Top 7 Annual IT Events/Expos in Japan

Published on:
2025-04-22
Erika S
|
Director
Top 7 Annual IT Events/Expos in Japan

Japan hosts some of the most influential IT expos and conferences in Asia, providing valuable entry points for international businesses seeking to enter the Japanese market. These annual events bring together top-tier enterprises, emerging startups, government agencies, and technology experts to exchange ideas, explore potential partnerships, and showcase the latest innovations in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, and more.

Whether you're seeking local distributors, tech collaborators, or simply aiming to understand Japan's evolving IT ecosystem, these expos provide direct access to decision-makers and trendsetters across the industry. From large-scale trade shows like Japan IT Week to specialized gatherings like Open Source Summit Japan, there's an event for every kind of business.

Annual IT Events/Expos in Japan

  1. Japan IT Week
  2. CEATEC
  3. Interop Tokyo
  4. AWS Summit
  5. EdgeTech+
  6. AI EXPO TOKYO
  7. Open Source Summit Japan

1. Japan IT Week

Image Source: Japan IT Week

Japan IT Week is the country’s largest and most comprehensive B2B exhibition for system development, maintenance, and operations. It brings together professionals across five key sectors: software and app development, IoT and edge computing, cybersecurity, data centers, and IT staffing solutions. Each event serves as a vital business-matching opportunity, where companies showcase transformative technologies that are shaping the future of the Japanese industry.

Key Highlights:

  • Covers core IT areas like system development, cybersecurity, cloud, AI, and digital transformation
  • Hosts over 1,000 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors each session
  • Offers business-matching opportunities, on-site seminars, and keynote conferences

2025 Dates:

  • Spring 2025: April 23–25 at Tokyo Big Sight (East Halls 1–8)
  • Nagoya 2025: May 28–30 at Port Messe Nagoya
  • Autumn 2025: October 22–24 at Makuhari Messe
  • Kansai 2026: January 21–23 at INTEX Osaka

Japan IT Week is the ideal gateway for businesses aiming to expand their digital capabilities and for IT professionals looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. Its multiple annual editions across key cities make it one of the most accessible and dynamic events in Japan's IT calendar.

2. CEATEC

Image Source: CEATEC

CEATEC (Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies) is Japan’s premier digital innovation exhibition, positioning itself as a showcase for Society 5.0 and the future of innovative technology. Held annually in October at Makuhari Messe, CEATEC brings together groundbreaking technologies like AI, IoT, robotics, semiconductors, and smart infrastructure under one roof. It attracts participants from across all industries, including both private-sector innovators and government leaders.

Key Highlights:

  • Features next-gen technologies shaping future societies
  • Strong media presence with over 1,000 journalists in attendance
  • CEATEC AWARD program honors standout innovations
  • Encourages cross-industry collaboration and co-creation

2025 Dates:

  • October 14–17 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba

CEATEC goes beyond a typical tech show by creating an ecosystem where innovation meets societal impact. Whether you’re a startup seeking exposure, a government entity exploring digital policy, or an enterprise innovating for the future, CEATEC offers unmatched value in terms of collaboration, visibility, and idea generation.

3. Interop Tokyo

Image Source: Interop Tokyo

First held in 1994, Interop Tokyo is Japan’s leading internet technology event and one of the longest-running IT expos in the country. Focused on networking, cloud computing, security, and next-gen communications, Interop offers cutting-edge demonstrations and conference sessions from global and local tech leaders. Its testbed environment, ShowNet, is especially unique, where engineers collaboratively build and run a temporary high-performance network on-site.

Key Highlights:

  • Premier showcase for internet, cloud, and infrastructure technologies
  • Features live demonstrations of operational networks
  • Attracts over 120,000 visitors annually (including co-hosted events)

2025 Dates: 

  • June 11–13 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba

Interop Tokyo is the go-to event for professionals working at the heart of internet infrastructure and enterprise IT systems. With a strong legacy and future-focused content, it remains a vital destination for IT engineers, developers, and decision-makers seeking scalable, secure, and high-performance digital solutions.

