From January 22 to 24, the Japan Council of Shopping Centers held the 49th Japan Shopping Center (SC) National Convention, Japan’s largest SC industry event, at Pacifico Yokohama. The convention consisted of SC Business Fair 2025 and the 30th National SC Customer Service Roleplaying Contest.
The number of visitors to SC Business Fair 2025 totaled 36,920 throughout the 3-day trade exhibition held in the Pacifico Yokohama exhibition hall (previous year’s result: 36,750). In addition, approximately 550 people participated in the Seminar and Social Gathering that was held on January 22 (previous year’s result: approximately 500).
Furthermore, a total of 2,000 visitors attended the 30th National SC Customer Service Roleplaying Contest on 24 in the conference center main hall (previous year’s result: 2,000). Overall, the 49th Japan Shopping Center National Convention finished with 39,420 participants (previous year’s result: approximately 39,250).
The grand prize winner of the 30th National SC Customer Service Roleplaying Contest was Kyushu and Okinawa delegate Ryutaro Isobe from the Bandai Namco CrossStore Hakata in Canal City Hakata, who shone as Japan’s number one customer service representative. This was the first time since the contest’s inception that an amusement facility staff member had won the grand prize. Isobe was also presented with the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award.
The 50th edition of the Japan Shopping Center National Convention is planned to be held from January 21 to 23, 2026.