Rakuten AI Optimism 2026: Exploring Agentic AI and what comes next

Rakuten AI Optimism, Rakuten Group’s largest annual business event dedicated to pioneering the AI era, returns this August to explore the transformative frontier of artificial intelligence. This year’s iteration expands its focus to Agentic AI, a technology that moves beyond simply assisting humans to actively partnering with them.

Taking place from August 5 to August 7 at Pacifico Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan, the conference gathers prominent industry leaders and experts for a range of keynotes, fireside chats and panel discussions that explore AI-driven transformation from multiple perspectives, providing attendees with the insights needed to thrive in the modern business and tech landscape.

Naho Kono, Chief Marketing Officer, Rakuten Group commented, “Now in its seventh year, Rakuten Optimism returns as an open venue for learning and co-creation that breaks down traditional barriers across industries. AI is now part of daily life – it’s in our infrastructure. By leveraging our ecosystem-driven data through Rakuten AI, we are creating hyper-personalization that delivers optimized, value-added experiences for all our customers.”

Visionaries on stage

The conference will open with a headlining keynote from Rakuten Group Chairman and CEO Mickey Mikitani. Following Mickey’s presentation, Ting Cai, Rakuten Group’s Chief AI and Data Officer, will take to the stage to showcase what Rakuten’s Agentic Ecosystem looks like in practice through live demonstrations and a deep dive into Rakuten’s vision for the future of the technology.

Also joining the conversation will be luminaries such as Kaz Ataka, Professor at Keio University’s Faculty of Environment and Information Studies and Senior Strategist at LY Corporation; Miyoko Nakashima, Market Strategist and Director at Mizuho Securities; Hikaru Ijuin (TV personality); among others.

Industry-spanning insights

The conference agenda extends across multiple sectors – travel, e-commerce, mobile, marketing, and more – each providing critical insights for organizations embarking on their AI journeys.

A dedicated Fintech Panel will bring together executives from Rakuten Card, Rakuten Bank, Rakuten Securities, Rakuten Insurance Group and Rakuten Payment to examine the current state of the Rakuten FinTech ecosystem and discuss how data and AI are transforming the financial services landscape.

Beyond business applications, the conference will explore some of the pressing philosophical questions surrounding AI, including how humans can thrive as the technology becomes increasingly embedded in our daily work and life.

In a compelling session titled “Beyond Efficiency: What Should We Be Obsessed With in the AI Era?”, Rieko Komiyama, Professor, Graduate School of Education, Tokyo Gakugei University, Advisor to the President’s Office; Kagoshima Horiguchi Seicha Co., Ltd.; Naoki Shibata, NSV Wolf Capital Managing Partner); and Masatada Kobayashi, Rakuten Group Chief Culture Officer will examine how curiosity can serve as an engine for building a life uniquely your own in the AI era.

All keynotes and panel discussions will feature real-time AI-powered subtitles in English and Japanese, ensuring greater audience accessibility.

Interactive showcases put ecosystem in spotlight

Building on last year’s momentum, Rakuten is continuing its “AI-nization” mission, an enterprise-wide initiative to leverage AI to transform operations, services, and user experiences across the Rakuten Ecosystem, with the ultimate goal of making AI accessible to all.

The event’s large exhibition area will offer visitors a hands-on experience of the company’s latest technology, including AI, alongside innovative Rakuten services. The Rakuten AI booth, a centerpiece of the exhibition area, is set to deliver an immersive journey into an AI-driven future. Leveraging the Rakuten ID’s seamless integration across the entire ecosystem, visitors will encounter AI experiences tailored to their individual preferences and lifestyle patterns.

Rakuten Mobile will spotlight “Next-Generation Mobile Experiences, Evolved by AI,” featuring the technology behind direct high-speed internet connectivity via low-earth-orbit satellites and everyday smartphones. AR displays will illustrate the capabilities of U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile’s satellite network and phased array antennas.

Rakuten Fintech invites visitors to interact with “Future Tree,” an interactive installation where attendees can share aspirations for the future of financial services, collectively building a vision of accessible, intuitive wealth management and payment solutions.

Under the theme “Sports × AI,” the Rakuten Sports booth will offer visitors a simulated professional athlete experience. Using data collected from conditioning checks and baseball and soccer training drills, AI will generate a unique stadium experience complete with a personalized avatar, entrance presentation and cheer song for each visitor.

The exhibition floor will also feature booths from various other Rakuten services, corporate partner showcases, dedicated business networking spaces and a dining area.

Attendees will be able to purchase event-exclusive Okaimono Panda merchandise such as rubber mirrors, hand towels, Okaimono Panda x HydroFlask Bottles and more.

Building across boundaries

With nearly 840,000 attendees since 2019, Rakuten Optimism has become a dynamic platform for engaging with cutting-edge technology and unlocking new opportunities. The 2026 edition of the conference expands on this mission, by partnering with companies to create a platform for learning and dialogue that transcends industry boundaries.

Head to the official website to view the session schedule and exhibition details. Register for free now!