#Japan #Tokyo #AI Expo #Preferred Networks #Donut Robotics

AI Expo Summer 2026: A Showcase of Innovation

The AI Expo Summer 2026 will host a two-day conference on August 26 and 27 at the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building's triangular plaza in Tokyo. Organized by AIsmiley, one of Japan's largest AI portal media companies, this event marks the 10th installment of the expo, which has garnered over 57,000 attendees in its previous nine iterations.

During this year's conference, attendees can expect a rich schedule of over 40 presentations focusing on the latest trends in generative AI and practical case studies demonstrating successful AI implementation across various sectors. Here are some of the highlighted sessions and speakers of this exciting lineup:

Keynote Address: The Strongest Humanoid Emerges from Japan

Date & Time: August 26, 2026, 10:00 AM - 10:40 AM
Overview: As investment in physical AI continues to rise globally, the humanoid development race is currently dominated by the US and China. Amid ongoing international disputes, Japan has a unique advantage in presenting the safest humanoids. This keynote will explore the strategies of Donut Robotics as they unveil their bipedal humanoid robot, cinnamon 1, to a global audience.
Speaker:
Yasuke Ono
CEO of Donut Robotics, Yasuke Ono, hails from Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. With a self-taught background in product design, he founded Donut Robotics at the age of 22. His company promotes robot and AI development and gained global media attention, featuring in outlets like The New York Times and TIME. In 2026, they will launch Japan's first mass-produced bipedal humanoid, cinnamon 1.

Gemini Enterprise: Transforming AI Utilization in Businesses

Date & Time: August 26, 2026, 12:20 PM - 1:00 PM
Overview: This session will delve into the latest features of Google Gemini and offer tips on how businesses can effectively utilize AI while safeguarding data. It will highlight real-life success stories demonstrating how AI can significantly enhance workload efficiency and organizational productivity.
Speaker:
Junichi Fukui
AI marketing specialist at Google Cloud Japan, Fukui transitioned from various technical roles to focus on AI product marketing. He is responsible for promoting generative AI products and data analysis tools.

Introduction of Effective AI Agents: Automated Business Case Studies

Date & Time: August 27, 2026, 12:20 PM - 1:00 PM
Overview: Despite 34.5% of companies utilizing generative AI, a clear divide has emerged between those achieving results and those that are not. This talk will identify three key factors necessary for producing results through AI agents: scope of use, autonomous execution of business processes, and the design of human-AI interactions. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights to improve business efficiency.
Speaker:
Ryo Nakai
From the business development team at GMO Pepabo, Nakai specializes in AI chatbots and agent support, helping SMEs automate customer support operations effectively.

Evolving SEO in the Era of Generative AI: New Marketing Strategies

Date & Time: August 27, 2026, 2:40 PM - 3:20 PM
Overview: With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, the decision-making process for consumers has changed. Businesses that do not secure AI recommendations risk falling into obscurity. This presentation will cover evolving SEO dynamics while presenting strategies on how to create content that appeals to AI algorithms.
Speaker:
Masaru Kimura
As the SEO Lab Director at CyberAgent, Kimura has built successful SEO strategies for numerous companies while promoting research-based optimizations.

Trends in Generative AI Development and National LLMs

Date & Time: August 27, 2026, 3:50 PM - 4:30 PM
Overview: This session will focus on the latest developments in generative AI and discuss the importance of national LLMs, also known as Sovereign AI, especially in 2026. It will elaborate on the progress made by Preferred Networks in creating these AI models and their innovative generative AI framework, PLaMo.
Speaker:
Toshiaki Okada
Director of AI Products & Solutions at Preferred Networks, Okada oversees business strategies related to industrial solutions and generative AI products.

Through these sessions and more, attendees will gain insights directly applicable to their companies, harnessing the potential of AI in various operational aspects. The conference aims to bridge the gap between learning and practical implementation, offering immersive experiences that empower businesses to catch up with the latest advancements.

Attendance Information

The AI Expo Summer 2026 is open to the public, expecting about 10,000 attendees and featuring over 100 exhibitors showcasing approximately 200 products. To participate in this groundbreaking event, registration can be completed through the official website: AI Expo Summer 2026.

Event Details

• - Date: August 26 (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) and August 27 (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
• - Location: Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, Tokyo, Japan

Organizer: AIsmiley
Co-Sponsors: Various influential AI and technology organizations in Japan.

Through this conference, participants will not only learn from industry leaders but also explore firsthand the practical applications of AI technologies through demonstrations and exhibits, aiming for a seamless transition from theory to practice in their respective fields.