Reception to Deepen Japan-U.S. Cooperation in the Tough Tech Sector (October 28,2026)
On October 28, Consul General Takahashi hosted the “JP-US Tough Tech & MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Promotion Forum” on the occasion of Tough Tech Week 2026, a premier deep-tech conference organized by The Engine, MIT's tough-tech incubator and accelerator.
The first half of the forum, hosted by the Consulate, featured a panel discussion on Japan-U.S. cooperation in fusion energy. Panelists from Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. (Kyoto iCAP), Kyoto Fusioneering (a Kyoto University-founded fusion energy startup), and Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), a global leader in fusion energy based in the Boston area, explored the current state of fusion energy development, the importance of Japan-U.S. collaboration, supply chain opportunities, and the transformative potential of this next-generation energy technology.
Following the panel, Kyoto City hosted a segment highlighting Kyoto's innovation ecosystem, featuring presentations by Kyoto iCAP, as well as Kyoto-founded companies with operations in the Greater Boston area, including Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd. The second half of the forum focused on promoting major U.S.-Japan MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) initiatives. Presentations highlighted the success of “IVS Kyoto 2025”, one of Japan's largest startup conferences co-hosted by Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, and the IVS Executive Committee in July; the significance of “Tough Tech Week 2026”, a premier conference in the Greater Boston area organized by MIT and The Engine; and “Global Startup EXPO”, an initiative promoted by JETRO New York, which builds on the momentum of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
The networking reception that followed welcomed approximately 99 participants from universities, government agencies, startups, investment firms, and major corporations from both Japan and the United States. In his opening remarks, Consul General Takahashi highlighted the deep ties between Boston and Kyoto, which have enjoyed a sister-city relationship since 1959. He also reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening collaboration between Boston's innovation ecosystem and Japan in strategic technology fields designated as national priorities by Japan.
Following a toast proposed by Mr. Tamaki Morioka, Director for Startup Support of the City of Kyoto, participants engaged in lively discussions and networking, further strengthening connections among stakeholders from Japan and the United States. The reception concluded with closing remarks by Mr. James "Reggie" Colimon, Director of Global Affairs and Protocol for the City of Boston, who expressed high expectations for the future of Japan-U.S. collaboration.
The Consulate General of Japan will continue to leverage J-NEXUS (Japan-New England Nexus for Innovation) – a new initiative launched this year - to actively support advanced technology cooperation and regional exchanges between Japan and the United States.
