The coolest tech from Japan’s big show
Japan has long been a leader in technology - home to brands like Nintendo, Sony, and Toyota. For decades, CEATEC has been the place to see the latest innovations - and the best part is, it’s open to the public.
At CEATEC 2025 in Tokyo, I saw everything from AI-powered gadgets to futuristic mobility devices - and plenty that made me stop and say “wow.”
One of the first items that caught my attention was Plaud, a smart digital voice recorder. It’s like a digital version of those micro cassette recorders from back in the day. It also has AI for summarizing and organizing your notes.
So far, so good - the startup told me they have over 1 million customers.
A new Plaud Pro version adds more microphones and a small display.
Another company, Flotica, is building a similar tool but into a working pen.
One of the more eye-catching displays: a lifelike baby robot that cries, reacts, and yes, wets it’s diapers. The robot is packed with sensors and designed to help teach parenting skills through realistic interactions.
For something lighter, Musignal showed off what might be the world’s smallest DJ console. The founder told me that one big problem for DJ’s is how they have to lug around heavy equipment and set it up. Their portable setup doesn’t even need a laptop - just plug in some MP3s and start mixing.
Of course, mobility is a big theme in Japan. I spotted a solar-powered scooter from a startup called HELIO X that runs on sunlight.
Finally, there was Romi, an AI-powered companion robot designed for emotional support. Company reps told me it specializes in small talk “like with family or best friends.” It’s cute, comforting, and conversational and has the power of ChatGPT, so it can really talk about anything.
Like many trade shows, CEATEC has evolved since I first started attending. Many tech companies now host their own events and there’s more of a focus on software and AI vs just hardware. I mean, the smartphone has replaced so many gadgets from the past. The show floor may be smaller, but the innovations are still big.