#Japan #Tokyo #Digital Infrastructure #Connected Tokyo #TOKYO Data Highway

The Future of 'Connected Tokyo' Explored at the 6th TOKYO Data Highway Summit

On November 20, 2023, a pivotal gathering took place in Tokyo, as the Governor and representatives from various telecommunications companies convened for the 6th TOKYO Data Highway Summit (TDH Summit). The primary aim was to discuss and exchange ideas on the vision of a future society where Tokyo is seamlessly connected.

The event featured presentations from eight leading telecommunications firms, each sharing their individual perspectives on what a connected Tokyo could look like in the future. Following the presentations, a lively discussion moderated by Professor Jun Murai from Keio University took place, allowing for broad, insightful exchanges regarding digital innovation and the path to achieving a more interconnected urban environment.

During this engaging forum, Governor Yuriko Koike expressed her expectations for constant technological evolution, praising the rigorous competition among telecom companies, which she believes is crucial for driving collective advancement. She emphasized the importance of leveraging advancements in data and artificial intelligence to enrich and secure the quality of life for Tokyo's citizens.

Professor Murai underscored the significance of the TDH Summit, describing it as a unique opportunity where leaders in digital infrastructure and the government converge. He called for enhanced collaboration between the city and telecom providers, encouraging them to work together to improve digital infrastructure, ensure mobile security, and even deploy drones. His vision extends to positioning Tokyo as a leader, paving the way for global expansion in digital advancements.

The TDH Summit aimed not just at immediate discussions, but it also seeks to channel the insights gained into actionable strategies that will promote a better-connected Tokyo in the years to come. The concepts exchanged during the summit will feed into the development of new initiatives aimed at realizing this goal.

Overview of the Event

Date & Time: November 20, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Opening remarks by the Governor
2. Presentations on the vision of a connected Tokyo
3. Future scenarios painted by telecom companies
4. Interactive discussion

Key Attendees:

• - Professor Jun Murai, Special Invited Professor at Keio University (Chair)
• - Naoki Shibuya, President of NTT East Corporation
• - Yoshitaka Maeda, President of NTT Docomo, Inc.
• - Hiroji Matsuda, President and CEO of KDDI Corporation
• - Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Officer and CTO of SoftBank Corporation
• - Kazuhiro Suzuki, Co-CEO of Rakuten Mobile, Inc.
• - Atsushi Tanaka, President of JTower, Inc.
• - Naruharu Kato, President of NTT Broadband Platform, Inc.
• - Tomoki Mukaiyoshi, President of Wire and Wireless Co., Ltd.
• - Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo
• - Manabu Miyasaka, Deputy Governor of Tokyo
• - Katsumi Takano, Director of the Digital Service Bureau, Tokyo Metropolis

Accessing Meeting Resources

Documents from the summit can be accessed via the Tokyo Metropolitan Digital Service Bureau's official website.

Additionally, an archive of the summit proceedings is available on YouTube. Interested individuals can view the discussions via this YouTube link.

About the TOKYO Data Highway Summit

The TDH Summit is part of Tokyo's broader initiative to enhance the quality of life for its citizens through digital technology, striving towards a ‘Smart Tokyo’ where connections are seamless and accessible to everyone, at any place and time. This initiative is aligned with the '2050 Tokyo Strategy', particularly focusing on building a comprehensive digital road through the TOKYO Data Highway.

For any inquiries regarding the summit and its implications, please contact the Digital Service Promotion Department of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government at telephone: 03-5320-7622 or via email: S1100303(at)section.metro.tokyo.jp (please replace (at) with @ for correspondence).