Podcast Expo 2026 Launches in Tokyo: Japan’s Largest Podcast Event Unveils First Speakers and Exhibitors

Podcast Expo 2026, one of Japan’s largest celebrations of podcast culture, will be held on May 9–10, 2026, at HOME/WORK VILLAGE in Tokyo.

The event combines a large-scale creator marketplace with a conference program, bringing together podcast creators, listeners, and industry professionals for a two-day celebration of podcasting.

The event expands upon the success of Podcast Weekend (above), a market-style gathering that has attracted more than 12,000 attendees to date.

Event Format

Podcast Expo 2026 consists of:

P7 – Podcast Summit 2026
A conference series featuring keynote sessions and panel discussions.

Podcast Weekend 2026
A large-scale creator marketplace event showcasing podcast creators and shows.

First Speakers Announced

The first group of 20 P7 speakers reflect the diversity of Japan’s podcast ecosystem, featuring figures active in podcasting across anthropology, philosophy, journalism, broadcasting, publishing, entrepreneurship, and the arts.

Featured speakers include:

• Anthropologist Maho Isono
• Novelist and playwright Yukiko Motoya
• Journalist and Asahi Shimbun Podcast host Daisuke Kanda
• Content creator Saeki Pointy
• Philosopher Yoshihiro Tanigawa
• Entrepreneur and investor Makoto Shiono
• Writer and literary critic Sukezane Watanabe

Podcast Expo 2026 is structured around dialogue-driven sessions, rather than show-specific fan events.

Approximately 20 sessions across two days are planned, focusing on practical insights and perspectives on the future of the medium.

75 Exhibitors Confirmed

A total of 75 podcast creators and programs have been confirmed as exhibitors for the market area.

The exhibitor expansion reflects the growing visibility of Japan’s podcast ecosystem, bringing creators, listeners, and industry professionals into direct interaction.

A Culture-Driven Gathering

Podcast Expo is designed not as a fan convention, but as a culture-driven gathering for podcast audiences and creators.

In the previous edition, more than 400 podcasters attended the event, highlighting strong creator-led amplification and community engagement.

The event welcomes:

• Independent podcasters and audiences
• Professional creators
• Media organizations
• Brand and industry stakeholders

Tickets and Attendance

Early-bird ticket entries for the summit have opened.

The marketplace event (Podcast Weekend 2026) will be free to attend.

Expected attendance for the overall event exceeds 5,000 visitors.

About Podcast Expo

Podcast Expo is designed to celebrate podcast culture while strengthening connections between creators, audiences, and industry stakeholders.

The event aims to provide a platform for discovery, collaboration, and the continued growth of podcasting in Japan.

Event Details

Podcast Expo 2026
May 9-10, 2026
HOME/WORK VILLAGE
Ikejiri, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan

Website: https://podcastexpo.jp/

Podcast Expo is organized by the Podcast Expo Committee, a joint initiative by ZATSUDAN inc. and Samposha inc.