The CP+ Camera & Imaging Show 2025 ran from February 27 through March 2 at Pacifico Yokohama, drawing over 55,700 in‑person attendees and expanding far beyond its pre-pandemic footprint. With 124 to 125 exhibiting companies—including 29 newcomers, many from outside Japan—the event set new records in both scale and international engagement.
Major brands seized the spotlight with a wave of world premieres and highly anticipated launches. Canon unveiled its largest-ever booth, showcasing the EOS R1, R5 Mark II, and immersive 3D/VR imaging experiences. Nikon invited visitors to explore its latest mirrorless gear—Z6III, Z50II, Z8, and the new NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S lens—paired with hands-on “video creator” demos and dynamic color presets called “Imaging Recipes.” Fujifilm focused on retro charm through its X Series models and INSTAX innovations, appealing especially to younger users seeking artistic, social‑media‑ready images.
Sony built a live-action photo zone highlighting the α1 and α9 III with subjects ranging from taekwondo to kendo, demonstrating pro‑level autofocus and global‑shutter technology. Panasonic’s LUMIX booth featured a GH7 endurance challenge and photo walks led by creative professionals, emphasizing real-time LUTs, stabilization, and extended recording workflows.
The show’s hybrid format attracted over 426,000 online participants, bringing interactive sessions, livestreamed seminars, and virtual tours to viewers through early March. Live-stage programming featured photo and video creators offering insights, tutorials, and trend predictions, alongside exhibitions such as the ZOOMS JAPAN Photo Contest, Photo Koshien winners, and the beloved Cat Photo Exhibit. A nostalgic Plarail Diorama Zone returned, especially popular among families and rail aficionados.
Experiential zones added fresh appeal across demographics: Tamron’s Godzilla-themed lens testing area became an Instagram hit; DJI, Hasselblad, and PGYTECH invited guests to try drones, high-res gear, and premium accessories; storage brand SUNEAST hosted giveaways and interactive campaigns promoting editing tools; and KanDao showcased 8K 360-degree capture and AI-enhanced videoconferencing gear.
Analysts reported that the average price of cameras rose from ¥90,000 in 2023 to ¥110,000 in 2024, and lens values followed similar upward trends—an indicator of the premium segment’s strong global demand, with Asia accounting for nearly 50% of camera shipments. This surge was driven in large part by China’s 24.5% growth, closely followed by notable rises across Japanese and U.S. markets.
Once perceived as a niche, industry-only gathering, CP+ now thrives as a cultural hub. With its blend of advanced technology, community participation, creator engagement, and global reach, the 2025 edition reaffirmed CP+ as the world’s most influential camera and imaging expo today.
Event Highlights & Official Info:
https://www.cpplus.jp (CIPA – Camera & Imaging Products Association)
Pacifica Yokohama event page: https://www.cpplus.jp/2025/ (Official CP+ 2025 page)
