regional Revitalization Koshien 2025,” DMO Osaka Umeda adopted a “package proposal-based approach,” viewing the entire Umeda area as a MICE stage rather than merely facilitating a conference. Specifically, we provided unique MICE experiences inherent to Umeda that ensured high satisfaction for both organizers and participants, such as:

 

Creating Unique Networking Experiences: Lunchtime Networking Event @ Time Out Market Osaka

Time Out Market Osaka, which opened in GRAND GREEN OSAKA this March as Asia’s first, was exclusively rented for the event – its first paid private booking. It was coordinated as the venue for a lunchtime networking event. Participants enjoyed a variety of local Osaka and Kansai gourmet foods while engaging in lively networking in a relaxed atmosphere. The combination of “food” and “vibrancy” fostered interaction, making it a highly energetic gathering.

　
Popular dishes from Time Out Market Osaka served buffet style　A lively venue filled with exchanges.

 

Building Momentum and Creating Touchpoints with the Area: Local Products Exhibition @ CSG & Hankyu Sun open space

To build forum momentum and encourage area exploration, DMO Osaka Umeda supported a local products exhibition featuring regional sake and gourmet items from across Japan. Despite an urgent venue relocation due to a typhoon, it became a popular area event drawing many visitors.

 Urgently held at the main venue, Congress Square Grand Green Osaka

　

Held at Hankyu Sun open space from the second day onwards.

 

Experiencing Regional Revitalization On-site: Excursion @ Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture

Aligning with Regional Revitalization Koshien’s objectives, DMO Osaka Umeda supported an excursion for participants to Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture. Participants, including MSA members, visited sites where advanced regional revitalization initiatives are underway. This offered a practical learning experience beyond theoretical discussions.

　
Commemorative photo with MSA members　Highly praised lunch at a local udon restaurant.

 

Proof-of-Concept for “dokoiko Umeda MICE Mode” App: Promoting MICE-City Integration

To maximize MICE participant satisfaction and encourage exploration of the Umeda area, DMO Osaka Umeda supported a proof-of-concept experiment for the event guide app “dokoiko Umeda MICE Mode.” This app centralizes MICE-essential information, including event schedules, venue maps, surrounding facility information, and coupons. It demonstrated the potential of a new digital tool to strengthen the MICE-city connection.

　
One-stop access from event registration to area exploration information.

 

Outcomes and Future Outlook

Beyond facilitating international knowledge sharing and participant interaction, the forum enabled attendees to experience Umeda’s diverse attractions. Notably, developing new venues like Time Out Market Osaka and promoting urban exploration via the MICE app proved to be concrete successes for “area-wide MICE” in the Umeda area.
Leveraging this experience, DMO Osaka Umeda will continue to strengthen its “package proposal-based MICE support” to maximize the potential of “MICE City Umeda.” By positioning MICE as a hub for valuable experiences, new business, and exchanges—rather than merely an event location—we will proactively strive to make Umeda the preferred choice for all MICE stakeholders.