MICE News

International multi-sport event, the World Master's Games,

will be held in Kansai, Japan!

Event Name: World Master's Games 2027 Kansai

Period: Friday, May 14 - Sunday, May 30, 2027

Location: Throughout the Kansai area (7 different prefectures)

Organizer: World Masters Sport

Participant Goal: 50,000 people, including 20,000 domestic and 30,000 international

Event Number: 59 Disciplines of 35 Sports

The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau is committed to being an organization that works closely with organizers to create unforgettable experiences and provide various forms of support to ensure the success of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. The area offers a robust system of support established through collaboration between the OCTB, Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, and the local community. Furthermore, Osaka boasts numerous arenas, stadiums, and sports venues capable of hosting a wide range of sporting events. The OCTB aims to bring more sports-related events to the area by leveraging these strengths, henceforth invigorating tourism, and increasing the number of fans of Osaka via all manner of sports.

What are the World Master's Games?

The World Masters Games is an international multi-sport event for lifelong sports enthusiasts, hosted every four years by World Masters Sport (formerly the International Masters Games Association (IMGA)). It's open to anyone, generally 30 years of age or older, regardless of sports experience, achievements, or disability.

Typically held the year after the Olympic Games, the first Games took place in Toronto in 1985, and the most recent 10th Games were held in Taipei and New Taipei City, Taiwan, in 2025. The next Games in 2027 (postponed twice since 2021) will be held in Japan for the first time, taking place in various locations throughout the Kansai region. Entries are currently being accepted so please take the opportunity to be a part of this unforgettable event!

The World Master's Games 2027 Kansai, famous for its accessibility, will leverage its reputation to create an inclusive event that everyone can participate in. In line with this, one of the event's slogans is "Observe, Act, Support".

The event's inclusivity encompasses the meaning of participation regardless of age, gender, nationality, disability, etc. As such, the Games aim to create a space where all walks of life can enjoy themselves and find meaning in life while embodying their individuality through the Games. On a broader scale, the Games hope to contribute to solving social issues through inclusivity, and to ensure that the open, welcoming mindset and systems are carried on even after the Games conclude.

Sports and disciplines held within Osaka Prefecture include; cycling (BMX) in Kishiwada City, rugby in Higashi-Osaka City, swimming (open water) in Sennan City, and futsal and soccer in Sakai City. Finally, the closing ceremony will be held in Osaka City.

More about World Master's Games 2027 Kansai

• Official Website