Live event printing · Tokyo, Japan
Live printing for Tokyo events
Custom merch printed live at Tokyo Big Sight stands, Shibuya pop-ups and game-show weeks. We're a California crew that comes to Japan for the right activation.
東京のイベントで、Tシャツ・トートバッグ・キャップをその場でプリント。展示会ブース、ポップアップ、ブランドローンチにライブプリントステーションをお届けします。
The Tokyo scene
Why live printing works in Tokyo
Tokyo might be the toughest merch audience in the world. People queue for hours for a limited drop in Harajuku, and they know exactly how a good print should look. That makes it the city where printing live, in front of the crowd, has the biggest impact.
Big shows fill Tokyo Big Sight throughout the year. Tokyo Game Show takes over Makuhari Messe every September, and a steady run of brand pop-ups in Shibuya and Omotesando fills the gaps between.
US-based, travels worldwide
Precision is the standard
Japanese venues run on exact schedules, and load-in times are minute-specific. We work through a local partner for venue coordination and arrive with a timed build plan.
Power in Tokyo is 100V, lower than the US, so heat equipment is planned and tested around it before the event. Gear travels on an ATA Carnet.
Quality expectations are high. We do sample prints on the actual blanks before the event so there are no surprises on the day.
Merch Troop is based in La Habra, California. We run live printing across the US and travel internationally when the event is right, and Tokyo jobs get the same crew and the same process.
Where we set up
Tokyo venues we plan around
Tokyo Big Sight
Japan's largest exhibition centre in Ariake, home to major trade and fan shows.
Makuhari Messe
Tokyo Game Show and large conventions in Chiba.
Shibuya & Harajuku
Streetwear drops, collaborations and pop-up stores.
Omotesando
Premium brand launches and design events.
Tokyo Dome City
Concerts and fan events.
Yokohama Arena
Concerts and large indoor events just outside Tokyo.
Event calendar
When Tokyo gets busy
Book these weeks early. International freight needs lead time.
- August & DecemberComiket at Tokyo Big Sight
- SeptemberTokyo Game Show at Makuhari Messe
- AutumnJapan Mobility Show at Tokyo Big Sight
- DecemberTokyo Comic Con at Makuhari Messe
Stations
What we print live
Limited-edition screen prints work especially well in Tokyo. Numbered runs and exclusive colourways draw a queue.
Live screen printing
Real presses, plastisol ink, and a print guests watch being pulled.
Live DTF
Full-colour artwork heat-pressed in under a minute.
Hat bar
Patches and heat-applied designs on caps and beanies.
Live embroidery
Names, initials and logos stitched on the spot.
Totes & hard goods
Bags, bandanas and other non-apparel pieces.
Brands that have trusted us with their guests:
- Gap
- Foot Locker
- Rivian
- Live Nation
- Riot Games
- Sony
- Coca-Cola
- Hyundai
- Xbox
- FIFA
More at merchtroop.com: cities we travel to, live event printing, and live screen printing.
Questions
Good to know
東京のイベントでライブプリントはできますか？
はい。Merch Troopはカリフォルニア州ラハブラを拠点とし、海外のイベントにもチームと機材で対応しています。
Does US equipment work on Japanese power?
Japan runs on 100V, so we plan and test our heat equipment around it before the event rather than guessing on site.
Can you work with Japanese venues' schedules?
Yes. We build to a timed plan and coordinate through a local partner, because load-in times in Japan are exact.
How do we get a quote?
Send the date, venue and expected attendance through the form or call (562) 614-4800.
Get a quote
Tell us about your Tokyo event
Date, venue and a rough guest count is enough to start. You'll get an itemized quote, travel included, within 24 hours.