#Japan #AI Technology #Osaka #AI Expo #AIsmiley

AI Expo Osaka 2026: A Turning Point for AI Adoption in Kansai

The AI Expo Osaka 2026, held on January 21st and 22nd at My Dome Osaka, saw an overwhelming turnout of 8,106 attendees, a remarkable increase from the 3,393 participants recorded during last year's event. Hosted by AIsmiley, Japan's leading AI portal media company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, this year's expo illustrated a vital shift in the approach to AI utilization in the Kansai area, moving from mere interest to genuine implementation.

A Lively Atmosphere and Active Business Discussions

From the moment the doors opened on both days, visitors flocked in, eager to explore the possibilities of AI technology. This year’s theme, "Reviving Kansai's Strengths through AI: Accelerating Adoption for a New Social and Economic Wind," attracted over 50 companies showcasing more than 100 AI products and solutions. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and enthusiasm throughout the venue, a clear indicator of the growing interest in practical AI applications.

Attendees were not just there to gather information; many engaged in specific discussions targeting the implementation of AI within their operations. Participants sought solutions tailored to their industries, whether it was in quality control for manufacturing, optimizing logistics, or automating customer service in retail. The sight of business professionals captivated by demonstrations became commonplace, demonstrating their commitment to addressing real-world challenges.

Conferences Fully Attended with Practical Insights Shared

The conference featured 27 presentations from 36 industry leaders, covering current trends in generative AI, practical cases of AI agents, and methodologies for driving organizational digital transformation (DX). The emphasis on business-relevant topics attracted substantial attention, leading to overflowing seats and many standing-room-only sessions. Attendees showed a keen interest in gaining practical insights, forming lines to ask questions after presentations concluded.

Speakers such as Hirakawa Keisuke from West Japan Railway Company, Itakatsu Misaki from Osaka Gas, and Harada Aya from Comucal shared valuable expertise.

Feedback from participants underscored the expo's significance:

• - An attendee from an education-related organization expressed, "I run a Japanese language school for international students and came looking for tips on improving operational efficiency. The moment I entered, I was struck by the crowd and energy of the event. Listening to the talks helped me envision how AI could relieve unseen operational burdens, proving to be highly educational."

• - A gentleman from a systems development company noted, "In addition to information on establishing a data infrastructure and utilizing AI, the event highlighted specific case studies from Kansai companies, reinforcing the regional momentum. By attending both days, I gathered immense insights."

• - A female visitor from the automotive manufacturing sector remarked, "With the rapid advancements in AI, I traveled from Gifu to stay updated. I attended around 4-5 conferences and was amazed by the high level of engagement from all attendees. This certainly gives me confidence in the ongoing developments in this field, and I plan on participating regularly to keep my knowledge current."

These voices reflected a clear message: the two-day event marked a strong acceleration toward concrete actions regarding AI implementation beyond mere information gathering.

Upcoming Event: AI Expo Spring 2026

Mark your calendars! The next installment, AI Expo Spring 2026, is scheduled for April 7th to 8th at the Tokyo International Forum. This event promises to keep the momentum of AI evolution alive and facilitate further advancements in digital transformation across Japan.

• - Event Name: AI Expo Spring 2026
• - Date: April 7-8, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (final day until 5:00 PM)
• - Venue: Tokyo International Forum, Hall E
• - Address: 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005, Japan
• - Organizer: AIsmiley, Inc.
• - Projected Attendance: 10,000 participants
• - Exhibiting Companies: 100 companies showcasing 200 products

Introduction to AIsmiley

AIsmiley is one of the largest AI portal media platforms in Japan, boasting over 3 million monthly page views and a catalog of more than 500 featured products. Through its website, users can seamlessly request information for AI solutions tailored to their interests, thereby accelerating AI adoption and supporting the digital transformation across domestic businesses.

• - Website: AIsmiley

Company Profile of AIsmiley

• - Company Name: AIsmiley, Inc.
• - Location: 150-0021 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Ebisu Nishi 1-20-2, Seibu Shinkin Bank Ebisu Building, 9th Floor
• - Established: March 9, 2018
• - CEO: Koji Itaba
• - Capital: 14,990,000 yen
• - Website: AIsmiley Company Profile

Contact for Inquiries:

AIsmiley, Inc.
Media Operations Department
Phone: 03-6452-4750
Email: [email protected]