Guiding Success: A Heartfelt Thank You for the IGDF Conference 2026 in Yokohama!

From May 14th to 17th, the 18th International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) Conference was held in Yokohama, Japan. This prestigious event brought together representatives, experts, and researchers from over 75 guide dog organisations across 25 countries and regions. With approximately 390 participants, this year’s conference marked the largest attendance in IGDF history and was the second time the Japan Guide Dog Association hosted the event, following a 12-year interval.

Key Visual for the Conference

Over the course of four days, the conference featured 6 plenary sessions, 21 workshops running concurrently, and 4 panel discussions. Additional activities included video sessions showcasing films from various organisations after dinner and poster sessions during lunch breaks, creating a rich and engaging programme.

Posters lined up in the hallway of the conference center — 16 posters were displayed from various schools

In Japan, the Japan Guide Dog Association (JGDA) played a leading role in advancing discussions on integrating science and technology into guide dog services. JGDA’s Head of Training, in collaboration with Associate Professor Yasutoshi Makino from the University of Tokyo, presented on "Guiding Guide Dog Training: From Individual Insights to Collective Knowledge."

Shinji Tanaka and Dr Makino during their presentation at the conference

Picture on left: Shinji Tanaka demonstrating during his presentation walking with guide dog Picture on right Dr Makino speaking at the podium

Additionally, Dr Chieko Asakawa, Director of the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, delivered a plenary presentation on the "AI Suitcase."

Dr Asakawa presenting at the podium with the actual AI suitcase by her side on stage — Dr Asakawa presenting with the actual AI suitcase by her side on stage

JGDA’s Executive Director and Councillor joined experts from Australia and France in a panel discussion on "International Comparisons of Legislation Surrounding Assistance Dogs."

Picture of 3 speakers, Dr Takayanagi, Mr Yamaguchi and Ms Inoue speaking to the audience — Dr Tomoko Takayanagi, Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi, and Yuko Inoue
from JGDA during the Panel Discussion

Furthermore, JGDA staff hosted workshops on topics such as "Care and Challenges for Retired Dogs,” where the training manager and two kennel staff members shared how JGDA cares for retired dogs in need.

Picture of Yosuke Suenaga and Tomoko Takahashi from Japan Guide Dog Association at the podium — Yosuke Suenaga and Tomoko Takahashi shared their retired dog ward care practices

Picture on left : Ms. Aiko Matsubayashi during the presentation picture on right : man holding the dog shaped donation box from Japan Guide Dog Assocation — Aiko Matsubayashi shared her telemarketing efforts during the presentation. JGDA original dog shaped donation box was introduced to the audience.

Three staff members of the External Affairs department presented on “Bonds and Achievements Fostered Through a Decade of Telemarketing."

Group photo of tour attendees and staff at JGDA Kanagawa Training Center

The conference also included optional tours to JGDA’s training facilities, Fuji Harness and Kanagawa Training Centre, where a total of 200 participants had the opportunity to observe Japan’s guide dog breeding and training practices firsthand.

Group Photo of the Kanagawa Training Center

Group Photo of the Fuji Harness Tour

Nearly 100 of JGDA’s 130 staff members participated in the conference, either by assisting with the organisation or by attending sessions. This provided a valuable opportunity to learn about global guide dog practices and strengthen connections with international colleagues.

Picture of delegates from various countries gathering after the Gala Dinner — Delegates from France, the US, and Japan after the Gala Dinner

During the gala dinner, the prestigious Ken Lord Award, the highest individual honour in the guide dog field, was presented to Christine Baroni-Pletscher, President of the Swiss Guide Dog Association. Christine has dedicated 22 years to IGDF, serving in various roles as a committee member and board director.

Picture of Board members and Christine Baroni-Pretsch, winner of the 2026 IGDF Ken Lord Award — Christine Baroni-Pretsch, winner of the 2026 IGDF Ken Lord Award

The conference theme, Guiding Tomorrow, inspired numerous presentations and discussions on integrating science, technology, and AI into guide dog services. One of the most memorable moments came during a workshop on the final day, where a quadrupedal guidance robot, developed through a joint study by Samsung Guide Dog School, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, and Pusan National University, was unveiled. When asked, "Will AI robots make guide dogs and trainers obsolete?" the President of Samsung Guide Dog School responded, "AI robots will inevitably emerge. As those who know guide dogs and visually impaired individuals best, it is our responsibility to pave the way forward for their benefit." This statement received resounding applause and left a lasting impression on attendees, encapsulating the future of AI and guide dogs.

Picture of TJ Park answering questions from the audience after the presentation — TJ Park answering questions from the audience after the presentation

This year’s conference, the first to be held in consecutive years, was an unparalleled opportunity for colleagues from around the world to exchange ideas, reignite their passion, and share invaluable experiences. We look forward to seeing even more colleagues in two years’ time for another inspiring gathering.

Yellow Guide Dog in a harness waiting patiently by the client’s feet during the poster session

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2026.05.29