Why Tokyo is the most important tech destination of 2026
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 has 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.
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 our 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) cut through the noise to 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, and the AI Film Festival Japan, a partner event at Tokyo Innovation Base in Yurakucho, explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping culture in real time.
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 top 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 tackle 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.
Can’t make it to Tokyo? You can still be there
Missing SusHi Tech Tokyo doesn’t have to mean missing out. Remote participants get more than a livestream — on-site staff will walk the floor on your behalf, carrying a device that displays your face so you can interact with attendees and exhibitors in real time, face-to-face. It’s the closest thing to actually being there.
Meet your next investor or portfolio startup at Disrupt
Meet your next investor or portfolio startup at Disrupt
Note: Please note that some sessions may not be available for viewing.
Apply for remote participation with on-site staff support here .
Can’t swing that either? Ticket holders can stream sessions online and tap into the programming from wherever they are. Browse the full session list here .
In conjunction with the startup event, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government also 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 to discuss how to solve common challenges with a focus now 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. Register here .
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Key takeaways
- SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 highlights the importance of practical technology application in areas like AI and urban resilience.
- The event serves as a model for Brazil in terms of collaboration between startups and large companies.
- Lessons learned in Tokyo could be crucial for addressing urban and security challenges in Brazil.
Editorial analysis
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 stands out as an event that not only brings together the latest innovations but also provides a space for in-depth discussions on the real-world application of technology, especially in areas like artificial intelligence and urban resilience. For the Brazilian tech sector, the significance of this event lies in the opportunity to observe how Japan, a global leader in technology, is shaping the future of cities and culture through innovation. The presence of university startups alongside global players suggests a vibrant ecosystem that could serve as a model for similar initiatives in Brazil.
Moreover, the practical and interactive approach of the event, with live demonstrations of robots and disaster simulations, emphasizes the need for robust and resilient technological infrastructure. In Brazil, where cities face significant challenges related to natural disasters and cybersecurity, the lessons learned in Tokyo could be crucial for developing local solutions. The collaboration between startups and large companies, as seen at SusHi Tech, could also inspire strategic partnerships in Brazil, where innovation is often driven by collaborative initiatives.
Finally, the focus on entertainment and culture, particularly regarding animation and the use of AI to translate and generate content, reflects a growing trend of convergence between technology and culture. Brazil, with its rich cultural and creative tradition, could benefit from exploring how technology can amplify its artistic voices. Therefore, SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 is not just an event to observe but a source of inspiration and learning for the future of the Brazilian tech sector.
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