Rakuten to Host 'Rakuten AI Optimism,' One of the Group's Largest Business Events, at Pacifico Yokohama
Rakuten Group will host 'Rakuten AI Optimism,' a major business event focused on AI, at Pacifico Yokohama from August 5 to 7, 2026. This seventh edition features conferences with global leaders, including Chairman Hiroshi Mikitani, and exhibition areas showcasing the latest AI technologies to promote the democratization and social implementation of AI. Admission is free with prior registration.
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- 📰 Published: June 1, 2026 at 20:34
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Rakuten Group, Inc. (hereinafter 'Rakuten') will hold 'Rakuten AI Optimism,' one of the group's largest business events designed to pioneer the AI era, at Pacifico Yokohama for three days from Wednesday, August 5, to Friday, August 7, 2026 (admission free, pre-registration required). Today, the latest information, including speakers for the 'Business Conference,' was released on the official website, and registration for the event has begun.
Rakuten is promoting 'AI-nization' to accelerate the use of AI, aiming for the 'democratization of AI' where people around the world can incorporate AI into their daily lives. At this event, Rakuten will create opportunities for learning and dialogue across industries and positions, together with partner companies.
'Rakuten Optimism,' now in its seventh year, has been held since 2019 and has attracted a cumulative total of approximately 840,000 participants. Continuing from last year, under the concept of 'Empowering the Future,' the event will be held as 'Rakuten AI Optimism,' a business event that delves into the possibilities of AI, aiming to provide insights for taking the next step by capturing the transformation brought about by AI from multiple perspectives.
At the 'Business Conference,' leaders from Japan and abroad who are creating an innovative future will gather to give lectures and hold panel discussions on various themes centered on AI. In addition to Rakuten's Chairman and CEO Hiroshi Mikitani, prominent figures active on the global stage, such as Kazuto Ataka, Sayoko Nakajima, and Rieko Komiyama, are scheduled to speak.
Furthermore, the event will feature an 'Exhibition' area where visitors can experience AI technologies and cutting-edge solutions that accelerate business growth. The exhibition will include booths where visitors can experience AI content and advanced technologies from various Rakuten services, as well as business meeting booths, corporate booths, and food and beverage areas. Limited-edition merchandise featuring Rakuten's official character, 'Shopping Panda,' will also be sold.
Naho Kono, Group CMO and Representative Director and Executive Vice President of Rakuten, who is overseeing the event, stated, 'AI has become a familiar infrastructure that supports our work and lives from the ground up. Rakuten is promoting hyper-personalization centered on 'Rakuten AI,' and through this event, we aim to provide an open space for learning and co-creation that anyone can participate in.'
Rakuten is promoting 'AI-nization' to accelerate the use of AI, aiming for the 'democratization of AI' where people around the world can incorporate AI into their daily lives. At this event, Rakuten will create opportunities for learning and dialogue across industries and positions, together with partner companies.
'Rakuten Optimism,' now in its seventh year, has been held since 2019 and has attracted a cumulative total of approximately 840,000 participants. Continuing from last year, under the concept of 'Empowering the Future,' the event will be held as 'Rakuten AI Optimism,' a business event that delves into the possibilities of AI, aiming to provide insights for taking the next step by capturing the transformation brought about by AI from multiple perspectives.
At the 'Business Conference,' leaders from Japan and abroad who are creating an innovative future will gather to give lectures and hold panel discussions on various themes centered on AI. In addition to Rakuten's Chairman and CEO Hiroshi Mikitani, prominent figures active on the global stage, such as Kazuto Ataka, Sayoko Nakajima, and Rieko Komiyama, are scheduled to speak.
Furthermore, the event will feature an 'Exhibition' area where visitors can experience AI technologies and cutting-edge solutions that accelerate business growth. The exhibition will include booths where visitors can experience AI content and advanced technologies from various Rakuten services, as well as business meeting booths, corporate booths, and food and beverage areas. Limited-edition merchandise featuring Rakuten's official character, 'Shopping Panda,' will also be sold.
Naho Kono, Group CMO and Representative Director and Executive Vice President of Rakuten, who is overseeing the event, stated, 'AI has become a familiar infrastructure that supports our work and lives from the ground up. Rakuten is promoting hyper-personalization centered on 'Rakuten AI,' and through this event, we aim to provide an open space for learning and co-creation that anyone can participate in.'
FAQ
Is the event open to international participants?
Yes, but registration is required via the official website, and the event is held in Yokohama.