Makuhari Messe front square.

Makuhari Messe (幕張メッセ^?) is a Japanese convention center outside Tokyo, located in the Mihama-ku ward of Chiba city, in the northwest corner of Chiba prefecture. Designed by Fumihiko Maki, it is easily accessible by Tokyo's commuter rail system. Makuhari is the name of the area, and Messe is a German word meaning "trade fair".

The convention center opened on October 9, 1989. It hosts many high-technology events.

Makuhari Messe is conveniently close to Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, and to Chiba prefecture's black sand beaches. It is easily accessible from Kaihin-Makuhari station on the Keiyō Line of East Japan Railway Company (JR East). The center is the host of the annual Tokyo Auto Salon (modified car show, in January), the bi-annual Tokyo Motor Show (in October), the annual Tokyo Game Show (video game hardware and software exhibition, in September), and the annual Jump Festa (manga, anime, and video game exposition, in December). The venue was noted in 2005 for hosting the first round of the Live8 concert. Event information, access details, and other information can be found in English at the official site.

On 1 July 2005, the company that owns the convention center changed its name from "Nippon Convention Center" to "Makuhari Messe".

The center hosted Tokyo Live Earth on July 7, 2007; Rage Against the Machine concerts on February 9 and 10, 2008; and an Iron Maiden concert on February 16, 2008.

[edit] External links

• Makuhari Messe website (Japanese)/(English)
• Makuhari Messe Map

Coordinates: 35°38′54″N 140°2′5″E / 35.64833°N 140.03472°E / 35.64833; 140.03472