CEATEC opens in Chiba with record 246 startups

CEATEC's opening ceremony put the event's framing in the words of its organizer. Takashi Niino, chair of the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association, told the audience that as societal challenges become increasingly complex, it is important not only to create new technologies but also to change the future of industries, society and people's lives for the better.

The exhibition floor reflects that breadth. Mitsubishi Electric demonstrated AI technology capable of identifying abnormal sounds and human voices in noisy manufacturing environments. Hitachi presented its efforts to improve the efficiency of social infrastructure operations, including railways and power systems, using AI. NEC showcased a service designed to protect organizations from cyberattacks.

Scale is part of the story this year. Alongside the 821 companies and organizations, organizers counted a record 246 startup companies and universities and 194 overseas firms and organizations from 31 countries and regions, with more than 110,000 visitors expected. The Japan Mobility Show bizweek 2026, hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, opened concurrently at the venue, with more than 200 companies and organizations including automakers attending — an overlap that appears intended to create opportunities for business discussions and collaboration.