#Japan #Tokyo #Toyota City #Iwata City #Infrastructure AX

Local Government Infrastructure AX Summit 2026 to Feature Prominent Mayors

Overview of the Event

On February 18, 2026, the Local Government Infrastructure AX Summit 2026 will take place at the Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This summit, hosted by the organizing committee led by the space venture company Tenchijin Inc., recognized by JAXA, aims to tackle the pressing issues faced by local governments in managing infrastructure amidst dwindling resources and a growing demand for sustainability.

With the addition of significant speakers — Toyota Mayor Minoru Ota and Iwata Mayor Hiroaki Kusachi — the event promises to gather insights from key figures in infrastructure management. Their keynote addresses will focus on the future of infrastructure through the lens of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s strategies and the evolving roles of local governments. This important dialogue aims to shed light on how local cities can engage in sustainable group management through digital transformation (DX) and public-private partnerships (PPP/PFI).

Keynote Presentations

Transforming Infrastructure Management

In both keynotes, the mayors will highlight critical perspectives on transitioning from viewing infrastructure as a mere cost to recognizing it as a valuable asset. Mayor Ota will discuss the shift in local government roles from managers to producers, emphasizing collaborative governance that integrates seasoned experience with data-driven decision-making (EBPM).

Addressing the Challenges Ahead

Japan is facing a multitude of challenges, including aging infrastructure, a declining population, and a digital deficit of approximately 7 trillion yen. The summit aims to explore why disaster prevention and national resilience have been identified as priority areas alongside AI and semiconductors in Japan's growth strategy. As might be expected, these discussions will inhabit a space where emerging technologies converge with traditional wisdom.

Strikingly, as the population decreases, local governments need to rethink how they pass on vital technical knowledge. For instance, in water services, there is an ongoing effort to integrate the experience of veteran workers with AI to create a seamless transfer of knowledge. These challenges and solutions will form the backdrop of the summit’s agenda.

Session Breakdown

The summit will feature three insightful keynote sessions along with thematic discussions across various aspects of sustainable infrastructure management. This exchange will include government officials, private sector representatives, and academic experts. The discussions will cover the current national strategies, local government practices, and practical innovations on the ground.

Panel Discussions and Insights

Through panel discussions, attendees will have the chance to delve deep into Japan's digital struggles and explore pathways for rejuvenation. The summit will tackle how local and national strategies intersect, focusing on innovative partnerships among government, business, and academia to explore sustainable management tactics.

Special Talks

A special session by Professors at Osaka University will discuss the importance of data in modern infrastructure management, focusing on the blend of experienced decision-making and data analytics to redefine traditional paradigms of infrastructure governance.

Conclusion

The Local Government Infrastructure AX Summit 2026 not only promises to be a central gathering for various stakeholders to address pressing infrastructure issues but also serves as a launchpad for new ideas that could reframe how local governments operate. Collectively, the event will serve to convey messages of hope and necessary innovation to ensure future resilience in Japan’s infrastructure policies. As the day unfolds, strategies that pivot toward sustainable management and proactive governance in the face of challenges will unfold.

Stay updated with the latest on the event and potential changes in the agenda by visiting the official summit website: Local Government Infrastructure AX Summit 2026.