The first time I attended COSME Week Osaka, I made a mistake—I went in without a strategy. The result? Missed opportunities, rushed conversations, and a pile of brochures I never looked at again. But that changed once I learned how to navigate it the right way.
If you’re planning to attend, knowing what to expect is half the battle.
I’ve been to countless trade shows, tested different approaches, and figured out what works. This guide is based on real experience—not just a generic event summary.
Expect a breakdown of key sections, networking strategies, and insider tips to help you leave with real business leads. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, this will keep you ahead of the curve.
Don’t waste time wandering aimlessly.
Let’s get started!
1. Registering and Getting Ready
If you’re attending COSME Week Osaka 2025, which takes place from September 24 to 26 at INTEX Osaka, Japan, a little planning will go a long way in making your experience worthwhile.
Understanding the Event Structure
One thing I learned early on is that COSME Week Osaka isn’t just one big event—it’s actually two specialized exhibitions, each catering to different aspects of the beauty industry:
COSME OSAKA 2025 – 6th International Cosmetics Trade Fair Osaka
This is where you’ll find an incredible variety of beauty-related products, from skincare and makeup to hair care and supplements. If you’re sourcing new brands or looking for the next big trend, this is the place to be.
COSME Tech 2025 OSAKA – 6th International Cosmetics Development Expo Osaka:
If you’re involved in product development or manufacturing, this section is a must. It features cutting-edge technologies, packaging innovations, raw ingredients, and private-label/OEM suppliers. I spent hours here during my first visit, talking to formulators and packaging experts who helped me refine my business strategy.
Registration Process
Registering ahead of time is a game-changer. The first time I attended, I made the mistake of not registering early and ended up wasting time in a long queue. Now, I always complete my registration online as soon as it opens. It’s quick and ensures a smooth check-in process at the venue.
Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email. About three weeks before the event, the organizers will send you a visitor badge and a QR code for badge exchange. I highly recommend printing your badge in advance (A4-sized, color print) to avoid waiting in line at the printing stations onsite. If you forget, no worries—there are printing facilities available at the venue.
Admission Policies
If you’re bringing team members or partners, make sure they also register in advance. COSME Week Osaka is strictly for business professionals, so individuals under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. If you plan to bring a group of five or more underage visitors, it’s best to contact Show Management beforehand to avoid any surprises.
2. Arranging Travel and Logistics
Figuring out travel and accommodations for COSME Week Osaka can be tricky if you don’t plan ahead. I learned this the hard way during my first visit when I waited too long to book a hotel and ended up staying much farther from the venue than I wanted. Now, I make sure to sort out my travel plans early to avoid unnecessary stress.
Where to Stay
Osaka has plenty of great hotels, but proximity to INTEX Osaka is key if you want to save time. I recommend staying in one of these areas:
- Osaka Bay Area – This is the closest option to INTEX Osaka, and you’ll find hotels like Hyatt Regency Osaka and Quintessa Hotel Osaka Bay. They offer shuttle services to the venue, making the commute effortless.
- Namba/Shinsaibashi – If you prefer to stay in a lively area with plenty of dining and entertainment options, this is a great choice. I’ve stayed here a few times, and while it requires a train ride to INTEX Osaka, it’s worth it for the nightlife and convenience.
- Umeda – This is Osaka’s business district and a great place to stay if you’re planning additional meetings outside of COSME Week. While it’s farther from the venue, the transport connections make it a viable option.
How to Travel to Osaka
If you’re flying in from overseas, Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the best option. From there, you have several ways to get to the city:
- Airport Limousine Bus – A direct and comfortable way to reach major areas like Namba, Umeda, and Osaka Bay.
- JR Haruka Express – The fastest train from KIX to Osaka, especially convenient if you’re staying near Shin-Osaka Station.
- Nankai Airport Express/Rapid Train – A budget-friendly way to reach Namba.
If you’re traveling from Tokyo or another part of Japan, I highly recommend taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Shin-Osaka Station. It’s fast, reliable, and a great experience if you haven’t tried it before.
How to Get to INTEX Osaka
Once you’re in Osaka, getting to INTEX is easy. Here’s what I usually do:
- By Train: Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Cosmosquare Station and then transfer to the New Tram for one stop to Nakafuto Station, which is just a short walk from INTEX Osaka.
- By Taxi: If you’re staying nearby, a taxi can be a convenient option, but during peak hours, traffic can slow things down.
- By Shuttle: Some hotels in the Osaka Bay Area offer direct shuttles to the venue. If you’re staying in one of them, this is the most hassle-free option.
3. Mapping Out Must-See Exhibitors
Walking into COSME Week Osaka without a plan is like stepping into a maze—you’ll end up wandering aimlessly and missing key opportunities. I made that mistake during my first visit, but now, I always map out my must-see exhibitors in advance. Here are three booths I won’t be skipping this year.
Takasago International Corporation – The Science of Fragrance
If you’re in the beauty or skincare business, fragrance is a critical factor in product success. Takasago is a leader in fragrance and essential oil innovations, and their booth always features new scent technologies that align with emerging consumer trends.
Last year, I spent over an hour testing their fragrance formulations and learning about their sustainable sourcing methods. If you’re looking to develop signature scents for your brand, this booth is a must-visit.
