#Japan #Tokyo #JPI Seminar #Data Center Demand #Infrastructure Policy

Introduction to the Seminar

The JPI, known as the Japan Planning Institute, is hosting a seminar on February 27, 2026, focused on the increasing demand for data centers and the associated power and communication infrastructure policies. This seminar is particularly noteworthy as it features Shunsuke Kamada, the head of the Data Communication Division in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, who will provide in-depth insights on this crucial topic.

Context of Growing Demand

The rise of generative AI has significantly heightened the demand for data centers, which in turn require massive amounts of electricity. Currently, the digital infrastructure is predominantly concentrated in the Tokyo and Osaka regions. This centralization poses challenges regarding resilience, green transformation (GX), and revitalization of local economies. Consequently, there is an urgent need to advance regional decentralization strategies.

Launch of the Watt-Bit Collaboration

In response to the challenges presented by growing data center demands, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry established the 'Watt-Bit Collaboration Public-Private Dialogue' in March 2025. In June of the same year, they summarized their findings and strategies in a document titled “Summary 1.0,” which will be discussed during the seminar.

Topics of Discussion

The seminar will cover several key areas:
1. Current Status of Digital Infrastructure: An overview of the existing digital framework and its operational mechanics.
2. Challenges and Directions: Discussion about the obstacles facing digital infrastructure and proposed solutions.
3. Background of the Watt-Bit Collaboration: Insights into the motivations behind the establishment of the collaboration committee.
4. Summary 1.0 Overview: Presentation of the findings from the initial summary by the collaborative committee.
5. Future Government Initiatives: Expectations and predictions regarding forthcoming governmental policies in the field.
6. Q&A Session: An opportunity for attendees to pose questions directly to the speaker.
7. Networking Event: Engage with fellow participants and the lecture to foster new connections and partnerships.

Unique Opportunities Provided

This seminar offers a rare chance to interact directly with key figures from the government, fostering discussions that could translate into practical insights for attendees. The networking opportunities available during the event further enrich the experience, enabling participants to share their own expertise and discover potential collaborative ventures across different sectors and industries.

Participation Options

Participants can choose from different modes of attendance:

• - In-Person Attendance: Engage face-to-face without access to the archive.
• - Live Streaming: Attend the seminar remotely in real-time without archive access.
• - Archived Viewing: Post-event access to recorded content is available.

For in-person or live streaming participants, an additional fee of 18,500 yen (tax included) provides access to the archived content.

Seminar Fees

The registration fee for one participant is set at 37,310 yen (including tax). Interestingly, companies registering one individual can bring a second from the same organization free of charge (registration required). Local government personnel can enroll up to two additional members for a lower fee of 11,000 yen each (only for in-person or live attendance).

Contact Details
JPI (Japan Planning Institute)
2-32, Minamiazabu 5-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0047
Phone: 03-5793-9761
Fax: 03-5793-9767
Website: JPI Official

About JPI

For over half a century, JPI has served as a bridge of knowledge among government, officials, and the private sector, supporting the implementation of national policies and projects. By providing valuable information tailored to executives and decision-makers in an interactive seminar format, we aim to foster innovative solutions and developments in policy implementation.