The best of CES 2026: Curiosity, apprehension, and the future of Japanese innovation
Last week, I attended a fireside chat event called “The Best of CES 2026” organized by the Japan Society. I’ve never been to CES myself, and I’ll admit the idea of going feels a bit daunting: massive halls, endless crowds, and enough technology to overwhelm even the most seasoned expo-goer. But this event gave me a curated peek into it all, leaving me both more curious and, if I’m honest, still slightly apprehensive about ever braving the real thing.
One of the unexpected highlights of the night was a sneak peek at Mirumi: a small, expressive robot that embodies the charm only Japan could bring to a tech showcase. Mirumi wasn’t just innovative; it was adorable. I caught myself smiling every time its digital eyes blinked or its tiny motions mirrored human warmth. It offered a glimpse into how Japan continues designing robotics not just for efficiency, but for emotional connection and everyday support. Too cute, and yet too real in showing where the future of human‑robot interaction is clearly heading.
Beyond Mirumi, the panelists spoke about several Japanese (and other) companies who made a strong appearance at CES this year. They may not dominate the loudest headlines, but their approach feels distinctly Japanese: purposeful, precise, and quietly groundbreaking. The event highlighted innovations in areas like:
Eldercare robotics, where Japan continues to lead not out of trendiness but necessity
Sustainable materials and mobility, rethinking energy use and city design
Digital health technologies, with a focus on aging societies and long-term wellbeing
Smart home devices engineered with subtlety and user comfort rather than flashy gimmicks
What I love about Japanese innovation is that it rarely screams for attention. Instead, it improves daily life in ways you might not notice until you suddenly can’t imagine living without them. It’s the same feeling I get on a Japanese train or in a perfectly designed Japanese appliance store: technology that quietly anticipates what you need.
Listening to the panelists describe the real CES floor only amplified my mixed emotions. Part of me was excited, imagining the scale, the energy, the discoveries. Another part of me wondered if I’d last twenty minutes before wanting to run outside for air. Maybe that’s the beauty of this Japan Society event: it distilled CES into something human-sized, digestible, and thoughtful.
One comment from the panel resonated deeply: Japanese companies today are balancing traditional craftsmanship with global collaboration and new openness to experimentation. This evolution feels important, a shift from the legacy of “made in Japan” excellence to a more fluid, globally connected approach to innovation. Not replacing the past, but expanding it.
By the end of the event, I left with a renewed appreciation for Japan’s quiet but powerful contributions to the future. Robotics with personality. Sustainability with engineering rigor. Healthcare technology shaped by empathy. And even a tiny robot named Mirumi who somehow made everyone in the room feel like the future might be more friendly than intimidating.
I may still be a little hesitant about attending CES in person someday. But thanks to this event, and to the Japan Society for making tech feel approachable, thoughtful, and human, I’m also more intrigued than ever.
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