Reflections on Kaigi on Rails 2026: A Journey of Growth

On October 16th and 17th, I had the privilege of attending Kaigi on Rails at Bellesalle Shibuya Garden. This experience was made possible thanks to the generous scholarship support from SonicGarden, Inc., which covered my expenses and organized networking opportunities.

Acknowledgments

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to SonicGarden, Inc. for their support. In addition to funding my participation, they helped arrange a pre-conference lunch meeting with their team, fostering connections that enhanced my learning experience. Their kindness provided me the chance to grow through dialogue with both their employees and fellow scholarship recipients.

Key Learnings from the Sessions

The conference was a treasure trove of insights, featuring a variety of sessions that encouraged learning from multiple viewpoints. One key takeaway was the diversity of presentation styles, which provided me with a richer understanding of both familiar and unknown technologies.

Although I did not fully grasp every session—as they were quite challenging—I walked away with valuable insights that I plan to explore further.

Thought-Provoking Keynotes

The opening day featured keynotes by DHH, the creator of Rails, and Matz, the creator of Ruby. DHH discussed the evolving role of engineers, emphasizing the shift towards AI-generated code. He introduced the concept of 'Pencils Down,' highlighting the need for engineers to embrace these changes rather than resist them.

Hearing from these pioneers at such a pivotal time, marked by rapid advancements in AI technology, inspired me to reflect on my own journey as an engineer and define where I can provide the most value.

Memorable Sessions

One standout session for me was titled “Rails Modeling in the Field: Growing Systems from Spreadsheet-based Designs.” This presentation stood out not for its intricate technical details but for its focus on collaborative system growth tailored to user needs. It underscored the evolving role of engineers in AI's transformative landscape.

By engaging with end-users to gather feedback, engineers can create a shared language that enhances mutual understanding and identifies the true needs of projects. As automation becomes more accessible, I aspire to be an engineer capable of determining the software requirements through active dialogues with users.

Insights on Periodic Execution Jobs

Another impactful session I attended was focused on “The Essential Information of Periodic Execution Job Infrastructure learned by Building it Three Times.” This session used an attendance management system as a case study to explore the complexities of operating periodic jobs. While implementing the mechanism with tools like Rails' Solid Queue can be straightforward, challenges arise in ensuring the reliability of job execution.

Discussion around real-world issues, such as handling missed clock-ins or spanning working hours across multiple days, highlighted the importance of operational considerations when designing systems. This insight encouraged me to think critically about the user experience in system design.

Bonds Built Among Peers

The shared experience with fellow scholarship recipients enriched my understanding and expanded my connections. We spent the three days and two nights together, participating in sessions, exploring sponsor booths, and discussing technology, student life, and personal growth.

Through our lively discussions, I was inspired by the passion of my peers to engage actively with technology, pursue internships, and participate in various tech events. Their aspirations helped highlight areas where I personally want to improve, driving me to adopt better habits, stay updated on industry trends, and cultivate an inquisitive mindset.

Post-Conference Reflections

The day after the main event, I joined the Kaigi Effect meeting, where participants could apply their new knowledge hands-on. I engaged in a session entitled “How Does Rails Accept the Responsibility of AI,” where I explored using the activeagent gem within Rails.

This experience reignited my focus on honing a specific technology and was both enlightening and enjoyable. I experimented with assigning AI responsibilities within my app, crafting dynamic prompts in a way that felt unconventional yet intuitive. This process reinforced my appreciation for delving deeper into technology.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the entire experience at Kaigi on Rails, I found it incredibly enriching and enjoyable. I am determined to keep the passion I discovered alive as I continue to explore technology and develop my skills as an engineer. With next year’s conference slated to be held at Tokyo Big Sight, I am eager to participate again and further my learning.