[Tokyo Game Show 2026] Part 2: "Fabric" to be used for booth decoration! Meeting fire safety standards and selection criteria for performance equipment.

Booth introduction, part 2!! Come and make it

Hello, this is AZSTOKE. We're bringing you the second installment of our booth construction log for Tokyo Game Show 2026. In the previous installment (the first), we showed you how we built the booth frame using scaffolding pipes and constructed the framework for the storage-equipped desk ourselves.

This second installment takes us a step further, focusing on the "finishing" and "equipment" processes.

First, we had to decide what to use for the desk and the wall surfaces, and what we chose was "fabric."

What was the deciding factor in choosing the fabric?

There are several options for the facing material, such as plywood and panels, but we chose fabric.

The main reason is that it allows for faster construction and removal.

Exhibitions often have limited time for setup and dismantling, and any delays at this stage can significantly increase the burden on the day of the event.

If you use fabric, the process of stretching and removing it is simple, and if the frame is already assembled, you can finish the surface in a short amount of time.

Another reason is that the fabric can be folded into a small size, making it easy to carry and store.

Panels are bulky and difficult to transport and store, but fabric panels can be compactly packed, making them much easier to load into a car and store in a warehouse.

Considering that it can be used repeatedly in future exhibitions

I determined that this agility was a significant advantage.

Fire safety labels are a mandatory requirement.

Just as I started preparing to proceed with the project using cloth, I learned an important rule.

At the Tokyo Game Show, it was announced that if fabric is used as a construction material (decoration or structure), it is mandatory to attach a fire safety label.

This label indicates that the product has been treated with fire-retardant agents; without it, the product is not permitted for use.

Therefore, we designed the fabric for the desks and walls ourselves and then outsourced the installation, looking for a company that could also handle the application of fire-resistant labels.

I asked "Vinipro" to do the work. When I contacted them with an inquiry, they said they could also handle the application of fire-resistant labels, so I went ahead and asked them to do it.

Being able to entrust both the design and fire-retardant measures to one company allows us to proceed to the next steps with peace of mind.

Test construction on the left side

As a test, I lightly attached the fabric I received to only the left side.

This is a test installation to check the fit and appearance, rather than immediately installing the entire surface.

After actually trying it, I felt that using fabric was the right choice, especially considering the speed of installation.

The process is smooth, and the surface is rising nicely.

This time, the base and fastening method are set up to allow for a secure attachment, so now it's just a matter of how well we can make it look.

We'll finalize the finer details, such as the tension and wrinkles, on-site on the day of the shoot.

What to do with the desk top?

We plan to finish the desks with fabric as well.

However, since the desk's frame is constructed from scaffolding pipes, there are no "surfaces" between the pipes.

To stretch fabric over the tabletop, a base was needed to fill in the gaps and provide support.

This is where fire prevention requirements come into play again.

The materials used for the base of the tabletop, including the wood, must also be fire-resistant.

After considering fire resistance, availability, and cost, we decided to use an aluminum frame that could be purchased at a 100-yen store.

Since it's a metal, it's flame-retardant, lightweight, and easy to process—it's truly the perfect material.

We then connected the aluminum frame to the scaffolding using cable ties. It was a painstaking process, but by connecting multiple frames, we were able to create a solid tabletop.

All that's left is to place the fabric on top, and the desk will be complete. The structure is made of scaffolding pipes, the base is an aluminum frame, and the finish is fire-resistant fabric, so fire safety has been properly considered in every layer.

Monitor and TV installation

Now that the fabric-related aspects are settling down, the next step is testing the video-related parts.

We'll place two monitors in the front and a 43-inch TV in the back.

Furthermore, I installed various fixtures on top of the TV for mounting speakers.

We aim for a layout that allows us to present both video and audio together.

The challenge is that the booth's structure is made of single-pipe scaffolding.

Standard wall mounting brackets are designed for use on walls or pillars, so they cannot be used as is.

So I looked for a wall-mounting mechanism that could connect to the size of the scaffolding pipes, and I found something that was just right, which I used to install it.

The sound is definitely Genelec. I'll mount it on the wall along with my monitors.

We used Genelec speakers.

For those of us involved in sound, choosing the right speakers is a non-negotiable point. These Genelec speakers, like our monitors, will be wall-mounted.

When I actually installed them, the monitor and speaker setup turned out quite nicely.

Combined with the wall-mounting mechanism that works with scaffolding pipes, I felt like I'd found something really good. The video and sound are neatly arranged, and the overall quality of the booth has improved significantly.

Lighting is provided by a track lighting system.

Next is installing the lights.

To ensure that the exhibits and booths were properly illuminated, we wanted the lighting to be able to be freely adjusted in position and direction.

Therefore, we designed a configuration where components are extended from the left and right pipes, and a duct rail is installed at the end of them. With a duct rail, spotlights can be attached to any desired position, and their angles can be freely adjusted. This allows for flexible changes in how the lights are directed to suit the exhibit on the day.

Electricity is plug-in type

When setting up lighting, dealing with electricity is unavoidable.

There's a barrier here: qualifications. My Class 2 Electrician's License alone limited the scope of what I could handle.

So I changed my approach and decided to modify the track lighting system to be plug-in compatible.

Instead of directly connecting the wires, you should make it so that it can be plugged into an outlet and used.

Using this approach, we were able to power the entire booth's electrical system using only electrical outlets.

As a result, we were able to minimize the scope of work requiring qualifications, and even though we outsourced electrical work, we were able to do it at a considerably lower cost.

The aim is to keep costs down while maintaining safety and qualification requirements.

Shining Company Name

When it comes to electrical work, the most important thing is the company name sign at the entrance.

It's the face of the booth, and the first thing visitors see.

We wanted to make sure this part was properly illuminated with LED lights, so we decided to use a 3D printer to create it ourselves.

The GIF below shows the moment when we successfully embedded LEDs into the letters of the AZSTOKE logo and made them light up.

The letters lit up beautifully, just as I had hoped.

As an example of 3D printing, I'll show you the letters K and O. Each letter is printed individually, and they are designed to have LEDs embedded inside.

Furthermore, we also devised a method for attaching the 3D-printed letters to the scaffolding pipes.

These connecting parts have also been manufactured using a 3D printer.

I feel that the strength of 3D printers lies in the fact that you can create not only the letters themselves, but also the installation mechanism.

Preparations are finally in their final stages. We'll give it our all until the big day.

Starting with the adoption of fabric and fire prevention measures, and continuing with the creation of the desk tops, installation of monitors and speakers, plugging in the lighting, and finally the illuminated company name sign, the overall picture of the booth is finally becoming clear.

The fact that we've been able to handle so much of the construction in-house is a testament to the gradual accumulation of expertise we've gained.

We will continue to work at a rapid pace towards the big day. Please look forward to the next update!