Nihon Kolmar – The Powerhouse of Private Label Manufacturing
For businesses looking to launch their own cosmetics line, Nihon Kolmar is an essential stop. They specialize in private label and OEM manufacturing for everything from skincare to makeup. I had a deep discussion with their representatives last time about formulation customization, and they provided insights that helped me refine my product development strategy.
Nikkol Group – Cutting-Edge Skincare Ingredients
Skincare is constantly evolving, and Nikkol Group is at the forefront of ingredient innovation. Their booth is a treasure trove of the latest actives, emulsifiers, and stabilizers that can enhance product formulations.
When I visited them previously, I discovered a new emulsifier that significantly improved the texture of one of my formulations. If you’re in the R&D or product formulation space, this is one booth where you’ll want to take notes.
4. Making the Most of Demonstrations
One of the biggest mistakes I made during my first COSME Week Osaka was skipping the live demonstrations, thinking they were just glorified sales pitches. But I quickly realized they’re where some of the most valuable insights come from. Seeing new ingredients, formulations, and packaging solutions in action helped me understand how they work beyond a product sheet.
Now, I always make time for the key demonstrations that align with my business goals. I also come prepared with questions—whether it’s about formulation stability, compatibility with other ingredients, or cost-effectiveness.
The best part? These sessions often reveal behind-the-scenes details that aren’t included in marketing materials. Arriving early ensures I get a good spot, and staying after to chat with presenters has led to some of my most valuable industry connections.
5. Building Business Relationships
I used to approach networking with a quantity-over-quality mindset, collecting business cards like souvenirs. But over time, I’ve learned that strong, meaningful relationships matter more than a stack of contacts.
- Do My Research in Advance – I don’t wait until I arrive to think about who I want to connect with. A few weeks before the event, I go through the exhibitor list, check out key industry players, and even reach out to schedule meetings.
- Engage in Meaningful Conversations – Instead of rushing from one booth to the next, I take the time to understand a company’s offerings and pain points. The best partnerships start from genuine conversations, not just a quick exchange of business cards.
- Attend Industry Mixers and Side Events – Some of the best connections I’ve made weren’t at booths but during networking events and industry discussions. These informal settings allow for deeper conversations.
- Follow Up Quickly and Effectively – A connection is only as good as the effort put into maintaining it. Within 48 hours, I send a short, personalized follow-up email referencing our discussion. If we talked about potential business opportunities, I include a next step to keep the conversation going.
- Stay in Touch Beyond the Event – Networking doesn’t end when COSME Week Osaka is over. I keep in touch with valuable contacts through LinkedIn, occasional check-ins, or sharing relevant industry updates.
6. Taking Notes and Gathering Insights
By the second day of COSME Week Osaka, I usually find myself overloaded with information. After making that mistake a couple of times, I developed a system to ensure I capture everything valuable without getting overwhelmed.
Organizing Information on the Spot
I don’t rely on memory alone—there’s simply too much to absorb. I always carry a dedicated notebook or use a note-taking app to jot down key details from each exhibitor I visit. Pricing, MOQs, standout products, and key contacts all go into my notes. This way, I don’t waste time later trying to remember who said what.
Using Photos and Voice Memos
Taking quick photos of booths, packaging designs, and ingredient samples helps jog my memory later. If something particularly stands out, I snap a picture and add a caption in my notes. I also record short voice memos after an insightful conversation—it’s much faster than writing everything down and helps me capture key insights in real time.
Filtering the Most Valuable Insights
Not everything I come across at the event is worth acting on immediately. At the end of each day, I review my notes and highlight the most valuable information—the exhibitors I need to follow up with, the trends that align with my business, and any promising new suppliers. Doing this daily keeps my focus sharp and makes post-event follow-ups much easier.
7. Following Up After the Show
The real work starts after COSME Week Osaka ends. I used to let too much time pass before following up, and by the time I reached out, many exhibitors had already moved on. Now, I have a structured follow-up process that ensures I maintain momentum.
- Send Personalized Emails Within 48 Hours – I make sure to reach out while the conversation is still fresh. I reference specific details from our discussion to show I was paying attention and reinforce the connection.
- Request Samples and Pricing Sheets – If I’m seriously considering working with a supplier, I ask for product samples or detailed pricing information. This helps me assess quality and compare different options before making any decisions.
- Connect on LinkedIn for Long-Term Engagement – I send LinkedIn requests to key contacts, ensuring we stay connected beyond just emails. This keeps the relationship warm and allows me to engage with their company updates.
- Schedule Follow-Up Meetings Within Two Weeks – If there’s potential for collaboration, I don’t let the momentum fade. I propose a call or meeting to discuss details further and explore how we can work together.
- Summarize Key Takeaways for My Team – I compile a document with the most valuable insights, key contacts, and next steps. This helps me stay organized and ensures my team is aligned on post-event actions.
- Stay in Touch Beyond Business – Some of my best business relationships started from casual follow-ups. I check in periodically, share relevant industry news, and look for ways to collaborate beyond just transactions.
Conclusion
You walked the floors of COSME Week Osaka. You saw the innovation, met the experts, and gathered insights that could transform your business. Now, it’s time to turn those ideas into reality.
What’s holding you back? Whether it’s launching a new product, securing a top supplier, or refining your brand, the key is to start. Today.
So, what will you do first? Whatever your goal, don’t let hesitation slow you down.
Take the next step. Reach out, make connections, and turn ideas into action. Need help along the way?
Contact us today!
