Osaka opens applications for its new grant for international conferences

The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau (OCTB) announced the opening of applications for the new OSAKA International Convention Subsidy, a subsidy program aimed at boosting the attraction and holding of international congresses in the prefecture.

The initiative was created by the Osaka International Conventions Subsidy Executive Committee, comprised of Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce, with the aim of strengthening the destination's position within the MICE segment and increasing the number of international conferences in the city.

According to the organizers, the program focuses particularly on events related to areas where Osaka has competitive advantages, as well as topics capable of generating innovation and contributing to the industrial strengthening of the destination.

The Osaka Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCTB) emphasized that hosting international conferences generates a significant economic impact by promoting business exchange, attracting investment, boosting tourism, and reinforcing the city's global prestige. Within this context, Osaka seeks to capitalize on the momentum of Expo 2025 and project itself into a new phase of growth with an eye toward the future Integrated Resort (IR) projected for 2030.

Requirements to access the subsidy

• To apply to the program, the event venue must not yet be determined at the time of application. In addition, conferences must meet a series of conditions, including:
• to be carried out between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2033
• have a minimum duration of three days
• have 50 or more participants, of which at least 20 must be non-Japanese residents abroad
• gather representation from three or more countries or regions, including Japan
• to be held at a venue located within Osaka Prefecture

Regarding the theme, the events must be related to one of Osaka's strategic sectors, such as life sciences, manufacturing, environment and energy, international finance, sports, gastronomy or entertainment, or to topics that promote innovation and competitiveness of local industries.

The subsidy may not be granted to events that already receive financial support from the national government, local municipalities, Osaka Prefecture or City, or the Osaka Chamber of Commerce.