By Jean Carlos Delgado, Brand and Marketing Director at HyperIn
As the most populous and rapidly urbanizing region, Asia Pacific is responsible for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making its progress on decarbonization crucial for the planet. In Japan, the push for sustainable cities is both urgent and ambitious-urban centers like Tokyo and Osaka are harnessing advanced technology, public-private partnerships, and community engagement to tackle challenges such as population growth, aging infrastructure, and environmental stress.
European cities—particularly in the Nordics—have long been pioneers in sustainable urban planning, placing emphasis on human-centered design, data-driven infrastructure, and environmental accountability. These approaches are now inspiring urban strategies across Asia, where the speed and scale of technological implementation offer valuable lessons in return. This cross-regional exchange is fostering a more globally aligned vision for smarter, greener cities.
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, now Asia’s largest and most globally diverse technology conference, brought these themes to the fore. More than 50,000 participants and over 600 startups from 46 countries gathered, making it a true global innovation hub. The event’s mission: leverage cutting-edge innovations to solve urban and global challenges, with a strong focus on sustainability, AI, and quantum technology.
The conference was a showcase for both visionary and practical solutions. Attendees experienced hands-on demonstrations, such as a 5-meter Gundam robot and 3D-printed sushi, reflecting Japan’s unique blend of imagination and real-world application in smart cities. Sessions explored how AI, data analytics, and smart infrastructure are enabling energy-efficient buildings, better mobility, and lower environmental impact. Tokyo’s new AI strategy and sustainability disclosure standards for companies further highlighted the city’s commitment to responsible growth.
Japan’s cities consistently rank among the world’s most livable, offering lessons in integrating technology, environmental stewardship, and community participation. These efforts are increasingly relevant across Asia, where sustainable urbanization is a shared goal.
Invited as part of the Nordic Innovation Delegation, HyperIn – represented by founder and CEO Markus Porvari – demonstrated how sustainability can be embedded in commercial real estate through smarter property management and data-driven insights, helping properties become more efficient, resilient, and aligned with ESG goals.
Jean Carlos Delgado
Jean Carlos Delgado is the Brand and Marketing Director at HyperIn and a contributing writer for Across Magazine.
