SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, a major international technology conference, opens its doors on April 27, bringing together global innovators and city leaders to showcase practical applications across artificial intelligence, robotics, and climate technology. The event, running through April 29 at Tokyo Big Sight, emphasizes concrete technological deployments over speculative hype, according to organizers. Participants will witness live demonstrations and engage with builders shaping future urban environments.
The conference, now in its 2026 iteration, distinguishes itself by focusing on four precisely defined technology domains, moving beyond the often vague themes common in large-scale tech gatherings. Each domain features dedicated exhibition floors, live demonstrations, and sessions with individuals actively developing and funding these technologies worldwide. This approach provides a clear view of current capabilities.
Howard Wright, a senior executive at Nvidia, and Rob Chu from Amazon Web Services (AWS) are among the industry figures scheduled to dissect where artificial intelligence is genuinely deployed at scale and where significant risks persist. Eric Benhamou, founder of Benhamou Global Ventures, will also contribute to these discussions. Their insights offer a critical perspective.
On the exhibition floor, university startups focused on AI will present alongside established global players, demonstrating the breadth of innovation. A partner event, the AI Film Festival Japan, located at the Tokyo Innovation Base in Yurakucho, delves into how artificial intelligence is reshaping culture in real time. It is a fascinating intersection.
The robots at SusHi Tech Tokyo are not merely static displays behind protective glass barriers. They are interactive. Attendees can engage with these machines directly on the exhibition floor, experiencing physical AI firsthand.
This hands-on approach provides immediate understanding. Onstage, executives from Nissan and Isuzu, alongside Qasar Younis from Applied Intuition, will explore how software-defined vehicles are transforming the transportation sector. Physical AI is not a distant concept; its practical applications are evident in Tokyo this week.
These demonstrations show real progress. Eva Chen, Chief Executive Officer of Trend Micro, and Noboru Nakatani of NEC Corporation will lead discussions on cyber defense strategies. Their expertise is crucial in an interconnected world.
Concurrently, top climate technology venture capitalists from Breakthrough Energy and Cleantech Group will analyze global investment patterns within the climate tech sector. Understanding capital flows is vital for innovation. The stakes for urban resilience are made viscerally clear through a virtual reality disaster simulator, which offers an immersive experience, and site-visit tours of Tokyo’s extensive underground flood-control infrastructure.
These tours highlight the city's proactive measures. Beyond the tangible hardware and software, the conference also explores the creative industries. Chief Executive Officers from prominent animation studios, including Production I.G, MAPPA, and CoMix Wave Films, will discuss the necessary steps for Tokyo to solidify its position as a global animation hub, often referred to as the “Hollywood of animation.” This ambition is clear.
Startups on the floor are already leveraging AI to translate manga for international audiences, generate musical compositions from text prompts, and adapt Japanese intellectual property into anime for worldwide distribution. The creative potential is immense. “The hype around emerging technologies often dominates headlines,” noted Dr. Raj Mehta, an independent journalist covering the event. “But here, the focus is squarely on what works, what is being deployed today, and what problems these innovations actually solve.
It is a refreshing, evidence-first approach.” He pointed to the interactive robot displays as a prime example of this philosophy. “Before you dismiss these as mere prototypes, look at the integration into real-world scenarios.”
For those unable to attend in person, SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 offers innovative remote participation options beyond a simple livestream. On-site staff will navigate the exhibition floor on behalf of remote attendees, carrying a device that displays the remote participant’s face. This unique setup allows for real-time, face-to-face interaction with exhibitors and other attendees.
It is the closest possible experience to physical presence. Ticket holders can also stream sessions online, accessing programming from any location. This expanded access broadens the conference's reach.
In parallel with the startup event, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is hosting a meeting of leaders from 55 cities across five continents. This summit addresses the theme of “A New Urban Future Built on Climate and Disaster Resilience.” The city leaders’ summit forms part of G-NETS (Global City Network for Sustainability), an initiative launched by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2022. G-NETS serves as a multi-city forum designed to collaboratively address shared urban challenges, with a current emphasis on enhancing resilience to urban climate disasters and improving citizen well-being.
This collaborative effort underscores a shared global commitment. The summit’s proceedings are available for observation by general audiences on YouTube, both live and after the event. This convergence of technological innovation and urban governance discussions highlights Tokyo’s strategic positioning.
The city is not only showcasing its own advancements but also facilitating a broader dialogue on global challenges. The practical demonstrations and expert discussions provide a tangible counterpoint to abstract technological promises. This kind of event offers a vital platform for distinguishing genuine progress from mere speculation.
It serves as a crucial barometer for current technological capabilities. – Concrete applications of AI and robotics are on display, moving beyond theoretical discussions. – Global city leaders are collaborating on climate and disaster resilience strategies. – Tokyo aims to strengthen its position as a hub for both technology and animation. – Innovative remote participation options enhance accessibility for a global audience. The SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 conference and the co-located city leaders’ summit conclude on April 29. The business days run through April 28, with a public day offering free admission on April 29.
Following the event, the outcomes of the G-NETS discussions on urban resilience will likely inform new policy initiatives in participating cities. Observers will watch for concrete commitments and cross-city projects emerging from these deliberations. The ongoing integration of AI into creative industries, as demonstrated by the animation discussions, will also be a key area to monitor for future economic and cultural shifts.
Key Takeaways
— - Concrete applications of AI and robotics are on display, moving beyond theoretical discussions.
— - Global city leaders are collaborating on climate and disaster resilience strategies.
— - Tokyo aims to strengthen its position as a hub for both technology and animation.
— - Innovative remote participation options enhance accessibility for a global audience.
Source: TechCrunch
