TechCrunch is taking its flagship Startup Battlefield competition to Tokyo for SusHi Tech 2026. This isn't your typical tech conference, it's zeroing in on four domains that are actively reshaping how we work and live: AI, robotics, resilience, and entertainment.
The event will feature live demos of humanoid robots and sessions exploring the software revolution happening in autonomous driving. If you're building with AI or watching the robotics space, this is where you'll see what's actually shipping versus what's still vaporware.
The agenda also includes deep dives into cyber defense and climate tech, two areas where AI tools are becoming critical infrastructure. For anyone working in security or sustainability, these sessions could surface new approaches you haven't considered.
One of the more interesting angles is the focus on how AI is transforming Japan's creative industries, specifically music and anime production. These conversations matter because they're happening in real time, creative professionals are already navigating AI tools that change their workflows, and Japan's approach could signal where other markets are headed.
If you're using AI in your work or thinking about where the technology is going next, events like this offer a ground-level view of what's moving from lab to market. Tokyo's tech scene has always had its own flavor, and seeing how AI integrates there adds useful perspective beyond the usual Silicon Valley narrative.
