Executive Overview
For travelers across Taiwan with an enduring affection for Japan’s rich cultural tapestry, distinct regional aesthetics, and off-the-beaten-path travel destinations, an exciting opportunity awaits. Tokoname City—a historic municipality nestled in Aichi Prefecture—is officially bringing its unique heritage directly to Taipei. From November 6 (Friday) through November 9 (Monday), 2026, the city will exhibit at the prestigious ITF 2026 Taiwan International Travel Fair, held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1.
Positioned prominently within the Japan Zone at Booth K2411, the Tokoname City delegation aims to captivate Taiwanese tourists by showcasing the myriad charms of a destination renowned globally as Japan’s ultimate "Lucky Cat Town." Far exceeding the typical tourist trap, Tokoname offers a rare blend of ancient ceramic traditions, whimsical feline iconography, contemporary pop-culture pop-ups, and cinematic backdrops.
This comprehensive report details Tokoname’s upcoming showcase at ITF 2026, explores the city’s deep-rooted cultural attractions, highlights exclusive visitor giveaways and stage events, and examines why this historic pottery town should anchor every traveler’s upcoming Japanese itinerary.
Detailed Chronology & Event Schedule: Tokoname at ITF 2026
The Taiwan International Travel Fair (ITF) stands as one of the travel industry’s most influential regional events, connecting international tourism boards directly with eager travelers. Tokoname City’s immersive participation is structured across four dynamic days filled with interactive games, exclusive merchandise raffles, and live stage appearances by the city’s beloved official mascot, Tokotan.
Exhibition Schedule and Venue Details
- Event Dates: November 6 (Friday) – November 9 (Monday), 2026
- Daily Operating Hours:
- November 6 (Friday): 12:00 – 18:00
- November 7 (Saturday) – November 9 (Monday): 10:00 – 18:00
- Venue: Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1
- Tokoname City Booth Location: Japan Zone, Booth K2411
Special Stage Events and Interactive Programs
To ensure visitors receive an unforgettable cultural experience, Tokoname City has secured two high-profile stage appearances during the exhibition weekend. These sessions are designed to engage audiences through humor, friendly competition, and cultural education:
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Japan Zone Event Stage
Baca Juga
- Time: 16:30 – 16:55
- Activities: An energetic presentation introducing Tokoname’s core tourist destinations, followed by an interactive rock-paper-scissors tournament hosted alongside "Tokotan." Participants who outlast their competitors will receive exclusive, highly limited-edition gifts straight from Tokoname.
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ITF Main Stage
- Time: 17:30 – 18:00
- Activities: A grander theatrical showcase highlighting the city’s fusion of traditional arts and modern anime culture, culminating in another high-stakes rock-paper-scissors challenge with Tokotan, complete with special prizes for the final standing participants.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Dual Identity of Tokoname
To fully appreciate what the Tokoname booth has to offer at ITF 2026, travelers must understand the dual identity of this remarkable Aichi Prefecture municipality: its centuries-old reputation as an epicenter of Japanese ceramics and its modern status as a mecca for feline-themed pop culture.
The Historic Pottery Footpath and Tokoname Ware
Long before it became famous for felines, Tokoname earned its place in Japanese history as one of the "Six Ancient Kilns" of Japan, with ceramic production dating back to the Heian period. Today, the city’s heritage is physically preserved along the celebrated Pottery Footpath (Pottery Walking Path).
This scenic, highly photogenic trail winds through historic neighborhoods lined with traditional black-boarded workshops, climbing kilns, and walls constructed from discarded ceramic piping and shochu bottles. Visitors walking these paths experience an authentic slice of old-world Japan, surrounded by the tangible craftsmanship of Tokoname-yaki (Tokoname ware)—traditionally celebrated for its unglazed red clay teapots, which tea connoisseurs prize for softening the bitterness of green tea.
The Realm of the Beckoning Cat (Maneki-Neko)
Intersecting with this ceramic heritage is Tokoname’s undisputed reign as a premier producer of Maneki-Neko (Beckoning Cat) figurines. These ubiquitous Japanese symbols of good fortune, wealth, and hospitality are manufactured throughout the city in staggering varieties.
Key highlights along the Pottery Footpath include:
- Tokoname Beckoning Cat Street: A dedicated pathway populated by dozens of ceramic feline sculptures, each displaying distinct facial expressions, postures, and color significations.
- Tokonyan: Towering over the urban landscape, this colossal, hyper-realistic giant Beckoning Cat greets travelers from an elevated wall, serving as one of the region’s most iconic photographic landmarks.
Cinematic and Anime Landscapes
In recent years, Tokoname’s distinctive aesthetic has caught the eye of prominent filmmakers and animators, transforming the town into a living stage for contemporary Japanese media:
- Swans and Bats (2026): This major cinematic release utilized Tokoname’s historic Pottery Footpath and atmospheric port town as primary filming locations, immortalizing its winding alleys on the silver screen.
- A Whisker Away (Studio Colorido): The critically acclaimed anime film heavily modeled its fantastical and emotional settings on real-world locations in Tokoname, offering fans an opportunity to step directly into their favorite animated frames.
Official Statements and Interactive Booth Highlights
At ITF 2026, the Tokoname City delegation has curated a multifaceted booth experience designed to reward engagement and offer a tangible taste of Aichi Prefecture.
Exclusive Merchandise Raffles and Hello Kitty Collaborations
Visitors stopping by Booth K2411 will have the unique opportunity to participate in a special raffle event. Prizes include a diverse array of authentic Tokoname merchandise:
- Colorful Maneki-Neko Figurines: Hand-crafted ceramic cats finished in vibrant, modern glazes.
- Limited-Edition Collaboration Goods: Highly sought-after Beckoning Cat merchandise created through exclusive partnerships, including special collections featuring global icon Hello Kitty.
Event organizers emphasize that the exact prize assortment will remain a delightful surprise, encouraging attendees to visit the booth early to explore the full inventory.
The Instagram Engagement Campaign: Claim Your "Tokonyan" Candy
Tokoname City is bridging digital media with physical rewards through a simple social media activation:
- Prior to visiting the exhibition, travelers are instructed to view the official promotional video hosted on the Tokoname Tourism Association’s Instagram page (View Reel Here).
- Upon arriving at Booth K2411 and showing proof of having watched the video, visitors will receive a complimentary, adorable "Tokonyan" candy—a sweet memento modeled after the city’s giant feline guardian.
Future Outlook: Your Gateway to Aichi Prefecture
Strategically situated mere minutes from Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), Tokoname serves as the ideal gateway for international travelers stepping foot in central Japan. Whether visitors are seeking an afternoon stroll through centuries-old pottery alleys, searching for the perfect artisan teapot, framing a photograph with dozens of ceramic cats, or tracing the footprints of modern cinematic masterpieces, Tokoname delivers an unmatched travel experience.
As international tourism rebounds and evolves, regional destinations like Tokoname offer the authenticity, cultural depth, and welcoming hospitality that modern travelers crave.
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss the chance to bring a little extra luck into your life and gather insider inspiration for your next Japanese adventure. The dedicated staff of Tokoname City warmly invites all travel enthusiasts to visit Booth K2411 in the Japan Zone at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center this November.
- Event Summary Table:
- Dates: November 6–9, 2026
- Venue: Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1
- Booth: Japan Zone, K2411
- Key Links: Tokoname Tourism Association Movie Locations | A Whisker Away Locations
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