Esports continues to gain momentum as a tool for supporting senior communities and revitalizing rural regions. Among the many initiatives taking place across Japan, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been hosting the annual event “Tokyo esports FESTA” since 2020.
This time, we had the chance to sneak into a special PR pre-event for both “Tokyo esports FESTA 2026” and “TOKYO DIGICONX.”
Here’s a look at the closed-door session featuring SutanmiJPN, Pockysweets, and SekiguchiAimi!
Event Report: “Tokyo esports FESTA 2026” & “TOKYO DIGICONX” PR Pre-Event
The PR pre-event for Tokyo esports FESTA 2026 and TOKYO DIGICONX was held exclusively for media and invited guests.
Tokyo esports FESTA 2026 ambassador SutanmiJPN (@sutanmiJPN) shared his enthusiasm for the event.
I’m looking forward to seeing so many different competitions!
I’ve been playing the same esports title for about 13 years now, ever since my second year of high school, and it’s given me countless valuable experiences.
As an ambassador, I hope I can help more people discover the appeal and the potential of esports.
Game streamer Pockysweets (@Pocky_Sweets) has been appointed as an ambassador for “TOKYO DIGICONX.”
I’ve always been fascinated by the metaverse and XR, and I’ve played many related games over the years.
Opportunities to experience cutting-edge technologies like the metaverse and AI firsthand are rare, so I’m excited for the event.
I’ll also be hosting my own gameplay stage, so I hope everyone stops by!
Also joining as an ambassador for “TOKYO DIGICONX” is SekiguchiAimi (@sekiguchiaimi).
She began creating 3D art in VR in 2016 and was selected for “Forbes Japan 100” in 2021.
I’m grateful to be serving as an ambassador for the third time.
I think many people still wonder, “What exactly is TOKYO DIGICONX?”
It’s an event where technologies from a huge range of fields—AI, the metaverse, Web3, XR, and more—come together.
Students and working professionals alike can find real business opportunities here; it truly represents Tokyo at the cutting edge.
I’d love for people to experience it in person, not just through a screen!
Although it was a closed event, SutanmiJPN jokingly reminded the audience, “You’d better all come too, okay!?”
He then went on to face off in the competition title eFootball, one of the featured games at Tokyo esports FESTA 2026.
Pockysweets and SutanmiJPN Face Off in eFootball
While SutanmiJPN has played soccer games since his school days, Pockysweets admitted, “I saved my very first play just for today.”
But then came a surprise twist—despite being a beginner, Pockysweets scored the first goal of the match!
The goal fired up SutanmiJPN, bringing out his competitive side—unpredictable moments like this are part of what makes esports so exciting.
SekiguchiAimi cheered them on with a custom fan!
You can also make your own at a workshop held at Tokyo esports FESTA 2026 on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Soon after, SutanmiJPN evened the score, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The exciting back-and-forth match ended in a 2–2 draw.
VR Art Performance by SekiguchiAimi
Next was a VR art demonstration by SekiguchiAimi, who created artwork live while wearing a VR headset.
VR art allows creators to draw directly within virtual space.
They can place 3D models inside the scene and even collaborate remotely with multiple artists, making it a unique digital art form.
Once complete, the artwork was captured together with the real-world space.
Amazingly, the whole piece was completed in just around four minutes!
The artwork—featuring Tokyo Tower and the “TOKYO DIGICONX” logo—appeared between SutanmiJPN and Pockysweets in the VR space.
Watching the artwork take shape in real-time left both Pockysweets and SutanmiJPN excited about the possibilities of XR and the future of gaming.
The Event Kicks Off January 8 at Tokyo Big Sight!
TOKYO DIGICONX will be held January 8 (Thu)–10 (Sat), 2026, while Tokyo esports FESTA 2026 is scheduled for January 9 (Fri)–11 (Sun), 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight.
There will be plenty of experiences you can only enjoy on-site—don’t miss it!
| Event Details | |
|---|---|
| Event | TOKYO DIGICONX |
| Date | Business Days: January 8 (Thu), 9 (Fri), 2026 Public Day: January 10 (Sat), 2026 |
| Venue | Tokyo Big Sight South Halls 3 & 4 |
| Organizer | XR/Metaverse Industry Expo Committee (Tokyo Metropolitan Government, XR Consortium, Metaverse Japan, Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry) |
| Event Details | |
|---|---|
| Event | Tokyo esports FESTA 2026 |
| Date | Business Day: January 9 (Fri), 2026 Public Days: January 10 (Sat), 11 (Sun), 2026 |
| Venue | Tokyo Big Sight South Halls 1 & 2 Streaming Platforms (YouTube, Niconico Live, OPENREC.tv, Twitch) |
| Organizer | Tokyo esports FESTA Executive Committee (Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Japan Esports Union, Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association, Japan Online Game Association, Tokyo Big Sight Inc.) |