Five Prefectural Governors Discuss the Importance of Promoting DX and AX in Local Governments; 111 People Participated from 28 Prefectures

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the General Incorporated Foundation GovTech Tokyo (hereinafter referred to as "GovTech Tokyo") held the "GovTech Conference - Promoting DX and AX in Local Governments Across Japan -" on July 5, 2026 (Sunday), targeting local government officials.

*AX: Abbreviation for "AI Transformation," referring to initiatives that fundamentally transform business processes, business models, and organizational structures by leveraging AI technology.

The conference was held in two parts with the aim of fostering a spirit of sharing and jointly solving challenges such as the effective utilization of AI in administration. A total of 111 people participated from 28 prefectures and other regions.

Cross-talk Photo Session

The first part featured presentations by the governors of five prefectures on the theme of "Prefectural Challenges and Initiatives for Promoting DX and AX": Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo; Yukiyoshi Yamano, Governor of Ishikawa Prefecture; Kōtarō Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture; Mika Yokota, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture; and Toyohito Ikeda, Governor of Kagawa Prefecture (participating online).

In her opening remarks, Governor Koike stated that with the rapid advancement of digital technologies, including AI, it is important to promote DX and AX in government as well. She also emphasized the importance of cooperation among local governments to share knowledge, human resources, and digital infrastructure in order to sustain high-quality administrative services even amidst a declining population. Furthermore, she mentioned the need to spread the value of digital technology nationwide, leading to improved convenience for residents and growth for Japan as a whole.

Following this, each prefectural governor presented initiatives to solve their respective prefectural challenges through DX and AX.

After the presentations, an exchange of opinions was held among the prefectural governors, where active discussions took place regarding how to approach AI and the importance of inter-prefectural cooperation.

Finally, Governor Koike remarked that as the world undergoes significant changes, sharing knowledge and experience among local governments, and cooperating effectively, can lead to AX being a more meaningful transformation, and a direction for strengthening wide-area cooperation was shared.

The second part featured presentations by the Digital Agency, GovTech Tokyo, and private companies on the theme of "Prospects for AI Utilization in Local Governments and Local Government AX."

Presentation by Mr. Sango, Digital Supervisor of the Digital Agency, during the second part.

[Speakers on the Day]

Affiliation (Company Name)

Title

Name

Digital Agency

Digital Supervisor

Ikuo Sango

Anthropic Japan Inc.

Public Sector Lead

Kentaro Nanao

Polimill Inc.

COO

Nonoka Taniguchi

Google Cloud Japan LLC

Executive Officer, Head of Sales for Digital Business and Public Social Infrastructure

Ayashi Izumi

Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.

Corporate Vice President, Head of National Security and Local Government Strategy, Public Sector Business Division

Kunihiro Oyama

General Incorporated Foundation GovTech Tokyo

Executive Director and CTO

Masahiro Ihara

Following the second part, networking was held among the speakers and attendees. Over 100 people participated, fostering interaction and active exchange of opinions among them.

Reference: About the GovTech Conference

The GovTech Conference is a conference hosted by GovTech Tokyo* to openly discuss the past, present, and future of technology utilization in the field of public administration.

*GovTech Tokyo is an organization established in 2023 as a new platform to effectively promote DX across Tokyo, including its wards, cities, and towns.

This initiative is part of the "2050 Tokyo Strategy." Strategy 27: "All Japan - Realizing 'Coexistence and Co-prosperity' where we support and develop each other across the country."