Japan’s largest podcast festival returns May 9-10 for a two-day celebration of audio content innovation and industry collaboration. PODCAST EXPO 2026, organized by the PODCAST EXPO Executive Committee, will transform HOME/WORK VILLAGE in Tokyo’s Ikejiri district into a comprehensive showcase of the nation’s thriving podcast ecosystem.
The event features P7 PODCAST SUMMIT, a paid conference component hosting 24 sessions across two days with appearances from prominent podcast creators, entrepreneurs and media figures. Confirmed speakers include podcast personalities Wataru Shibuya, Takafumi Nomura, Kensuu, and Asuka Mizuno, alongside creative industry leaders such as Naohiro Ukawa, Ryunosuke Murokoshi and Shusuke Higuchi. Additional speakers announced include Classicom CEO Kohei Aoki, Ayumi Uesaka and 20 other industry figures, according to event organizers.
The summit will operate from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days, offering attendees access to networking opportunities, panel discussions and presentations on podcast production, monetization, audience development and emerging audio technologies. All sessions follow an inverted pyramid structure designed to maximize attendee engagement with leading voices in Japan’s podcast industry.
Beyond the paid conference, PODCAST EXPO 2026 provides free admission to exhibition areas featuring experiential booths from major partners including Spotify Japan, Zoom Inc., Yamaha Music Japan, J-WAVE and Tokyo Shoseki. The PODCAST WEEKEND component showcases more than 75 independent podcast creators and production companies, providing a marketplace for emerging talent and established programs alike. Previous iterations of the event attracted over 12,000 cumulative visitors, featured more than 1,360 podcasters and hosted 332 vendor booths, according to event statistics.
Ticket pricing for P7 PODCAST SUMMIT reflects early-bird discounting through April 30, with one-day passes available at 7,920 yen (reduced from 8,800 yen) and two-day passes priced at 13,500 yen (reduced from 15,000 yen). Standard pricing takes effect May 1. All other exhibition areas remain free to attend.
HOME/WORK VILLAGE is located at 2-4-5 Ikejiri, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, accessible via the Tokyu Denentoshi Line’s Ikejiri-Ohashi Station (10-minute walk) or Sangenjaya Station (16-minute walk). The venue provides no on-site parking; attendees are directed to nearby coin parking facilities.
PODCAST EXPO serves as Japan’s definitive audio content festival, attracting industry participants, creators and audiences interested in exploring the future of podcasting. The event is organized by PODCAST EXPO Executive Committee, comprising Zacdan Inc. and Sanpo-sha Inc.
