SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 - Wrap-up Report on How Japan is gearing to ride the wave of global innovation

From AI and robotics to deep tech, climate innovation and global startup collaboration, SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 reflected how Japan is attempting to reposition itself at the centre of the next wave of global innovation. During the SusHi Tech Tokyo from April 27 - 29, AsiaBizToday team met founders, investors, policymakers and ecosystem leaders from across the world, all converging around one core question: What will the future of cities, industries and innovation look like? This AsiaInsights wrap-up video captures some of the key themes, voices and moments from one of Asia’s most ambitious startup and innovation platforms. Japan’s push around physical AI, robotics, sustainability and globalisation is becoming increasingly visible, and SusHi Tech Tokyo is emerging as a key platform driving those conversations.

Kiyoko Hashiba, Director for Global Promotion, Startup Strategy, Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

As the Director for Global Promotion at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Office for Startup and Global Financial City Strategy, Kiyoko Hashiba is on a mission to position Tokyo as the go-to destination for cutting-edge startups and financial giants. Since 2024, she has been at the forefront of initiatives like SusHi Tech Tokyo and Tokyo Innovation Base, attracting Industry 4.0 and fintech innovators to collaborate with Japanese companies and establish their presence in Tokyo. With a rich background in international investment promotion and a career that spans roles at Invest Hong Kong and MUFG Bank, Hashiba brings unparalleled expertise in fostering global business growth. In this conversation with Vishwesh Iyer, Founder & Editor, AsiaBizToday.com, she shares her views on the recently concluded SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 and the road ahead for Tokyo's emergence as a global startup and innovation hub.

Satoshi Konishi, Co-Founder & CEO, Kyoto Fusioneering on "Pioneering Fusion Reactor Technologies."

From Fusion Research to Global Industry: Japan’s Deep Tech Ambition At SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, fusion energy is emerging as one of the most ambitious frontiers in deep tech. In our latest feature, Satoshi Konishi, CEO of Kyoto Fusioneering, shares how the company is building a global fusion supply chain from Japan. • from university research to commercial deep tech • enabling the global fusion ecosystem • navigating capital, infrastructure and long timelines A powerful example of how Japan’s research strengths are translating into global business opportunities.

Lina Sakai Watanabe, Founder & CEO, Fermenstation on Transforming Waste to Value.

Fermenstation is a biotech startup that creates natural ingredients that improve the sensory experience, health, and nutrition for the food and beverage industries through our proprietary fermentation technology. The company, a B Corp, converts food waste to regenerative novel ingredients without making further waste and realize a circular eco system. Founder and CEO of Fermenstation Co., Ltd, Lina Sakai Watanabe has a deep understanding of fermentation technology and is promoting circular system utilizing original fermentation technology to achieve net zero society. She has more than 15 years of experience in finance, corporate planning & M&A.

Junji Takaoka, Incubation Partner, Head of Startup Building Program, University of Tokyo

Junji Takaoka is an Incubation Partner at Universty of Tokyo IPC, where he drives initiatives to transform cutting-edge academic research into global deep tech startups. His work spans early-stage incubation, venture creation, and ecosystem building between academia, entrepreneurs, and investors worldwide.

Toshiya Watanabe, Chairperson, NINEJP on how "Japan’s Startup Ecosystem Is Being Rebuilt Ground Up."

Toshiya Watanabe specializes in intellectual property policy, startup ecosystems, digital governance, and economic security — areas where he focuses on translating academic research into actionable policy solutions.

Tim Romero, Entrepreneur, Investor, Podcaster - "Why Japan’s Startup Ecosystem Isn’t Silicon Valley"

Tim Romero is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and host of the Disrupting Japan podcast. Based in Japan for over three decades he is deeply involved in Japan's startup community as an investor, founder, author and educator, and has founded several startups in Japan over the past 30 years.

Lauren Nham, Foundry Group, Ventures, Tokyo AI on "Japan is Ready to Scale Its Startup Ambitions"

Lauren Nham leads strategy and corporate development at Woven by Toyota, the software and investment arm of Toyota Motor Corporation building mobility platforms, automated driving, and smart city infrastructure.

Daniel Hill, Co-Founder, Aquivio, showcasing at SusHi Tech Tokyo

Aquivio is pioneering the future of water technology to enhance health, reduce environmental impact, and transform how people experience hydration.

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