TEAMZ Summit 2026 Opens in Tokyo, Blending Web3 Innovation with Japanese Tradition

One of Asia’s largest Web3 and AI conferences, TEAMZ Summit 2026, officially opened on April 7, 2026, at Happo-en in Tokyo.

Under the theme “Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” this year’s summit is set in the culturally rich and historic Happo-en, creating a one-of-a-kind conference where Japanese tradition meets cutting-edge technology.

Registration opened at 9:00 a.m., and long lines of attendees formed from the lower basement to outside the venue, reflecting the strong anticipation surrounding the event.

Each floor of the venue was designed around a distinct theme, offering attendees a diverse and immersive experience throughout the summit.

The venue featured a wide range of experiences, including the Main Stage, exhibition area, interview zone, networking area, side event area, VIP Lounge, Terrace Bar, Terrace Cafe, commemorative photo area, Terrace DJ area, and lunch area. In addition, attendees enjoyed bonsai installations sponsored by Title, kimono experiences, Dassai Happy Hour, sumo performances, and traditional Japanese street entertainment—creating a dynamic fusion of culture and innovation.

On the evening before the summit, TEAMZ hosted a VIP Welcome Dinner for more than 200 VIP guests. Accompanied by fine cuisine and drinks, the gathering provided an exceptional setting for high-quality networking and meaningful connections.

In addition, on April 7 and 8, the same venue operated as a VIP Lounge, offering VIP guests an exclusive space for relaxation, networking, meetings, and private conversations.

Opening Through Japanese Cultural Performance

The opening performance was presented by Orientarhythm, captivating the audience with a powerful stage production built around the concept of sharing the beauty and coolness of Japan with the world.

Later in the afternoon, an Awa Odori performance by Tokyo Shin Nonki Ren further energized the venue, drawing the entire audience into a vibrant and unified atmosphere.

Keynote & Session Highlights

On Day 1, sessions covered a wide range of themes including Web3, AI, finance, regulation, and investment, offering forward-looking insights from across the global industry.

Keynote: Opening Address of TEAMZ SUMMIT 2026

Fireside：AI × Blockchain

The session explored the new value created by the convergence of AI and blockchain, as well as the practical initiatives driving real-world adoption.

Keynote: XRPL’s Potential in Japan and the Role of Community

This keynote highlighted the importance of community in ecosystem growth and examined XRPL’s long-term potential in the Japanese market.

Keynote: Convergence Strategy — A Neobank at the Intersection of Crypto, AI, and Fintech

The session presented a new financial model shaped by the convergence of neobanking and Web3.

Fireside：null²ⁿ x null⁴

Fireside: null²ⁿ x null⁴

On April 7, media artist Yoichi Ochiai, Representative Director of the Association for Computation and Nature, announced two new projects derived from “null²,” the signature pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

The first project, “null²ⁿ,” will launch as a permanent theater in Yokohama Landmark Tower in 2026. The second, “null⁴,” is scheduled to debut in March 2027 at GREEN×EXPO 2027, the 2027 International Horticultural Expo.

Panel: Finance Between Tradition and the Future

The panel explored the convergence of traditional finance and digital assets, examining how legacy systems and emerging financial models can evolve together.

Fireside: AI × Web3: Rebuilding Future Society — Vision and Reality

Panel: The Future of Web3 Payments — How Stablecoins Will Transform Cashless Society

The panel introduced “StarPay-X,” a gateway concept designed to bridge Web2 and Web3, highlighting the transformative potential of stablecoins in next-generation cashless payments.

Afternoon Session: Social Implementation and Global Expansion

Keynote: The Liberal Democratic Party’s AI/Web3 Strategy

This keynote examined the social transformation driven by AI and Web3, offering a forward-looking perspective on Japan’s role and strategic direction in this evolving landscape.

Panel: CBDC × Private Stablecoins — Japan’s Vision for Next-Generation Currency

The panel explored the future of next-generation currency, examining how CBDCs and private stablecoins may coexist and complement each other across financial infrastructure and real-world applications.

Panel: Beyond the Smartphone — How AI Agents Will Transform Human Interfaces

The discussion explored the future of user experience in the post-smartphone era, highlighting how AI agents may redefine interfaces, devices, and digital interaction.

Even Realities Founder & CEO Will Wang / Leonis Capital Founder & General Partner Jay Zhao / Trive Digital General Partner Shawn Tan / IVC Partner Ann Chien / Lenovo GM , Head of Software & Managed Services Terence Ng（Moderator）

Keynote: Connecting Japan and the GCC — A New Era of Institutional Capital in Web3

The keynote examined emerging capital flows between Japan and the Middle East, highlighting the growing role of institutional investment in the Web3 era.

Keynote: Decentralized Identity and Privacy — A New Standard for Next-Generation Social Platforms

This keynote introduced a new framework for identity, privacy, and trust in the next generation of social platforms, pointing toward a decentralized future for digital interaction.

Panel: Building Trust in Digital Asset Markets — Regulation, Institutional Investors, and the Next Decade

The panel discussed the role of regulation and institutional participation in shaping a more credible, resilient, and sustainable digital asset market over the next ten years.

Fireside: Japan Web3 Reboot — Real Strategies from Entrepreneurs and Investors

This fireside session shared practical insights from entrepreneurs and investors, highlighting the real strategies shaping Japan’s Web3 resurgence.

Panel: DID/VC × AI Agents — Unlocking the Next Generation of Digital Identity

The discussion focused on the convergence of decentralized identity, verifiable credentials, and AI agents, outlining the future architecture of digital identity.

Panel: Building in a Bear Market — New Strategies for Web3 Investment

The panel explored how investors can identify value, allocate capital, and build long-term conviction during market downturns.

Panel: Talent Strategy in the Age of Web3 and AI — Aligning Education, Industry, and National Policy

The panel examined how education, industry, and public strategy can work together to cultivate the talent needed for the next wave of innovation.

Panel: What Will the Crypto Asset Market Look Like in 2026?

Keynote: What Does Trust Mean in the Age of Decentralization? — The Mission of Layer1 in 2026

Day 1 Summary

From Awa Odori and sumo performances to diverse exhibitions and interactive experiences, the venue remained energized throughout the day. More than a showcase of the latest in Web3 and AI, TEAMZ Summit 2026 created a uniquely inspiring environment by blending technological innovation with Japanese culture.

It was a day that truly embodied the spirit of “Tradition Meets Tomorrow.”