From March 21 to 24, Japan International Boat Show 2024 was held at Pacifico Yokohama and the Yokohama Bayside Marina. A total of 34,579 business and general public visitors and 214 exhibiting companies filled both venues. Overall, 232 marine vehicles were showcased, including boats, yachts, jet skis, and kayaks, the majority of which were able to be boarded or ridden.
Situated in the Yokohama Bayside Marina, opening into Negishi Bay, the main attraction of the Japan Boat Show was certainly the large boat and yacht floating exhibition. This year’s event hosted 57 luxury vessels, ranging up to 26 meters in length. Visitors were able to not only board each yacht, but also to probe into below-deck bedrooms, to take in the view from second or third floor top decks, and even to experience the sitting in the driver’s seat (provided, of course, that they first removed their shoes).
KAIWO Yokohama, the Japanese agent for Swedish yacht producer Hallberg-Rassy, showcased the company’s new Hallberg-Rassy 40C sailing cruiser yacht. The ship is outfitted with utilities to support multiple-day journeys, and local representative Yuka Sugita explained that the built-in kitchen is a popular amenity as many customers prefer to cook their own meals out on the water.
Saxdor exhibited its custom yachts, which offer a wide array of modifications to cater to various boating styles. Customizations include quantity of rotating seats, a wet bar and fridge for entertaining guests, and weather-resistant screens. Other boats provided options for fishing fighting chairs with rod holders, capitalizing on the popularity of recreational fishing in Japan.
In addition, alongside the exhibits, the Yokohama Bayside Marina also hosted hands-on activities for the whole family. The “Captain Kids Experience” offered children opportunities to ride mini motorboats and sailboats. Boat driving was also available for all visitors to try regardless of experience level or boat license.
Two methods of transportation between the venues were implemented by the organizers: a bay cruise on a luxury cruiser (paid) and a shuttle bus (free of charge). The Yokohama Bay Cruise ran for approximately 45 minutes one-way, during which passengers were treated to views of Yokohama landmarks while sailing through the bays and channels around the port of Yokohama. The hustle and bustle of Yokohama waters was tangible, as the cruise passed between cargo ships, barges, and recreational fishing boats, and even the occasional speedboat flew by.
Meanwhile, within the halls of Pacifico Yokohama, a more conventional, yet not less exciting indoor exhibition was also underway. On top of a vast selection of marine goods, the venue was comprised of a handful of “Villages.” The Fishing Village, Jet Village, Sailing Village, Marine Kids Village, and the brand-new Water Safety Village gathered exhibitors of similar products and services in convenient sectors.
Watersports were a hot topic this year, with booths featuring eFoil electric surfboards, standup paddleboards, and windsurfing boards. SE Amusement Co., Ltd. introduced WAKEPARX, a boatless wakeboarding park. At WAKEPARX, athletes are pulled along by an overhead cable system as opposed to by a boat. This permits controlled changing of speed, which is safer and more accessible to beginners.
Other exhibitors presented boat engines, GPS fishing map technology, lifejackets, inflatable house boats, water rescue gear, marina memberships, and boat leasing. For visitors who already own their boat, AV equipment, a draft beer machine, and high-end champagne were perfect for hosting parties out on the sea.
Finally, environmental protection and sustainability were overarching themes present in every facet of the event, especially due to the notoriety of large yachts to contribute to ocean pollution. Tyura Sango used their booth to educate visitors on the importance of protecting coral reefs, which provide a home to 1/4th of all marine species, and to explain their organization’s coral replanting activities. The team encourages everyone to do their part in helping prevent pollution.
The Japan International Boat Show online content will be available until May 31 on the event’s official website. The 64th edition will be held March 20 to 23, 2025, at Pacifico Yokohama and the Yokohama Bayside Marina.
