Rakuten Product Conference 2025: Agentic AI paves the way for a new era of innovation

Agentic AI – the concept of AI systems that can autonomously plan and execute tasks – is rapidly moving from research labs to real-world applications. At Rakuten Product Conference 2025, the panel “What’s Next in AI: The Agentic Revolution,” featuring Ting Cai, Rakuten Chief AI & Data Officer; Taku Okoshi, Executive Officer, Director of the AI Services Supervisory Department at Rakuten; and Caitlin Cai, Head of Product at the AI Lab, Rakuten Asia; along with Praful Chavda, Founder and CEO of Chisel, explored the practical implications of this emerging technology, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for businesses looking to leverage its potential.

Their collective vision for agentic AI aims not only to redefine product management but also to empower every employee and partner with a transformative digital toolkit.

A global leader in AI innovation

Rakuten Group’s long-standing strength lies in its ability to harness vast amounts of data and translate that into innovative products and services. At RPC 2025, this panel underscored how this data-driven approach continues to fuel breakthroughs in AI.

“AI is touching every aspect of our life,” remarked Ting Cai, emphasizing that advances in AI agents are already impacting daily routines — from assisting in searching for train schedules to revolutionizing the advertising industry. This shift, he believes, presents an immense strategic opportunity for Rakuten, and sets the stage for a deeper exploration into agentic AI. Ting further elaborated on this emerging trend, noting that agentic AI is evolving to autonomously perceive, reason, plan and act. He emphasized that these capabilities will not only streamline workflows but also empower individuals and startups alike, unlocking a new era of innovation within the Rakuten Ecosystem.

Agentic AI: Redefining product management

The conversation at RPC 2025 moved beyond data and algorithms to reveal how agentic AI is transforming product management and development cycles. Caitlin Cai discussed how emerging AI tools are democratizing creativity across the organization. “Agentic AI creates a powerful toolkit for product development managers,” she explained, noting that whether one is a seasoned technologist or a non-tech professional, the new ecosystem of AI tools — from design platforms like Figma to advanced coding interfaces — is leveling the playing field.

Panelists agreed that the fusion of AI with product management practices accelerates everything from prototyping to iterative design. Chavda detailed how his team leverages a variety of AI-powered tools at different stages; from using digital solutions to craft user stories and product requirement documents, to experimenting with cutting-edge prototypes. “Our goal is to trim down the product development cycle by reducing busywork,” Chavda noted, highlighting that tasks which once took months can now be executed in a fraction of the time. This efficiency not only drives faster market iterations but also frees up creative resources to focus on outcomes such as increased product adoption and higher revenue streams.

Okoshi added that while innovative methods of AI-driven coding are accelerating development, the melding of human insight with AI remains crucial. His remarks underscored the reality that even as AI tools evolve, the role of strategic human intervention continues to be a linchpin in driving meaningful innovation.

Balancing human insight and AI capabilities

One of the overarching themes at RPC 2025 was the need to balance the formidable computational power of AI with the irreplaceable qualities of human judgment, empathy and creativity. Chavda addressed this delicate balance by pointing out that AI excels at repetitive tasks, data processing and analytics. Yet the ability to apply context, empathy and creativity remains uniquely human. “There is a division of labor where AI handles deterministic problem solving and human engineers provide guidance, set guardrails and tweak the AI’s approach,” he explained.

This “human-in-the-loop” approach ensures that while AI handles large-scale data operations — such as competitive research and customer feedback analysis — humans remain at the helm when it comes to decision-making and creative strategy. Caitlin Cai also stressed the importance of fostering a startup-like spirit within a large organization like Rakuten. By encouraging continuous experimentation and embracing occasional missteps as learning opportunities, Rakuten is nurturing an environment where innovative ideas can thrive, and AI serves as an agent of empowerment rather than a replacement for human ingenuity.

Paving the way for a new era of innovation

Looking to the future, the panelists offered an optimistic forecast for the evolution of agentic AI. Ting Cai provided a comprehensive view of what lies ahead, detailing how emerging AI agents are already beginning to perceive, reason, plan, iterate and ultimately act on behalf of users.

Caitlin Cai stressed that education, onboarding and trust-building are essential as the industry shifts toward more autonomous systems. Meanwhile, Chavda acknowledged the unpredictable pace of AI evolution, noting that while it is challenging to forecast five years ahead, the current trajectory suggests a radically transformed landscape in which AI’s role in product development is both expansive and integral.

Okoshi’s comment on integrating advanced coding techniques with human oversight encapsulates the central message from RPC 2025: The future of AI lies not in replacing human expertise, but in amplifying it. This balanced approach — coupling high-tech innovation with human creativity — is set to position Rakuten as a leader in the global AI revolution.

In an era where technology is transforming industry norms, Rakuten’s forward-thinking agenda on agentic AI underlines its commitment to fostering innovation, efficiency and inclusivity. As Rakuten continues to lead in AI development and deployment across its business units, the insights from RPC 2025 signal a promising new chapter in which artificial intelligence and human ingenuity work together in concert to redefine the future of product management and beyond.