CEATEC (Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies)

CEATEC (Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies) isn't an event necessarily unique to Japan, as you'd often find tech expos from here to every corner of the map.  However, for anyone with an interest in the latest innovations, and anyone curious to see what the next level of their current devices will look like, act like, and provide like, CEATEC provides all that... with the added advantage of being executed by companies/organizations from the most innovative nation in the world.

Tokai Optical, taking a step beyond in the sense of sight

No matter what profession you're in, CEATEC will definitely have something that appeals or relates to it.  And, one doesn't even need to have a profession to have an appreciation for many of the innovations on display.  For example, there was a Lawson convenience store exhibit which seemed to be putting out its vision of its future storefront operation:

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At CEATEC... the future of customer service at Lawson? #ceatec2018 #technology #japan #virtual

A post shared by akiba16 (@akiba16) on Nov 28, 2018 at 12:39pm PST

There were some "storefronts" at CEATEC which were more playful in nature, featuring a "robotic" greeter:

Getting to the more serious robotics though, well sort of... there was this dancing group at the Fujitsu booth, which performed perfectly in sync to the delight of everyone who stopped by to watch them perform:

And for those who might not be so much into the performing arts, but love food (who doesn't???), there was this futuristic sushi chef, perhaps coming to a sushi restaurant near you in the next five years or less?

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The future of sushi making at CEATEC? #robot #sushi #japan #artificialintelligence #ceatec

A post shared by akiba16 (@akiba16) on Nov 28, 2018 at 12:42pm PST

Finally, as you can tell from my images and videos, CEATEC is meant to be business oriented, business driven (it's held during the week, from Tuesday to Friday, after all) but is definitely not all serious stuff.  There's a lot to experience even for the casual attendee, or the semi serious like myself.  One could attend in a business/work capacity, or for leisure.  I've done it both ways, so you just need to know enough about the event so that you can convince the boss to let you make the trip for research purposes.  Seriously though, it is very helpful to know what's currently newly out there, and what's upcoming, as plans should always take into account what the future scene will look like... 

And the applause will rain on you if you can make it all work!  If nothing else, CEATEC will amaze and put a smile on your face at least a few times during your visit. 


Recommendations:
- Register in advance (online) and bring the printed voucher with you. 
- Arrive at any time convenient for you; I'd recommend 2 hours at a minimum for opportunity to view all of the exhibits.  This event is popular but not nearly as crowded as most other events held at Makuhari Messe.
- Dress "professionally"; the event is definitely a fun one but is rooted in business, as you will see many suits around you.  Business wear isn't mandatory but shorts and a t-shirt will feel very out of place here.  Just wear what you might on your typical work day.


Specifics:
CEATEC
Held every October, at Makuhari Messe
Cost: Free, with advance online registration