Support for Transition to 'Sustainable Local Government Management' Undeterred by Soaring Energy and Material Costs: 'Local Government & Public Sector Week 2026' to be Held from May 13 (Wed) at Tokyo Big Sight

The Local Government & Public Sector Week Executive Committee (organized and managed by RX Japan Co., Ltd., Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and President: Takeshi Tanaka) will host the 'Local Government & Public Sector Week 2026', a comprehensive exhibition gathering products and services for local governments and the public sector, for three days from Wednesday, May 13 to Friday, May 15, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight.

Currently, unstable cost structures for energy and material procurement, driven by surging crude oil prices and escalating international tensions, are pressing challenges that burden the finances of local governments nationwide. The International Energy Agency (IEA)*¹ points out that geopolitical risks are affecting global crude oil supply, leading to persistently high crude oil prices.

In response to this situation, in April 2026, the 'Ministerial Meeting on Middle East Affairs'*² instructed the government to secure alternative procurement routes as a countermeasure against high crude oil prices and naphtha (crude gasoline) shortages, among other nationwide measures being advanced.

Naphtha shortages are causing price increases for plastic products and materials used in public infrastructure, driving up maintenance costs for all administrative services supporting citizens' lives, from waste collection to road maintenance and school lunches. While the national government is moving to improve procurement structures, local governments are also required to update to a 'cost structure' less susceptible to changes in the external environment, in addition to 'long-standing issues' like population decline and aging facilities and equipment, to solve these challenges.

This exhibition will bring together the latest products and services that support the establishment of systems for continuing resident services even in emergencies. It will widely introduce options that contribute to sustainable regional management, such as 'EV buses' to review conventional energy consumption, 'solar streetlights' to curb electricity costs, and 'inspection robots and AI transceivers' to compensate for labor shortages and increased costs.

Official Website

*1 Reference: International Energy Agency (IEA), Oil Market Report - April 2026 (14 April 2026)

*2 Reference: Prime Minister's Office 'Ministerial Meeting on Middle East Affairs (April 30, Reiwa 8)'

Featured Exhibitor Products (Partial Excerpt)

### [Mobility Not Reliant on Crude Oil] 'Erga EV'

At the Osaka-Kansai Expo held last year, Isuzu's 'Erga EV', launched in 2024, was used as a shuttle bus for visitors. For EV conversion, aiming for zero in-vehicle accidents, the adoption of in-axle motors with independent left and right motors and optimization of battery placement achieved a fully flat floor without steps from the front to the rear of the cabin, and CO₂-free operation with batteries & motors.

Exhibitor: Isuzu Motors Limited

### [Zero Electricity and Fuel] 'Super Solar LED Streetlight'

This is a solar LED streetlight that can be installed around parks and temporary toilets. There are many installation examples in parking lots and parks. With double-sided solar panels, it can be used in evacuation centers during disasters. In addition, various lighting patterns are possible with the attached remote control. Equipped with a long-lasting battery and an infrared human motion sensor, it also serves as a crime prevention measure.

Exhibitor: Idex International Co., Ltd.

### [Inspection Footing Without Gasoline] 'Small Patrol Inspection Robot SP03'

This is an autonomous small patrol inspection robot. The main unit weighs approximately 40kg, making it easy to carry. It can automatically patrol and inspect indoors and outdoors using a 3D laser navigation system. It can check the condition of facilities and equipment with visible and infrared cameras, and also perform automatic meter reading and alarm output. It operates for approximately 8 hours with a lithium battery and can be continuously operated with 4 hours of charging, thereby streamlining maintenance and management in power plants and factories. Charging ports are also available.

Exhibitor: Kyoei Sangyo Co., Ltd.

### [Paper, Printing, and Transportation Reduction] 'Graffer AI Operator'

This is an AI telephone service that understands citizens' free speech, answers routine questions from AI knowledge, and summarizes complex requests to transfer them to the responsible staff. It provides 24/7 support, ensuring phone service continues during off-hours and peak times, significantly reducing the workload on staff. Unlike conventional IVR (Interactive Voice Response), residents can simply speak their needs freely, and the AI interprets their intent to provide appropriate information or transfers. Since push-button operations are not required, it reduces user stress and promotes smooth self-resolution. For local governments that have introduced it, approximately half of the inquiries related to My Number cards received at ward office citizen service departments are handled by AI.

Exhibitor: Graffer Inc.

### [Water Infrastructure x Energy Saving] 'Cloud-based IoT Remote Leakage Monitoring System'

This system daily monitors minute vibrations caused by leaks using IoT sensors installed in water pipes. Data sensed and recorded by high-sensitivity sensors are...