Asahi Earth Conference 2026: “Let’s Talk About the World in the AI Era and Sustainable Happiness” Opens October 23

The Asahi Shimbun is accepting registrations on its official website for the “Asahi Earth Conference 2026,” which opens on Friday, October 23. The overall theme is “Let’s Talk: The World in the AI Era and Sustainable Happiness.”

In-person sessions will be held on Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, on the 4th floor of Tokyo Midtown Yaesu Conference (scheduled to be streamed starting in late November). Pre-recorded online sessions will be available for viewing exclusively via streaming starting Monday, November 2. Archived recordings will be available until Monday, January 18, 2027. Workshops for students will also be held at the in-person venue. Participation is free for all events.

■ “Asahi Earth Conference 2026” Official Website:https://t.asahi.com/wqx6

Here is a look at some of the in-person venue events, selected from over 20 panel discussions, interviews, workshops, and other programs. (Titles omitted)

[Friday, October 23]
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
When the World’s Greatest Judo Fighter “Relies on Others” — Exploring the Boundary Between Strength and Vulnerability Together
Yasuhiro Yamashita (Specially Appointed Professor, Faculty of Physical Education, Tokai University), Maho Isono (Anthropologist), Moderator: Shuhei Nomura (Deputy Chief, Asahi Shimbun Sports Department)

5:00 PM–6:00 PM
How Can We Find Happiness in the Age of AI?
Kentaro Kawabe (AI Solo-preneur, Chairman of the Board, LINE Yahoo), Mirai Hirano (President and CEO, Cinnamon), Katsu Tsunoda (President and CEO, The Asahi Shimbun), Moderator: Toru Higashioka (Assistant Director, Media Transformation, The Asahi Shimbun)

[Saturday, October 24]
10:30–11:30
Living with “Forgetting”—Dementia × AI: Toward a Society That Supports Each Person’s Individuality
Ayako Onzo (Neuroscientist), Harry Sugiyama (TV Personality), Miki Sato (Tokyo Dementia Hope Ambassador), Moderator: Yuko Matsuura (Reporter, Asahi Shimbun Digital Planning and Reporting Department)

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Toward a Nuclear-Free Future: Reflections with Global Hibakusha
Michiko Kodama (Deputy Secretary-General, Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations), Sumiko Hatakeyama (Co-Representative, Peace Boat), Masato Tainaka (Secretary-General, Asahi Shimbun Center for Reporting on Nuclear Weapons and Humanity), Moderator: Mizuho Morioka (Reporter, Asahi Shimbun Osaka Social Affairs Department)
*In collaboration with the international peace symposium “The Path to the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons,” organized by the Asahi Shimbun and others

Workshop for College Students Only (Side Venue)
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
“Zero Utility Bills” Is Not a Dream! Exploring a Decarbonized Lifestyle with an Eco-House Reporter
Coordinator: Kenichiro Saito (Full-time Reporter, Asahi Shimbun)

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Who’s to Blame for the Heat Wave? Who Decides Our Future?
Daiki Yamamoto (Representative, record 1.5), Yukiko Imada (Associate Professor, Institute of Atmospheric and Oceanic Research, University of Tokyo), Moderator: Keisuke Katori (Editorial Writer, Asahi Shimbun)

6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
Are All Voices Being Heard? Visualizing the Trends in Public Opinion with AI
Aoi Furukawa (Member of the House of Representatives), Taiki Koga (Reporter, Asahi Shimbun Network News Headquarters), Moderator: Tomoko Nagano (Freelance Announcer)

For details on other programs and to register, please visit the official website.

〈Organizer〉The Asahi Shimbun
〈Co-organizer〉 TV Asahi
〈Special Sponsors〉Asahi Glass Foundation, Meiji Holdings
〈In Cooperation With〉 Aeon Environmental Foundation, Global Compact Network Japan, Asahi Student Newspaper, CNET Japan, HuffPost Japan, Forest Culture Association
〈Supported by〉Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ministry of the Environment, Tokyo Metropolitan Government

■Inquiries
Asahi Earth Conference 2026 Secretariat (c/o 4X Co., Ltd.)　E-mail: awf2026@4x-corp.com