The 53rd H.C.R.2026, held under clear autumn skies, recorded 37,025 visitors on its opening day.

Featuring 378 exhibiting companies (including about 60 first-time exhibitors) from 10 countries and 2 regions, H.C.R. 2026 showcases a wide range of products—from handmade items to the latest AI, ICT, monitoring support devices, and sensor-based care-assist robots designed for data collection. A diverse array of cutting- edge  ICT  equipment,  including  advanced  technologies  and  products  currently  being  researched  and developed at universities, attracted significant crowd attention.

At the opening ceremony, Atsuko Muraki, President of the Japan National Council of Social Welfare (the organizer), delivered an address expressing gratitude to all involved for their dedication to organizing the exhibition. She declared the event open, stating, "We hope H.C.R. 2026 serves as a step toward opening a new future for social welfare." Additionally, congratulatory remarks from Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Ueno were delivered by Tadayoshi Mizutani, Director-General of the Department of Health and Welfare for Persons with Disabilities.

This year's event is held in East Halls 1–3, 7, and 8 of Tokyo Big Sight. As soon as the doors opened, the venue filled with energetic activity. Notably, there was a visible increase in young attendees—including high school, vocational, and university students—as well as welfare facility professionals and international visitors, particularly from Asia. H.C.R. provides exhibitors with a valuable, real-world opportunity to engage directly with visitors,  and  many  attendees were  seen  listening  intently  to  product  explanations  from  exhibiting manufacturers. Amid ongoing staffing shortages in the care sector, the growing interest among the younger generation sparks high expectations for them as future pillars of the social welfare field.