AppTweak Amplify Tokyo 2026 Event Report: Sharing the Forefront of ASO x Apple Ads

AppTweak Japan held the global event AppTweak Amplify Tokyo 2026, specializing in mobile app marketing, on May 26, 2026.

The event focused on "ASO (App Store Optimization)" and "Apple Ads," sharing app growth cases and the latest trends from both domestic and international markets. App company representatives and marketers gathered, engaging in active information exchange from sessions to post-event networking.

Changes in "How Apps Are Discovered" in the AI Era

In the opening session, AppTweak Japan presented the latest trends in the Japanese mobile market and ASO.

A view of AppTweak Amplify Tokyo 2026 held at LIFORK Harajuku (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

The session noted a market shift where "36% of consumers use AI chatbots or AI assistants when searching for new apps." User behavior, previously centered around search engines, is gradually shifting towards discovery initiated by AI.

AppTweak also introduced its new feature, "AI Visibility." This function visualizes how a company's app is recommended or displayed through various prompts on platforms like ChatGPT, and its official launch for the Japanese market was announced.

Toru Hirose, Head of Japan at AppTweak

Furthermore, the event shared the latest ASO case studies, including:

- Correlation between search ranking fluctuations and metadata update frequency - Relationship between in-app event text and search rankings - Improved acquisition efficiency through the synergy of ASO and Apple Ads

These analyses, backed by actual data, were shared, with attendees diligently taking notes.

How to Create Apps Chosen Globally — Tabelog and Spic Share Insights on Overseas Expansion and User Understanding —

The first panel discussion, themed "How to Create Apps Chosen Globally," featured Mr. Kōsai, Inbound Business Lead for "Tabelog" operated by Kakaku.com, and Mr. Yang, Japan Country Manager for the English learning app "Spic."

Mr. Kōsai, Inbound Business Lead for "Tabelog" at Kakaku.com

Mr. Kōsai explained that "Tabelog" is strengthening its inbound expansion by leveraging its long-accumulated assets such as restaurant data, reviews, and photos, against the backdrop of the Japanese government's policy to aim for 60 million inbound tourists and 15 trillion yen in consumption by 2030.

(※) Target values for 2030 set in the "Vision for a New Tourism Policy" and "Basic Plan for the Promotion of Tourism" by the Japanese Government (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; Japan Tourism Agency).

Mr. Kōsai emphasized the importance of consistently delivering the message "Eat Where Locals Eat" from marketing to product experience, and introduced brand design centered on the need for "local experiences."

Mr. Yang, Japan Country Manager for English learning app "Spic."

Meanwhile, Spic established product-market fit in the Korean market before expanding into Japan. Mr. Yang explained that they focused on the user pain point common in both Japan and Korea: "Having studied English for many years, but having few opportunities to speak it," and adapted their product for the Japanese market.

Regarding TV commercials, while the primary objectives were "building trust and brand awareness," they also quantitatively verified the business impact using marketing mix modeling and geo-lift tests.

CyberAgent Shares "Practical Knowledge" of Apple Ads Operations

In the latter half, the panel discussion featured Apple Ads operational specialists from CyberAgent.

Kōsuke Masuda (center), Chief Consultant, Apple Bureau; Shingo Sato (right), Senior Consultant, Apple Bureau

Common challenges faced by companies in Apple Ads operations include:

- Increasing complexity of bid management - Insufficient integration between ASO and ad operations - Difficulty in validating CPPs (Custom Product Pages)

Specific winning patterns that tend to improve CTR were shared, particularly concerning CPP validation.

Practical know-how in competitor analysis and validation design was also presented, drawing significant interest from the attendees.

Networking Facilitates Real-World Information Exchange

Networking sessions were held after the event.

Attendees and speakers actively exchanged specific information regarding ASO strategies, Apple Ads operations, and global expansion.

Discussions about the session content often sparked spontaneously within the venue, indicating the high level of interest in the domestic app marketing market.

About AppTweak:

AppTweak is a leading company in the mobile industry, offering an AI-powered, app store-specific marketing platform that helps maximize the effectiveness of ASO (App Store Optimization) and ASA (Apple Search Ads).

With diverse solutions like ASO Intelligence, Search Ads Manager, App Store Review Management, and Market Intelligence, it has established itself as one of the most comprehensive platforms in the industry.

Through abundant data, analytical functions, and consulting services, AppTweak supports app marketers in making informed decisions and building a competitive edge.

URL: https://www.apptweak.com/ja

Contact for Inquiries:

AppTweak Japan K.K.

Contact Window: https://www.apptweak.com/ja/contact

Official Website: https://www.apptweak.com/ja