The best of tech, sports and culture at Rakuten Future Festival 2024

3 weeks ago 5 min read
As part of Rakuten’s largest interactive event, the Future Festival took center stage, offering a glimpse into the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

Over four summer days, Rakuten Optimism 2024 turned Tokyo Big Sight into a vibrant hub of technology, sports and culture, drawing approximately 66,000 attendees of all ages and interests eager to experience the future. As part of Rakuten’s largest annual event, the Future Festival offered visitors a glimpse into the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. From AI-powered games to cutting-edge drone technology, the festival was a showcase of Rakuten’s vision for a better tomorrow.

Skateboarding and street culture in action

Visitors had the chance to interact with skaters at the Uprising booth, experiencing their skills and enthusiasm firsthand.
Festivalgoers had the chance to interact with pro skaters at the Uprising booth, seeing their skills and enthusiasm firsthand.

At the Uprising booth, visitors enjoyed exhilarating skateboarding performances by Nanaka Fujisawa and Momohei Yabushita from ‘TEAM UPRISING.’ The half pipe setup provided an up-close view of the action, allowing attendees to experience the thrill of skateboarding and the vibrant street culture it represents.

AI Zone: Where technology meets play

Families enjoyed a fun-filled challenge as they raced to the finish line in the AI-powered 'Red Light, Green Light' game.
Families enjoyed a fun-filled challenge as they raced to the finish line in the AI-powered ‘Red Light, Green Light’ game.

The AI Zone was a major attraction of the Future Festival, drawing crowds of all ages with its innovative and interactive exhibits. One of the standout activities was the AI Statue Game, an innovative twist on the classic “Red Light, Green Light” game. Participants were captivated by the challenge of outsmarting an AI character to reach the finish line.

A visitor experiences Universal Concierge, an experimental feature that will enable users to access multiple Rakuten services from a single chatbot.
A visitor experiences Universal Concierge, an experimental feature that will enable users to access multiple Rakuten services from a single chatbot.

Another exciting feature was Universal Concierge, an experimental feature currently in development that leverages AI for chat, personalized search and recommendations to enhance the user experience. Unveiled by Rakuten Group Chairman and CEO Mickey Mikitani during his Business Conference keynote on the first day of Rakuten Optimism, the Universal Concierge was a highlight of the AI Zone. Visitors experienced firsthand how the Universal Concierge utilizes AI to offer tailored results from various services based on user needs, showcasing the seamless integration of Rakuten’s ecosystem.

Creating manga-inspired photo memories at the AI Manga Selfie booth.
Creating manga-inspired photo memories at the AI Manga Selfie booth.

For those looking to capture a unique memory, the AI Manga Selfie booth offered a fun and creative way to take photos. This technology generated manga-style backgrounds based on facial expressions, allowing visitors to download and keep their personalized selfies as unique mementos.

Taking to the skies with Rakuten Drone

Seeing the world from a new angle with FPV goggles.
Seeing the world from a new angle with FPV goggles.

The Rakuten Drone booth highlighted the company’s current advancements in drone technology. Visitors could watch live drone flights, view stunning aerial footage and even take turns piloting a drone themselves. With professional guidance, even first-time flyers could navigate a challenging course, experiencing Rakuten’s innovative approach to drone tech.

Sports for everyone: Celebrating diversity and inclusion

In perfect sync, participants showcased how teamwork and communication enhanced the experience.
In perfect sync, participants showcased how teamwork and communication enhanced the experience.

The Sports for Everyone booth celebrated inclusivity by offering a variety of sports activities for all. At the tandem cycling game, one participant pedaled a stationary bicycle with their vision restricted, relying on a partner sitting in front to give directions. The pair worked together to ride the bicycle and catch items falling from a screen. This game demonstrated how sports can build teamwork and connection and highlighted Rakuten’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Perfecting your swing with Rakuten GORA

Golfers received expert AI swing analysis at the Rakuten Gora booth.
Golfers received expert AI swing analysis at the Rakuten Gora booth.

Golf enthusiasts were drawn to the Rakuten GORA booth to experience an AI-powered swing analysis. This technology delivered detailed, personalized feedback on the players’ stance, swing and impact to help golfers improve their performance.

A culinary journey across Japan

The food stalls at the Future Festival offered a wide variety of Japanese specialities.
The food stalls at the Future Festival offered a wide variety of Japanese specialities.

The Local Food Fair was a feast for the senses, offering visitors a variety of Japanese specialties from all over the country. From soy sauce-marinated salmon roe to the special Ogata Ranch beef yakiniku bowl, the fair provided a unique opportunity to sample regional delicacies without leaving Tokyo.

Explore exclusive Okaimono Panda content at Rakuten Content Central

Making memories with Okaimono Panda.
Making memories with Okaimono Panda.

At the Rakuten Content Central booth, fans of Rakuten’s beloved mascot, Okaimono Panda, immersed themselves in the world of the upcoming TV anime series. The booth featured exclusive content, photo spots with the characters and a corner for the anime Okaimono Panda! Sparkly Card Gacha. The Okaimono Panda mascot was a big hit, attracting visitors of all ages.

A memorable snapshot inside Okaimono Panda’s house.
A memorable snapshot inside Okaimono Panda’s house.

While the Okaimono Panda Area is always a favorite, this year’s booth stood out with the addition of a replica of Okaimono Panda’s house. Visitors enjoyed taking photos with the beloved mascot and exploring exclusive merchandise, including t-shirts, stickers and wireless chargers.

Rakuten Optimism 2024’s Future Festival offered attendees a glimpse into the future through interactive exhibits and innovative technology. From AI-driven experiences to sports and drone piloting, the festival showcased the diverse and dynamic tech-driven services that make up the Rakuten Ecosystem, reinforcing the company’s trailblazing efforts to turn tomorrow’s possibilities into today’s realities.

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