World Cities Culture Summit 2026 to be held in Tokyo

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF)＊ will host the World Cities Culture Summit 2026 in Tokyo this October. The Summit aims to address urban challenges, promote sustainable development, and build intercity networks through culture. Deputy mayors, Heads of Culture, and other cultural city leaders from across the world are scheduled to attend.

＊World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF): Established on the occasion of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Forum now has more than 45 member cities and has held a total of 14 summits in cities around the world.

Overview

Name: World Cities Culture Summit 2026
Date: October 28 (Wednesday) – October 30 (Friday), 2026
Venues: Edo-Tokyo Museum (1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo) and others
Participants: Deputy mayors, Heads of Culture, and other cultural city leaders from member cities of the WCCF

Message from the Governor of Tokyo

The World Cities Culture Forum has substantially expanded its global network, contributing to the cultural policies of cities around the world. This Summit will provide a golden opportunity for leaders across the globe to experience a new international arts and culture festival, which will be launched this year, and its main program, the international art exhibition TOKYO ATLAS. Participants can also enjoy the diverse appeal of Edo culture through an immersive experience at the newly renovated Edo-Tokyo Museum, one of the Summit venues. Through this Summit, we will further strengthen intercity cooperation to advance our respective cultural initiatives and enhance Tokyo’s presence on the global stage.

Message from the WCCF Founder and Chair

We are delighted that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will host the 15th World Cities Culture Summit in October. Our annual Summit brings together civic leaders from across our global network to share cultural policy solutions that improve lives and transform cities. Tokyo is a city where historic traditions meet cuttingedge creativity - from iconic districts, restaurants and festivals to globally influential film, architecture, fashion and digital media. Cities across our network can look to Tokyo for inspiration on how culture can support civic wellbeing and drive innovation while honouring the past.

Collaboration Program with the City of Amsterdam

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the City of Amsterdam (host of the Summit 2025) will launch a collaboration program inspired by our connection as host cities and will work to advancecultural policies in both cities.

■Official Website: Amsterdam ⇄ Tokyo Cultural Connections