Akihiro Hino of Level-5 and Hitoshi Fujisawa of Story Note to Speak at “CEDEC+KYUSHU 2026”! Registration Opens August 19

It has been confirmed that Akihiro Hino, CEO of Level-5, Inc ., will deliver the keynote address, and Hitoshi Fujisawa, Representative Director of Storynote, Inc., will give a special guest lecture at " CEDEC+KYUSHU2026," which will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
In addition, registration for the event opened on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

CEDEC+KYUSHU 2026 Speakers Announced! Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino and StoryNote Representative Director Hitoshi Fujisawa

" CEDEC+KYUSHU 2026," a conference showcasing cutting-edge technology from Kyushu, will be held at Kyushu Sangyo University on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
Akihiro Hino and Hitoshi Fujisawa have been confirmed as the speakers for the keynote address and special invited lecture, respectively, at this conference.

Akihiro Hino ( @AkihiroHino ) is the CEO of Level-5, Inc.
He has served as the original concept creator, scenario writer, and producer for numerous popular series, including the “Layton” series, “Inazuma Eleven,” and “Yo-kai Watch.”
He continues to produce numerous titles and is scheduled to deliver a lecture at CEDEC+KYUSHU 2026 titled “ The Secrets of World-Building and Imagination-Driven Development: Unshakable Principles Even in the Age of AI.”

Jin Fujisawa ( @JIn_Fujisawa ) participated in scenario writing for the “Dragon Quest” series and, as Yuji Horii’s right-hand man, occasionally served as series director.
In 2018, he founded Story Note Co., Ltd. and serves as its representative director.
In 2024, he launched the ARG (Alternate Reality Game) brand “Fourth Boundary” and continues to pursue unprecedented narrative expressions through projects such as the “Hito no ~ Series” and “Kagami’s Special Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility.”

Some of the guest speakers have been announced! There will also be collaborative presentations with the anime industry.

Details have been released regarding some of the companies confirmed to present at the invited lectures.
Furthermore, continuing from last year, “Anime Industry Collaboration Lectures” are scheduled to take place, inviting companies from the anime industry to facilitate cross-industry information exchange and networking.
Numerous other lectures are also planned, and details will be released as they become available.

Currently Announced Participating Companies

• Game Freak
• Spike Chunsoft
• Kojima Productions
• Square Enix

Registration opens on August 19! Early-bird discounts are also available.

Registration opened on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
In addition to the Regular Pass, which combines in-person attendance at Kyushu Sangyo University with time-shifted streaming, tickets are also available for either option individually.
Furthermore, continuing from the previous event, a “Beginner Pass” is available that allows high school students and younger to attend in person for free.
Furthermore, early-bird discounts are available for group registrations through Friday, October 16, 2026, and for individual registrations through Friday, October 30, 2026, so be sure to register early.

In-Person Pass

• Group Early Bird Discount Price: 1,500 yen (students)/5,000 yen (general admission)
• Early-bird discount price: 2,500 yen (students)/6,000 yen (general admission)
• Regular Price: 3,500 yen (students)/7,000 yen (general admission)

Online Pass

• Group Early Bird Discount Price: 2,000 yen (students)/5,500 yen (general admission)
• Early Bird Discount: 3,000 yen (students)/6,500 yen (general admission)
• Regular Price: 4,000 yen (students)/7,500 yen (general admission)

Regular Pass

• Group Early Bird Price: 2,500 yen (students)/6,000 yen (general admission)
• Early-bird discount price: 3,500 yen (students)/7,000 yen (general admission)
• Regular Price: 4,500 yen (Students)/8,000 yen (General)

Details regarding tickets can be found on the "CEDEC+KYUSHU 2026 Official Website: Registration" page.

An "Indie Game Corner" will be set up at the in-person venue! You can exhibit for free.

An “Indie Game Corner” will be set up at the on-site venue, where indie game developers can exhibit for free.
Last year, this corner was bustling all day long, with many developers and students visiting to try out games and actively network with developers.
This could be a very valuable opportunity for those developing indie games.

Applications for this section are being accepted until Monday, August 31, 2026, so be sure to check it out if you’re interested.
Detailed application guidelines and instructions can be found on the "CEDEC+KYUSHU 2026 Official Website: Indie Game Exhibition" page.