4. AWS Summit

Image Source: AWS Summit

AWS Summit Japan is the country’s largest cloud computing event dedicated to Amazon Web Services (AWS). Designed for cloud builders of all experience levels, the event offers deep technical sessions, business case studies, and live demonstrations, making it a premier platform for anyone looking to harness the power of AWS. The summit draws tens of thousands of professionals interested in AI, data, cloud infrastructure, and security.

Key Highlights:

  • Attracts over 40,000 attendees from across industries and sectors
  • Features more than 160 sessions and over 270 exhibits and demos
  • Includes hands-on workshops, hackathons, and networking zones
  • Free to attend, with live-streaming options available

2025 Dates:

  • June 25–26 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba + Online Streaming

Whether you're exploring cloud adoption or deepening your knowledge of AWS architecture, AWS Summit Japan is an invaluable event for engineers, developers, and IT leaders driving innovation through the cloud.

5. EdgeTech+

Image Source: EdgeTech+

EdgeTech+ is a long-standing and evolving exhibition that was initially founded as a microcomputer technology fair in 1986. Now focused on edge computing and IoT, it has become Japan’s foremost platform for showcasing embedded systems, edge AI, real-time operating systems, and next-generation connectivity. The event emphasizes value-driven digital transformation through edge technologies.

Key Highlights:

  • Covers a wide range of technologies: embedded systems, IoT, robotics, edge AI, and more
  • Features exhibitor pavilions, solution demos, and technical sessions
  • Focuses on B2B networking with strong industry representation
  • Curated to support both product discovery and business strategy

2025 Dates:

  • November 19–21 at Pacifico Yokohama

EdgeTech+ offers a future-focused view of how intelligent edge computing can transform industries. For companies navigating business transformation, it’s an ideal space to discover new tools and meet partners driving innovation at the edge.

6. AI EXPO TOKYO

Image Source: AI EXPO TOKYO

AI EXPO TOKYO is Japan’s largest trade show dedicated to artificial intelligence and its application across various sectors. Held twice a year, this exhibition covers a wide range of topics, including generative AI, predictive analytics, and robotics. Its dual seasonal editions attract both major tech vendors and fast-growing startups.

Key Highlights:

  • 200+ exhibitors focused on AI tech such as NLP, image recognition, generative AI, and big data
  • Industry-diverse visitor base including manufacturing, logistics, finance, and healthcare
  • Features a dedicated Generative AI Zone, demos, and business negotiation areas
  • Co-located with blockchain, quantum computing, and digital talent development expos

2025 Dates:

  • Spring: April 15–17 at Tokyo Big Sight
  • Autumn: October 8–10 at Makuhari Messe

AI EXPO TOKYO stands out as the must-attend event for businesses looking to leverage AI for digital transformation. It provides unmatched access to the people, technologies, and ideas shaping Japan’s AI-driven future.

7. Open Source Summit Japan

Image Source: Open Source Summit Japan

Hosted by The Linux Foundation, Open Source Summit Japan is the leading event for developers, architects, and technologists involved in open-source innovation. With a focus on collaboration, community building, and best practices, the event features keynotes, in-depth sessions, and interactive discussions across multiple open-source domains.

Key Highlights:

  • Covers diverse tracks including cloud-native, automotive Linux, security, and OSPOs
  • Features talks by global leaders in open-source development
  • Offers hands-on learning and networking with contributors across ecosystems
  • Strong focus on sustainability and the future growth of the open-source community

2025 Dates:

  • December 8–10 at Toranomon Hills Forum, Tokyo

Open Source Summit Japan is more than just a conference—it's a convergence point for those who build and maintain the digital foundations of tomorrow. Whether you're contributing to Linux, exploring open governance, or working on enterprise adoption, this summit is a cornerstone of the community.

Conclusion

Attending one or more of these annual IT events is a strategic way for global companies to connect with Japan’s tech community and gain a foothold in the market. Each expo provides a unique blend of innovation, networking, and insight into how Japan is driving digital transformation across sectors. For businesses looking to expand into Japan, these events offer not only visibility but also opportunities.

Whether you're launching new services, scouting technology partners, or exploring regulatory frameworks, Japan’s IT expos can fast-track your market entry and help you build strong, future-ready relationships in one of Asia’s most dynamic tech environments.

Blog Writer
Erika S
Director
EN-JA bilingual project director with an extensive background in leading Japanese translation and localization projects.

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