Machine tool and metalworking exhibitions are a valuable chance to see the latest machines and technologies in one place.
New products from every manufacturer are shown side by side, and you can watch live machining demonstrations up close.
This category covers the schedules and outlines of the major shows, plus tips for touring them efficiently.
Information below was checked against each show's official website on October 14, 2026. Dates and venues can change, so please confirm on the official site before you visit.
Upcoming Major Exhibitions
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2026.10.26– 10.31 (6 days)
JIMTOF2026 (33rd Japan International Machine Tool Fair)Upcoming
Tokyo Big Sight / Organized by the Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association and Tokyo Big Sight Inc. A biennial international fair.
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2027.06.16– 06.18 (3 days)
Manufacturing World Tokyo 2027 (incl. Mechanical Components & Technology Expo)
Tokyo Big Sight / Organized by RX Japan. A group of specialized shows covering components, machining technology and factory equipment.
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2027.10.20– 10.23 (4 days)
MECT2027 (Mechatronics Technology Japan 2027)
Port Messe Nagoya / Organized by News Digest Publishing Co., Ltd. One of Central Japan's largest machine tool shows. Exhibitor applications open November 2, 2026.
The full list and the character of each show are summarized in the Exhibition Schedule.
Feature Articles
JIMTOF (Japan International Machine Tool Fair)
Overview of the biennial fair at Tokyo Big Sight and how to prepare. Guides for each edition start here.
Read more →JIMTOF2026 Guide
Dates, admission, how to find exhibitors, and a first-timer's routing plan, packing list and questions to ask at the booth.
Read more →Exhibition Schedule
Dates and venues of the main machine tool and metalworking shows, including JIMTOF2026 and MECT2027.
Read more →MECT (Mechatronics Technology Japan)
One of Central Japan's largest specialized shows, held in Nagoya in odd years. Outline of MECT2027 and a practical way to tour it.
Read more →Why Exhibitions Are Worth the Trip
What catalogs and websites cannot show you is how a machine actually behaves.
At a show you can watch real machines run and judge chip flow, cutting noise and the usability of the control screen for yourself.
You can question each maker's staff directly and compare several manufacturers on the same day.
If you are planning a capital investment, the visit is well worth your time.
What to Look For
If you are considering a CNC automatic lathe, focusing on the following points raises the quality of what you take home.
- Live machining demos — chip formation and evacuation, cutting noise and surface finish are things no catalog can tell you.
- Usability of the control screen — your operators will use it every day, so check it from their point of view.
- Automation and peripherals — bar feeders, unloaders and in-process inspection combined into unattended cells are shown at many booths.
- Talking to the engineers — bring drawings of your own parts and ask concrete questions; that is where the most useful information comes from.
The structural basics to look at are covered in Types & Structures, and the selection process in How to Choose a Manufacturer & Model.
Kinds of Exhibitions
Large public fairs (JIMTOF and MECT)
JIMTOF is held in Tokyo in even years and MECT in Nagoya in odd years, so a major show takes place almost every year.
Leading manufacturers from Japan and overseas launch new products and run live demonstrations.
Regional machine tool and metalworking shows
Many smaller shows are held across Japan. They are easier to reach and leave more time for unhurried discussions.
Manufacturers' private shows
Individual manufacturers also hold private shows at their own facilities, where you can examine machines at length and consult privately. Check each manufacturer's website for dates.
Star Micronics at JIMTOF2026
- Booth
- South Exhibition Hall, South Hall 1, booth S1003 (note: the South Halls, not the East Halls)
- Theme
- "Redefining the Possibilities of Precision Machining"
- Machines (4)
- SB-12RⅡ (new, Japan debut) / SX-38R type B (new) / SP-32 / SL-10
- Exhibits
- Live machining of parts for four growth fields (humanoid robots, medical, drones, EVs), automation solutions, and software (Step Cycle Pro, Deburring Cycle, SMOOSS-i, PU-Advance)
* This box is an advertisement (PR). Exhibit details are taken from the Star Micronics special site as of October 14, 2026. Check that site for the latest information.
FAQ
Q. What is the difference between JIMTOF and MECT?
A. JIMTOF is an international fair held in Tokyo in even years; MECT is a specialized show held in Nagoya in odd years. Together they give you a major show almost every year.
Q. Can anyone attend?
A. Most shows use pre-registration and are aimed at manufacturing professionals. Check the official site of each show for admission rules.
Q. Is it worth going if I am only beginning to consider an automatic lathe?
A. Very much so. You can compare real machines from several makers in one day and talk to their engineers. Bring your part drawings for concrete advice.
Q. How does a private show differ from a public fair?
A. A public fair gathers many manufacturers in one venue; a private show is held by one manufacturer at its own facility, which allows calmer, more detailed consultations.