Get Ready for “AI-nization with U”: Rakuten Technology Conference 2025 Preview
Mark your calendars! Rakuten Technology Conference 2025 is set to ignite on Saturday, November 15, transforming the company’s Rakuten Crimson House Headquarters in Tokyo into a vibrant hub of innovation. This marks the 17th edition of the annual event which promises an gathering, drawing top-tier leaders, engineers, researchers, and tech enthusiasts from across the globe to collectively explore cutting edge technology through an engaging program of talks and discussions.
“AI-nization with U”: Tailoring tech to you
This year’s theme, “AI-nization with U” (AI-nization with You), captures Rakuten’s dual ambition: to deeply embed AI across its operations for accelerated growth, and to champion technology that delivers truly personalized user experiences. This vision is particularly embodied by the exciting advancements in agentic AI. The conference will be a deep dive into the transformative influence of AI and other groundbreaking technologies spanning critical domains such as cloud computing, data analytics, e-commerce innovation, financial technology (fintech) and mobile communications, pushing the boundaries of what’s currently imagined.
This year’s event also features a headlining keynote from Rakuten Group Chairman and CEO, Mickey Mikitani. His address is poised to provide a visionary framework for a day packed with forward-looking dialogue, reinforcing Rakuten’s dedication to pioneering technological advancements and ensuring AI serves as a powerful force for human betterment and enhanced productivity.
Decoding AI’s next frontier
The conference agenda is packed with an extraordinary lineup of speakers and sessions, all keenly focused on the latest in AI-driven innovation. Ting Cai, Rakuten Group Chief AI & Data Officer, will lead a pivotal session, offering fresh insights into Rakuten AI initiatives and outlining the company’s strategic blueprint for integrating agentic AI across the expansive Rakuten Ecosystem.
Another highlight will be a collaborative session featuring Taku Okoshi, Director, AI Services Supervisory Department at Rakuten, alongside Hamidou Dia, VP of Applied AI Engineering at Google LLC. They will engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the future societal role of agentic AI and offer perspectives on how enterprises can most effectively leverage generative AI.
The stage will also host other distinguished figures from the global tech arena, including Tiju Johnson, Principal Architect at Cisco Systems, Inc.; Shuji Omoto, Executive Officer, Head of Cloud & AI Architect Division, Customer Success Unit at Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.; Shinji Taketsume, Senior Vice President/Executive Operating Officer, Cloud Business Unit at Oracle Corporation Japan and Toshi Yasuda, Director, Head of Japan Specialists at Amazon Web Services Japan G.K.
These external luminaries, in concert with Rakuten’s own leadership – such as Akihito Kurozumi, Group Senior Managing Executive Officer, Group CIO & Group CTO, Hironori Yoshida, Executive Officer, Director, Cloud Platform Supervisory Department, Shuhei Yamamoto, General Manager, Cloud Platform Enablement Department & Data Platform Department, and Nagayasu Kano, Vice General Manager, Cyber Security Defense Department – will contribute to essential conversations shaping the contemporary technological landscape.
Cultivating innovation and community spirit
Beyond the thought-provoking speaker presentations, the prestigious Rakuten Technology Excellence Award 2025 ceremony will recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations whose pioneering technological contributions have significantly propelled societal innovation.
The Rakuten Technology Conference welcomes attendees of all ages. A specially curated “Kids Park” will offer an exciting, hands-on environment for children to interact with technology, igniting curiosity and inspiring the next generation of innovators. Attendees can also immerse themselves at an interactive Rakuten AI booth to discover the company’s latest advancements in AI.
To keep energy high throughout the day, complimentary lunch and refreshments will be served in the company cafeteria. The conference will culminate with an engaging after-party, providing a relaxed atmosphere for networking, sharing insights and fostering potential collaborations.
This event is free and open to all, presenting a unique chance to engage in cutting-edge technological discourse at Rakuten Crimson House (1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0094) or at one of the event’s satellite venues. Pre-registration is required, so make sure to sign up here. For the most current speaker lineup and the detailed event schedule, please visit the official Rakuten Technology Conference 2025 website.
