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Code for Japan Summit 2026: A Collaborative Approach to Public Services and AI

On October 3, 2026, the Code for Japan initiative will host its highly anticipated event, the 'Code for Japan Summit 2026', at Bell Salon Kudanshita in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The focus of this year's summit is on the theme of 'Public and AI', highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence tools across various sectors in our daily lives and public services.

AI is no longer a mere experimental concept; it's a technology that is intricately woven into pivotal aspects of our lives including healthcare, transportation, education, and child-rearing. However, discussions surrounding our vision for society in an AI-imbued world have yet to catch up with this technological progression. Once these systems are integrated into public life, reversing them becomes increasingly difficult, making it essential for us to engage in the dialogue now.

This summit represents a unique opportunity for officials, citizens, engineers, and researchers to collaborate and share their diverse experiences regarding the future of AI and public welfare. Rather than facing these profound questions alone, participants can join forces, gathering insights and perspectives from multiple stakeholders to co-develop a shared vision for the future.

An Innovative Program Focused on 'Public and AI'

Every year, the Code for Japan Summit brings together various players from different backgrounds to confront social issues head-on and engage in thought-provoking discussions. In 2026, the summit will delve into key topics including the role of public service, the policy-making process, the application of AI in government, and fostering citizen cooperation in the digital era.

One of the highlights will be a keynote speech by Professor Arisa Ema from the University of Tokyo, a specialist in the relationship between technology and society. Her talk will focus on re-evaluating social design in the AI age through dialogues with diverse stakeholders. Following her presentation, a discussion panel will aim to benchmark AI utilization in Japan against international civic dialogue initiatives.

Keynote Speaker: Professor Arisa Ema

Professor Ema is a prominent figure in the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). Her research explores the interplay between information technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, and society. She is the author of significant works such as 'Navigating AI Society – How to Engage with Artificial Intelligence' and 'Understanding AI and Society with Pictures and Diagrams'.

The summit will also feature sessions designed by Code for Japan members, addressing a range of thought-provoking questions, such as:

• - How can administrative organizations nurture talent and build robust teams amid increasing resource challenges?
• - In what ways can we design public services through collaboration with citizens while harnessing AI?
• - How is the digitalization and zero-trust approach functioning within administrative systems, and at what points are we facing hurdles?

These discussions aim to scrutinize not just the adoption of technologies but also to reassess the very essence of public service itself.

Who Should Attend?

This event is perfect for:

• - Officials and municipalities focused on digitalization and AI utilization.
• - Engineers, designers, and researchers passionate about solving social issues.
• - Students and professionals interested in social activism.
• - Individuals intrigued by civic technology and the relationship between public services and technology.

Event Details

• - Name: Code for Japan Summit 2026
• - Date: October 3, 2026 (10:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Doors open at 10:00 AM)
• - After-event gathering: 5:05 PM – 6:35 PM
• - Venue: Bell Salon Kudanshita (Website)

Chiyoda, Tokyo, 1-8-10, Sumitomo Real Estate Kudanshita Building 3rd and 4th Floors (Google Map)

• - Capacity: 300 participants
• - Organizer: Code for Japan, a nonprofit organization dedicated to civic technology and community development.

Call for Programs

We invite submissions for programs focusing on 'Public and AI' for this summit. We encourage practical approaches that go beyond presentations to foster thinking and action amongst participants through your innovative initiatives.

An informational meeting on program submissions will be held, and we welcome your participation.

• - Information Meeting: May 15, 2026 (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM) - Online
• - Registration: Here

Submission Guidelines

• - Deadline: June 21, 2026 (11:59 PM)
• - Notification of Acceptance: End of June
• - Program Formats:

- Sessions (40 minutes)
- Sessions (20 minutes)
- Lightning Talks (5 minutes)
- Workshops

Program Submission Form: Link

About the Organizer

Code for Japan is a nonprofit organization focusing on building a civic tech community and developing open-source software. We aim to 'think together and create together' a better future, transcending boundaries among different players in our society. (For more information, visit our website).