Session Information Released for Design & UX Research Conference 'RESEARCH Conference 2026'

The Research Conference Secretariat will hold 'RESEARCH Conference 2026' on Sunday, June 28, 2026. This is one of the largest research conferences in Japan, gathering approximately 2,000 participants annually to share practical knowledge on design research and UX research.

Now in its 5th year, the event is scheduled to be a hybrid format of online and offline participation, similar to last year.

The theme for 2026 is 'WEAVING'.

As the expectations for research become more diverse and sophisticated year by year, it is no longer something that can be handled by a single expertise or perspective. In such circumstances, how can we create new value going forward? We believe there is potential in 'weaving' together people and roles with different characteristics.

On the day of the event, frontline practitioners from companies including MIXI, Inc. and Awarefy Inc. will take the stage. Different fields such as entertainment and health tech will intersect to share the current state of research.

By adding panel discussions and workshops to the usual sessions, the conference aims to create a space where various elements interweave. It is expected that dialogue will emerge through this conference, providing opportunities for attendees to find their own ways of weaving.

Details and Registration: https://researchconf.jp/

Background

'RESEARCH Conference' was started in 2022 by Mikio Kiura, author of 'Textbook of Design Research', and Koki Kusano and Miho Matsuzono, authors of 'Introduction to UX Research', with the aim of spreading the value of research in society.

With each iteration, the topics handled by design research/UX research have expanded, and the discussions have deepened further, ranging from business growth to solving social issues.

For its 5th edition this year, the theme reflects the desire to make it a place for dialogue to 'weave' different expertise and approaches with attendees' perspectives into shapes that lead to future practice.

Example Sessions (Planned)

<Research on Monster Strike's Overseas Expansion: How the Decision 'Not to Release As Is' Was Made> MIXI, Inc.

<Panel Discussion: Organizational Research> Anthronomos Inc. / GMO Media, Inc.

<Launch of 'LOCAL RESEARCH LAB Nakatsugawa' and City Activation Through Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration> KESIKI Inc. / Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central)

<Panel Discussion: Research That Weaves Diversity> PLAYWORKS Inc. / STYZ Inc. / Fujitsu Limited

<Practices for Balancing Safety and Business Value in a Delicate Business Domain: AI Mental Health App Developed with Psychologists> Awarefy Inc.

* Speaker profiles and details of all sessions will be updated regularly on the official website.

Event Overview Date and Time: Sunday, June 28, 2026, 10:00 - 18:00 Format: Simultaneous online and offline Offline Venue: DMM.com LLC (24F DMM Group General Reception, Sumitomo Fudosan Roppongi Grand Tower, 3-2-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo) Participation Fee: Free (pre-registration required) Organizer: Research Conference Secretariat Official Website: https://researchconf.jp/ Registration Page: https://research-conf.connpass.com/event/391190/

Organizer Overview Organization Name: Research Association Japan Co-Representatives: Mikio Kiura, Koki Kusano, Miho Matsuzono Establishment: March 28, 2024 Business Content: Planning and operation of RESEARCH Conference URL: https://researchconfjp.notion.site/

Contact Information If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at the email address below. Email: office@researchconf.jp