Why Tokyo is the most important tech destination of 2026
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 stands out with four tightly defined technology domains—AI, robotics, resilience, and entertainment—each backed by live demonstrations and global industry leaders. The event combines infrastructure-level discussions with hands-on exhibits, positioning Tokyo at the center of key tech conversations in 2026.
Every major tech conference has themes. Most are vague enough to mean everything and nothing at the same time. SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 is doing something different — four tightly defined technology domains, each backed by live demonstrations, dedicated exhibit floors, and sessions featuring the people actually building and funding these technologies globally.
TechCrunch is partnering with SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 as an official media partner, and the Startup Battlefield team will be on the ground selecting one standout semifinalist from the SusHi Tech Challenge to advance to the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200 — one of the most prestigious launchpads in tech. Here’s what’s on the floor.
AI — beyond the hype, into the infrastructure
Sessions featuring Howard Wright (Nvidia), Rob Chu (AWS), and Eric Benhamou (Benhamou Global Ventures) examine where AI is genuinely deployed at scale and where the real risks lie. On the floor, AI-themed university startups pitch alongside global players.
The AI Film Festival Japan, a partner event at Tokyo Innovation Base in Yurakucho, explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping culture in real time.
Robotics — physical AI has arrived
The robots at SusHi Tech aren’t behind glass — they’re on the floor and interactive. Onstage, Nissan, Isuzu, and Applied Intuition’s Qasar Younis examine how software-defined vehicles are reshaping transportation.
Physical AI isn’t a future trend. It’s in Tokyo on April 27.
Resilience — the cities that survive what’s coming
Eva Chen (Trend Micro) and NEC’s Noboru Nakatani tackle cyber defense, while climate tech VCs from Breakthrough Energy and Cleantech Group examine where global investment is flowing.
A VR disaster simulator and site-visit tours of Tokyo’s underground flood-control infrastructure make the stakes viscerally real.
Entertainment — Japan’s cultural engine meets AI
Sessions with the CEOs of Production I.G, MAPPA, and CoMix Wave Films explore what it takes for Tokyo to become the Hollywood of animation.
On the floor, startups are using AI to translate manga globally, generate music from text prompts, and bring Japanese IP to life as anime — delivered worldwide.
Remote access and global engagement
Remote participants can go beyond a traditional livestream experience. On-site staff walk the floor carrying a device that displays a remote attendee’s face, enabling real-time, face-to-face interaction with exhibitors and participants.
Some sessions may not be available for viewing. Ticket holders can also stream sessions online.
In conjunction with the startup event, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government hosts a meeting of leaders from 55 cities across five continents. They will discuss the theme of “A New Urban Future Built on Climate and Disaster Resilience.”
The city leaders’ summit is part of G-NETS (Global City Network for Sustainability), organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government since 2022 as a multicity forum focused on solving common challenges, with a current emphasis on resilience to urban climate disasters and the well-being of citizens. The summit can be observed by general audiences on YouTube in real time and after the event.
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 runs April 27–29 at Tokyo Big Sight. Business days are April 27–28; public day (free admission) is April 29.