Japan International Boat Show 2026 – a Resounding Success
Table of Contents
Bringing the Sea Closer
With the theme “Bringing the sea closer…”, the campaign aims to promote the appeal of marine leisure for future generations. The Japan Marine Industry Association (JMIA) held the “Japan International Boat Show 2026” for four days from March 19th (Thursday) to 22nd (Sunday), 2026, primarily at Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall and Yokohama Bayside Marina, as well as at Pukari Pier, Nippon Maru Sea Kayak Park, and Hakkeijima Marina.
65th Edition
This 65th edition of the show was themed “Bringing the Sea Closer…”, and in addition to exhibiting the latest boats, yachts, personal watercraft, and marine equipment, it offered a variety of programs, including various hands-on experiences and seminars called “Sea Seminars,” allowing a wide range of people, from beginners to veteran users, to feel closer to the sea.
Young Visitor Increase
The total number of visitors over the four days of the Japan International Boat Show was 41,874, and each venue was bustling with visitors from a wide range of demographics. Particularly noteworthy was the increase in the number of children, with the number of child visitors exceeding 5,000, a record high. They accounted for approximately 10% of the total visitors, demonstrating the expansion of experiential opportunities that will contribute to nurturing the next generation of marine enthusiasts.
Family Marine Park Attracted Approximately 5000 People Across 5 Venues
At this year’s boat show, interactive content garnered significant interest at each venue, providing an opportunity for visitors, even those experiencing the sea and boats for the first time, to truly appreciate the fun and possibilities of marine activities.
The “Family Marine Park,” aimed at families, offered a total of 17 different programs across five venues, including Hakkeijima Marina and Nippon Maru Sea Kayak Park. At the Pacifico Yokohama venue, various programs such as the “Children’s Boat License School,” “Draw Your Own Boat,” and “Kids Village” were designed to increase children’s interest in marine activities. The show broadly showcased the appeal of marine leisure, offering not just a chance to “see,” but also an experience of “touching, riding, and learning.”
The Event Stage Gained Popularity with its Diverse Programme
The event stage, a popular program at the boat show, featured a variety of programs, including the appointment ceremony for Eiko Noguchi, who was appointed as the Japan Marine Industry Association Marine Ambassador for 2026; talk shows by ocean adventurer Koji Shiraishi and Sakana-kun, who is immensely popular with children; and the awards ceremony for the Japan Marine Awards, whose grand prize was announced at this year’s boat show. Various guests shared the charm of the marine world, making it a captivating event for many visitors.
Japan International Boat Show 2026 Figures
Schedule for the 2027 (66th) Japan International Boat Show
4 days from March 19th (Fri) to 22nd (Mon), 2027 Pacifico Yokohama, Yokohama Bayside Marina, etc.
Contact Details
Japan Marine Industry Association (JBIA)
Contact: Shimoda shimoda@marine-jbia.or.jp
4th Floor, Kokusai Kogyo 2nd Building, 2-10-12 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL: +81-3-5542-1205 (Boat Show Operations Desk)
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