Connect Live Tokyo 2025 Recap: A Celebration of Impact and Connection

Attending Connect Live Tokyo 2025 was not just another milestone in my journey as a Local Guide — it was an inspiring, hands-on experience that truly celebrated community, innovation, and impact.

This invite-only summit brought together 54 Local Guides from 14 countries, mostly across the Asia-Pacific region, creating a powerful sense of global connection. Held at Google Japan’s office in Shibuya, Tokyo, the two-day event (July 24–25) offered exclusive insights, meaningful interactions, and memorable moments designed to help us grow as contributors.

Unlike global summits, this regional edition delivered a uniquely focused experience, allowing for deeper discussions, stronger connections, and more personalized engagement with the Google Maps team.

✨ Highlights from Connect Live Tokyo 2025

Here’s what made this summit unforgettable:

🌏 Global Connection with Local Impact

Meeting 53 other passionate Local Guides from across Asia-Pacific reminded me that while we come from different cultures, we share a single mission: to make the map better for everyone. From sharing local challenges to celebrating success stories, the sense of belonging was incredible.

🗣 Learning Through Talks & Discussions

The event featured keynotes by Ms. Miriam Daniel, Google’s VP & GM of Geo Consumer Maps, panels, and Q&A sessions that explored the future of Google Maps, community impact, and user-generated contributions. Hearing directly from Googlers and fellow Local Guides gave me new perspectives on how our feedback shapes the product.

🧪 Hands-on Exploration

While I can’t share specific details due to NDA, I can say this: we experienced interactive sessions that inspired ideas for improving contributions and making Maps even more helpful for people everywhere.

🤝 Strengthening Our Community

Beyond sessions, the welcome and closing receptions gave us time to network, exchange stories, and build friendships that go beyond borders. These are the connections that make the Local Guides program truly special.

📌 Related Post

Curious about how my over 10-year journey began? Read my previous post here: My 10-Year Journey from Google Map Maker to Connect Live Attendee.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Connect Live Tokyo 2025 was more than an event; it was a celebration of a decade of contributions, collaboration, and community spirit. Being part of this journey motivates me to keep improving the map for businesses, travelers, professionals, and communities — ensuring no place is left unseen.

If you’re a Local Guide, keep contributing, stay curious, and never underestimate the impact of your efforts. Every review, photo, and edit you make helps someone, somewhere, discover a little more of the world.

Thank you to the Google Maps team for creating such an impactful experience for us Local Guides. Here’s to the next chapter of making the world more accessible, one contribution at a time!

📣 Want to Be Part of the Local Guides Community?

Join thousands of contributors worldwide who make Google Maps more helpful every day: 👉 Sign up here. Already a Local Guide? Connect with the community here.