Rakuten to Host “Rakuten AI Technology Conference 2026”

- Sessions by global tech leaders under the theme “AI-nization: Enhance & Augment”
- Interactive Rakuten AI booths alongside family-friendly activities at the Kids Park

Rakuten Group, Inc. will host its annual technology event, Rakuten AI Technology Conference 2026, on November 14 at its global headquarters, Rakuten Crimson House. Marking its 18 ^th edition, the event has been officially renamed to reflect the profound impact of AI across the modern technology landscape. Bringing together tech leaders, engineers, researchers and tech enthusiasts from around the world, the conference explores future technology horizons through a range of talk sessions and panel discussions. Registration is free and open to the public via the official website^*1, with the majority of sessions conducted in English.

This year’s theme, “AI-nization: Enhance & Augment,” highlights AI’s increasing potential to expand the capabilities of individuals and organizations and empower them to achieve new heights. Discussions will address both the opportunities and risk management of cutting-edge technologies across various fields such as cloud computing, data science, e-commerce, fintech and mobile technology ^*2.

The conference features several sessions centered on AI–powered technologies. In addition to a keynote by Rakuten Group Chairman and CEO Mickey Mikitani and sessions by tech leaders from across Rakuten’s businesses, notable industry figures such as Richard Seroter, Senior Director and Chief Evangelist at Google Cloud, will also take to the stage.

Rakuten Group Chief AI & Data Officer Ting Cai will unveil the latest Rakuten AI use cases and outline the company’s strategic vision for agentic AI in the Rakuten Ecosystem. Taku Okoshi, Director of the AI Services Supervisory Department at Rakuten, will join Richard Seroter to discuss the future role of agentic AI in society and their vision on how companies can best leverage generative AI.

Beyond the technical tracks, the event offers immersive family-friendly experiences, including hands-on Rakuten AI demonstration booths and a dedicated Kids Park where children can interact with emerging technologies. Attendees can also enjoy food and refreshments from the company’s cafeteria and join the after-party (free admission).

The conference will conclude with the presentation of the Rakuten Technology Excellence Awards 2026, honoring individuals and organizations driving meaningful societal innovation through advanced technology.

The latest information on speakers and the event timetable can be found on the official website.

Key Speakers for “Rakuten AI Technology Conference 2026” (as of October 22, 2026)

Guest Speakers (in alphabetical order)

• Kazunori Furusawa, Technology Strategist, Field CTO, CrowdStrike Japan
• Richard Seroter, Senior Director and Chief Evangelist, Google Cloud

Rakuten Group

• Mickey Mikitani, Chairman and CEO, Rakuten Group
• Akihito Kurozumi, Group Executive Vice President, Group CIO & Group CTO, Rakuten Group
• Ting Cai, Group CAIDO, Group Senior Managing Executive Officer of AI & Data Division, Rakuten Group
• Yoshinari Fukumoto, Senior Executive Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Director, Information Security Supervisory Department, Rakuten Group
• Taku Okoshi, Executive Officer, Director, AI Services Supervisory Department, Rakuten Group
• Hironori Yoshida, Executive Officer, Director, Cloud Platform Supervisory Department, Rakuten Group
• Nagayasu Kano, General Manager, Cyber Security Defense Department, Rakuten Group
• Yoshiaki Kuno, Vice General Manager, Data Platform Department, Rakuten Group

Event Details

• Name: Rakuten AI Technology Conference 2026
• Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  
  
• Location: Rakuten Crimson House (Tokyo Headquarters) (1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0094)
  https://global.rakuten.com/corp/about/map/crimsonhouse/

• Organizer: Rakuten Group, Inc.
  
  
• Official Website: https://tech.rakuten.co.jp/
• Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rakuten-ai-technology-conference-2026-tickets-2000937221092

Notes
*1 To register for the event, please visit the Rakuten AI Technology Conference 2026 official website.
*2 Information is current as of the time of publishing and is subject to change.
*Speakers and other information above are accurate as of the time of release and are subject to change in the future. All company names, product names, service names, etc. mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective companies.