To foreign engineers working in Japan: How are you managing your professional development and job market research?
While joining local communities is valuable, attending major tech exhibitions and specialized conferences offers a unique, condensed view of Japan’s entire industry and future trends—a key element for career growth.
In 2026, the Japanese tech landscape will decisively shift toward AI implementation, Sustainability, and Societal Solutions. Below is a breakdown of the key events you should check, categorized by your career goals.
The Key to Career Growth is On the Floor
Large-scale events differ from community meetups because they provide a holistic view rather than isolated information:
- Trend Grasping: You can see the full picture of what Japanese companies are investing in and which technologies are being adopted on a large scale.
- Direct Corporate Contact: You get to speak directly with technical staff and HR leads, gaining first-hand insights not available on websites or job boards.
To fully immerse yourself in the Japanese tech ecosystem in 2026, you simply can’t afford to miss out on these strategic opportunities.
Track 1: The All-Encompassing IT Festival
Japan IT/DX/AI Week
This is one of the largest platforms for viewing the entirety of Japan’s B2B IT sector, not just a specific technology. Held 4 times a year in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya!
| Characteristics | Benefit for Foreign Engineers |
| Highly Business-Oriented | Perfect for overall market research and competitor analysis. Helps you understand the demand structure of IT solutions in Japan. |
| Comprehensive IT Coverage | Covers all major areas like Cloud, Security, AI, and IoT, allowing you to check trends outside your specialization. |
| High Density of HR & Recruitment | Beyond B2B solutions, many companies use these events as a scouting opportunity. It directly supports job hunting by providing frequent contact with HR and recruiters. |
・Website: https://www.japan-it.jp/hub/en-gb.html#/
Track 2: Future Cities and Society Focus
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026
These major international events focus on solving urban and social issues, which is critical for understanding Japan’s future direction.
| Characteristics | Benefit for Foreign Engineers |
| Social Implementation & International Collaboration | Focuses on urban challenge resolution, sustainability, and real-world implementation of cutting-edge technology. Often features exhibits from government bodies and startups. |
| High Social Impact Projects | Ideal for finding socially conscious projects and exploring collaboration opportunities with the public sector. This helps you connect your skills to Japan’s societal needs. |
・Website: https://sushitech-startup.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/
Track 3: Global Technical Deep Dive (Specialized Conferences)
Conferences that attract experts with a deep passion for a specific technology are essential for continuous learning and high-level networking.
1. RubyKaigi 2026
The pinnacle global conference for Ruby developers.
- Dates: Wednesday, April 22 – Friday, April 24, 2026
- Venue: Hakodate Citizen Hall & Hakodate Arena, Hokkaido
- Characteristics: Sessions are predominantly conducted in English. It is a rare chance to interact directly with the core Ruby developers and committers worldwide.
- Benefit: Acquire world-standard Ruby expertise and achieve intense networking with global experts. This adds significant value to your résumé.
- Website: https://rubykaigi.org/2026/
2. SciPyDataJapan 2026
A leading Python community event focused on scientific computing and data science.
- Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Venue: Tokyo, Ochanomizu
- Characteristics: Community-driven and specialized, diving deep into professional topics within data science and machine learning.
- Benefit: Gain deep, specialized knowledge in Python/Data Science directly from passionate local researchers and developers. It’s a crucial venue for finding collaboration and career advancement opportunities. *Some parts may be provided in English, but overall, Japanese will be the primary language.
- Website: https://scipydata.connpass.com/event/364718/
Track 4: The Cutting Edge of AI, Robotics, and Entertainment
1. AI & Artificial Intelligence EXPO / NexTech Week 2026
Japan’s largest exhibition on AI.
- Dates: Multiple sessions (Spring, Autumn)
- Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Makuhari Messe
- Characteristics: Gathers the latest solutions in Generative AI, Deep Learning, and other advanced AI technologies. Features abundant business-level AI implementation examples.
- Benefit: A high concentration of AI-related hiring companies and recruiters. It’s a hub for cutting-edge technology, providing knowledge for immediate professional application.
- Website: https://www.ai-expo.jp/
2. CEDEC 2026 (Computer Entertainment Developers Conference)
The largest domestic conference for game developers.
- Dates: Wednesday, July 22- Friday, July 24, 2026
- Venue: Pacifico Yokohama, and Online
- Characteristics: Specialized in entertainment technology (AI, Graphics, VR/AR, etc.). Focuses on practical presentations by top-level engineers.
- Benefit: Essential for those aiming for the game industry. Helps you build industry connections and understand the advanced technical trends behind hit titles.
- Website: https://cedec.cesa.or.jp/2026/
3. Robot Technology Japan (RTJ) 2026
A specialized exhibition for industrial and service robots.
- Dates: Thursday, June 11- Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Venue: Aichi Sky Expo, Aichi
- Characteristics: Features live demonstrations of the latest AGVs/AMRs and collaborative robots. Provides insight into the current state of DX in Japan’s core industries.
- Benefit: An excellent opportunity to connect with companies specializing in the manufacturing and logistics DX sectors. Best for understanding the role of robotics technology in Japan’s industrial structure.
- Website: https://robot-technology.jp/
Strategic Participation: How to Maximize Your Results
To succeed across multiple events, you must be strategic, not just present.
-
Define Your Mission: Set a clear, specific goal for each event: “Information Gathering,” “Recruitment Screening,” or “Contact with a Specific Expert.”
-
Be the Global Bridge: Your international perspective is your greatest asset. Act as a “bridge” connecting Japanese communities with global tech trends by sharing relevant overseas news and insights.
-
Post-Event Content Creation: Post your learnings and impressions on your blog or social media. This practice increases your visibility as a recognized expert and can organically attract new job opportunities.
By strategically leveraging the 2026 tech event calendar, you can clearly define your position within the Japanese tech ecosystem and dramatically accelerate your career.
Be proactive, attend these events, and carve out your successful career path in Japan!
Interested in working in Japan’s tech industry?
Check out our job board for the latest openings!
Follow us on Linkedin to stay updated!
