Tokyo Accelerates International Partnerships in Digital and AI Fields

Urban Challenges in the Digital and AI Fields and Initiatives of the TMG

The Bureau of Digital Services, Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) participated in SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026—one of Asia’s largest global innovation conferences dedicated to envisioning a sustainable urban future, held from April 27 to 29, 2026. At the conference, in addition to signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Taipei City Government, the Bureau also held its first-ever pavilion exhibition.

Strengthening International Partnerships through MOUs with Seoul and Taipei 

TMG signed MOUs on mutual cooperation with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Taipei City Government, with the aim of strengthening and further developing cooperation and exchange in the digital field. In addition, as part of cooperation and exchange between TMG and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, GovTechTokyo and the Seoul AI Foundation signed an MOU aimed at strengthening collaboration, particularly in the field of AI.

MOU with the Seoul Metropolitan Government

On April 27, 2026, TMG and the Seoul Metropolitan Government signed a MOU on areas including the utilization of AI in public administration, promotion of data-driven governance, development of digital talent, and exchanges of officials and staff. Under this MOU, the two cities will promote the sharing of knowledge in the digital field and continue to deepen exchanges of officials and staff through reciprocal visits and participation in events.

GovTechTokyo–Seoul AI Foundation Partnerships

Also on April 27, GovTechTokyo and the Seoul AI Foundation signed an MOU on cooperation in areas including the sharing of experiences, information, and knowledge related to AI, smart cities, and ICT; the exchange of information on new technologies; the discovery and implementation of joint projects; and support for startups in the smart city and technology-related sectors. Going forward, the two organizations will share challenges and solutions faced by their respective organizations and build a strong cooperative relationship aimed at further advancing DX, through continuous mutual exchanges and other forms of cooperation mutually agreed upon by both parties.

MOU with the Taipei City Government

On April 28, 2026, the TMG and the Taipei City Government signed a MOU to promote cooperation in the digital transformation of public administration, including development of digital talents in public sector. Through this partnership, the two cities will promote the sharing of knowledge and expertise in the digital field within the public sector and will further deepen their cooperation by continuously providing opportunities for in-person events and high-level exchanges, hosted alternately by the two cities.

The Bureau of Digital Services Pavilion at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026

The Bureau of Digital Services exhibited its first-ever standalone pavilion at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026.

Main Exhibits and Programs

At the pavilion, the Bureau highlighted a wide range of initiatives related to Smart Tokyo, with a particular focus on AI and urban resilience. For example, the exhibits showcased efforts to address urban challenges, ranging from projection mapping displays utilizing data from the Tokyo Digital Twin Project to AI-based sea-level rise prediction and heat mitigation measures as part of urban resilience initiatives. In addition, the stage program featured presentations and networking sessions introducing initiatives by Tokyo’s smart city areas, participating exhibitors, and local governments from across Japan. These programs attracted strong interest from many visitors.

On the final day, which was open to the public, the Bureau held “Tokyo Children’s Creative Lab (Kuri‑Labo),” a digital making workshop for elementary and junior high school students. Kuri‑Labo is a project designed to foster children’s creativity by encouraging to design and create their own ideas through hands-on experimentation using digital tools. Participants tried digital making using tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters, gaining hands-on experience in creating their own works.

Through the signing of the MOU and the pavilion exhibition at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, the TMG strengthened cooperation with overseas cities in the digital field and showcased solutions to urban challenges. Accordingly, the TMG will further advance international collaboration and, leveraging digital technology to unlock Tokyo’s potential, aims to realize “Smart Tokyo,” where residents enjoy high quality lives.