Rakuten AI Optimism Unveils Plans for Exhibition Area Featuring Latest AI and Technology Experiences

- Booth exhibits allow visitors to explore the latest AI and cutting-edge technology from across the Rakuten Ecosystem
- Business conference adds new speakers, including Hikaru Ijuin, Akie Iriyama, Hikaru Adachi and Yohei Sadoshima

Tokyo, July 1, 2026 – Rakuten Group, Inc. today announced new details for its exhibition area and speaker lineup at Rakuten AI Optimism, the group’s largest interactive event dedicated to pioneering the AI era, taking place at Pacifico Yokohama from Wednesday, August 5 to Friday, August 7, 2026. The latest details are now available on the official website.

Rakuten AI Optimism: Exhibition Area
The exhibition area is designed to offer visitors a hands-on experience of the latest technology, including AI, alongside Rakuten’s latest services. At its centerpiece, the Rakuten AI booth will provide visitors with a look into a future shaped by AI, leveraging Rakuten's unique ecosystem and vast data. Drawing on the strengths of the Rakuten ID, which seamlessly connects users’ daily lives across the Rakuten Ecosystem, the booth offers an immersive experience of AI that is uniquely Rakuten – providing a personalized approach that adapts to each individual's lifestyle.

The exhibition will feature a wide range of interactive booths demonstrating how AI is seamlessly integrating into daily life to enrich the user experience. At the Rakuten Mobile booth, a variety of displays will showcase the theme "Next-Generation Mobile Experiences, Evolved by AI." Visitors can explore the technology behind direct high-speed internet connectivity via low-earth-orbit satellites and everyday smartphones – a capability Rakuten aims to bring to Japan – while also experiencing the scale of U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile's low-earth orbit satellites and phased array antennas through AR displays.

The Rakuten Fintech booth will introduce visitors to services designed to make payments and wealth management more accessible and convenient. Through "Future Tree," an interactive exhibit, visitors can contribute to a shared vision of the future by collecting their hopes and aspirations for financial experiences.

Additionally, the Rakuten Sports booth, themed around "Sports × AI," will offer a simulated professional athlete experience. Drawing on data gathered from conditioning checks and baseball and soccer training drills, AI will generate a personalized avatar for each visitor, creating a unique stadium experience complete with a customized entrance presentation and personalized cheer song.

Rakuten AI Optimism: Business Conference
In addition to the exhibition highlights, Rakuten also announced updates to the speaker lineup for its business conference. The event will welcome key industry figures, including Hikaru Ijuin (TV personality), Akie Iriyama (Professor, Waseda Business School), Hikaru Adachi (Executive Director, CMO, Head of Marketing Division, and Head of Digital Business Division, FamilyMart Co., Ltd.), and Yohei Sadoshima (Representative Director and President, Cork Inc.), among others. These experts will share their perspectives on topics including business transformation through AI and the future strategies unlocked by technology.

Rakuten is committed to empowering society and enriching lives by challenging conventional thinking. Through this event, Rakuten aims to provide a platform where attendees can engage with the transformative potential of next-gen technology and unlock new discoveries.

Notes:
^*1 Some details may differ from the actual content.
^*2 Images shown are AI-generated.

Event Overview
Event name: Rakuten AI Optimism
Dates: Wednesday, August 5 to Friday, August 7, 2026
Venue: Pacifico Yokohama, Exhibition Halls B, C, D (1-1-1 Minatomirai Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan)
Access: https://www.pacifico.co.jp/english/access 
Admission: Free (*Pre-registration required)
Hosted by: Rakuten Group
Official site: https://optimism.rakuten.co.jp/?wovn=en
Registration URL: https://optimism.rakuten.net/public/application/add/438?wovn=en
Related press release (June 1, 2026): https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/update/2026/0601_02.html

*Speaker and content information is accurate as of the time of release and is subject to change. All company names, product names and service names published in this press release are generally trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.