Rakuten’s largest event, Optimism, goes all-in on AI

2 days ago 3 min read
Rakuten's largest event, Optimism, goes all-in on AI

Rakuten Optimism, the annual gathering that showcases the singular breadth of the Rakuten Ecosystem, is evolving once again.

This year, Rakuten’s largest annual conference is transforming into Rakuten AI Optimism, a three-day business conference and exhibition dedicated to exploring the latest innovations and applications of Artificial Intelligence. The event will be held at Pacifico Yokohama from Wednesday, July 30 to Friday, August 1, 2025, featuring insightful talks, cutting-edge demos and extensive networking opportunities.

2024’s Optimism kicked off with a keynote speech from Rakuten Group Chairman and CEO Mickey Mikitani, in which he outlined Rakuten’s plans to democratize AI.
2024’s Optimism kicked off with a keynote speech from Rakuten Group Chairman and CEO Mickey Mikitani, in which he outlined Rakuten’s plans to democratize AI.

Rakuten Optimism first launched in 2019, attracting approximately 80,000 attendees. As Rakuten’s largest annual event, it showcases the unique scale and breadth of the Rakuten Ecosystem, bringing together tech experts and leaders from various industries.

“Rakuten AI Optimism is a fantastic opportunity to see our vision for the future come to life.”

Naho Kono, Group CMO of Rakuten Group

In response to the global pandemic, Optimism shifted to a fully online format from 2021 to 2022, reaching an even wider audience, before returning as an on-site celebration in 2023.

A giant-sized Rakuten Panda was one of the hit attractions at the 2023 event.
A giant-sized Rakuten Panda was one of the hit attractions at the 2023 event. 

Now, in its sixth year, Rakuten Optimism is evolving once more, this time with a laser focus on AI. This transformation reflects Rakuten’s “AI-nization” strategy, which aims to transform operations and services with AI to empower customers and businesses.

“We’re incredibly excited to present Rakuten AI Optimism this year,” Naho Kono, Group CMO of Rakuten Group, commented. “As AI technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, Rakuten is leveraging its core strengths in data and technology to deliver increasingly personalized and valuable services. Rakuten AI Optimism is a fantastic opportunity to see our vision for the future come to life.”

The leaders redefining tomorrow

This year’s business conference will bring a diverse roster of leading minds. In addition to a keynote speech from Rakuten Group Chairman and CEO Mickey Mikitani, attendees will be able to hear from Kashiwa Sato, the Creative Director behind major brands including Uniqlo, 7-Eleven and Rakuten, and Market Strategist Miyoko Nakashima of Mizuho Securities, with many more to be announced soon. Other Rakuten leaders slated to take the stage include Group CMO Naho Kono, Chief AI & Data Officer Ting Cai and Co-CEO and CTO of Rakuten Mobile Sharad Sriwastawa.

Samurai Inc. Creative Director Kashiwa Sato shared his vision for the role of AI in the creative industries at Rakuten Optimism 2024.
Samurai Inc. Creative Director Kashiwa Sato shared his vision for the role of AI in the creative industries at Rakuten Optimism 2024.

What to Expect at Rakuten AI Optimism

  • Keynote speeches and panel discussions on AI’s transformative potential.
  • Exhibits showcasing AI-powered content and cutting-edge technologies from Rakuten.
  • Opportunities to connect with industry experts, innovators, and fellow AI enthusiasts.

Registration is free and open on the official Optimism site! No matter your background or level of AI expertise, Rakuten AI Optimism promises to offer an exciting peek at the future of AI.

Register for Rakuten AI Optimism and enter the sticker campaign for a chance to win a limited-edition Rakuten Panda sticker set.
Register for Rakuten AI Optimism and enter the sticker campaign for a chance to win a limited-edition Rakuten Panda sticker set.

Rakuten AI Optimism Key Details
Rakuten AI Optimism 2025
Dates: Wednesday, July 30 – Friday, August 1, 2025
Location: Pacifico Yokohama, Exhibition Halls A, B, C, D (1-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan)
Cost: Free admission (Pre-registration required)
Official site: https://optimism.rakuten.co.jp/en
Registration URL: https://optimism.rakuten.co.jp/2025/registration/

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