As part of the "Rakuten Optimism", the largest experiential event of the Rakuten Group, the "Future Festival" featured numerous contents that let you "feel a glimpse of the near future". This event was held at Tokyo Big Sight from August 1 to 4.At syncSPORTS by Rakuten , we would like to focus on introducing the sports-related booths from this event where one could experience the latest technology through various services.Sports content utilizing AI and VR are a huge success, from children to adults.The key to bringing the excitement of sports closer to us in the future might be in the hands of technology?

Solving the Stagnation of Scores with AI Diagnosis!! | Rakuten GORA

Within the venue of the “Future Festival”, the longest line was formed at this “Rakuten GORA” booth.We launched “Okaimono Panda’s Putter Paradise” and “AI Golf Swing Diagnosis Challenge”, based on Golf, which has now become a popular activity among the younger generation.

When you grip the club, it’s a serious match.Where will it end up…?

They are  intrigued by what lies behind AI analysis technology.

Not only experienced individuals, but also beginners are welcome to take on the challenge!

Evaluating swings in an easy-to-understand way with a radar chart.

AI Golf swing analysis is a system where the visitors swing in front of the camera and the AI checks about 50 checkpoints before displaying an overall evaluation.It seems that they developed the model and conducted learning over about two years in industry-academia collaboration with Keio University and RIT. The sight of visitors being impressed by the precision of the analysis and the validity of the results was noticeable.Rakuten GORA booth manager, Masahiro Kuwahara from the Golf Business Innovation Department  says, “It is said that Japan has about 8 million golf players, but approximately 80% of golfers feel challenged to improve their skills. I hope that this content will help you objectively understand your own swing, and serve as a catalyst to improve your skill efficiency.”

As if experiencing the “real thing”. |Rakuten Keiba・Rakuten K Dreams

Next, at the “Rakuten Keiba & Rakuten K Dreams” booth, measures were prepared to enjoy public sports as familiar sports.You can enjoy a “VR Jockey Experience” from the perspective of riding a real racehorse, a “Winning Horse Showdown” with Rakuten Keiba AI forecaster, Ema Fukurai, and a “6-Second Watt Bike Challenge” where you can match the speed of a bicycle racer. The visitors were thrilled with these special experiences utilizing technology!

The birth of a future Jockey!?

Rakuten Horse Racing’s original AI character, Ema Fukurai.

The AI forecast for this day seems to be going very well.

Sprinting at full speed for 6 seconds, aiming for the best!

Competitive athletes are professionals who have passed exams after rigorous training in training institutes and obtained licenses. They are athletes who are undergoing rigorous daily training.Moreover, the current situation is that the recognition that “Keirin” is an Olympic sport is still low. Ms. Mamiko Hirai, who is in charge of the same booth for the Dream Business Promotion Department said, “Public competitions such as horse racing and bicycle racing are often understood as gambling, but their revenue contributes to welfare, medical care, and sports promotion, which benefits local finance. We aim to create an environment without regional or information disparities by utilizing IT, so that people of a wide range of ages can easily enjoy competitive activities.”

A game that brings smiles to both players and spectators.|Sports for Everyone

Within the various contents at the venue, the “Sports for Everyone” booth, where parents and children were visibly enjoying themselves, left a remarkable impression.The “Sports Challenge”, where players compete for points against opponent avatars, is highly popular among children. In “Tandem Cycling”, where you control a bicycle for two, the person pedaling experiences operating while blindfolded, simulating a blind state.Services that stimulate curiosity have been launched, such as an AI creating sports newspaper-style articles in real time, incorporating the condition of each player.

Competing against Rakuten Eagles’ player avatar, Asamura, and Rakuten Monkeys’ player, Lin Li.The mood is a two-way player, like an ace and a home run hitter.

Aiming for a high score, taking a shot at the avatar of Vissel Kobe’s player Maekawa!

The secret to a high score is the harmonious combination of two people with different roles.

Observing the joy of each attendee as they engage with sports, Naoki Tanabe of the Brand Partnership Activation Department, who is in charge of the booth said “Even though there are various types of sports, I believe that there is a certain perspective that comes into view when you actually experience each one. We believe that by continuing to create such opportunities, we can create a future where everyone can enjoy sports, and alongside sports, we can create a better future.”

Sports really do need that live feeling!A big guest also visited the basketball court.|NBA Rakuten・UPRISING・WUBS

The “NBA Rakuten” booth and the “UPRISING/WUBS” booth each feature the “live feel” of sports.Firstly, even domestically, basketball has been increasingly gaining popularity year after year. However, when it comes to the home of basketball, it is undoubtedly the American NBA.The booth features exhibits of merchandise signed by NBA players, and even has a basketball hoop that is actually used in games, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the real thing.Furthermore, on the court, apparel produced by NBA Rakuten was also lined up, strongly impressing that “Basketball equals stylish”.Takashi Inoue, who is in charge of the NBA Rakuten booth and the Sports Streaming & Live Commerce division, said, “I hope to help bring the NBA closer to Japan. I myself was a boy who dreamed of the NBA.Dreams are the driving force of people.I want you to dream through the NBA and enrich your life. I want to propose a future where there are dreams, a future where there’s something to look forward to.”

The basketball goal used in NBA JAPAN GAMES2022 is on display.

On the first day of the event, active NBA player, Jaren Jackson Jr., was also present!

The WUBS booth provides information about the “WUBS (World University Basketball Championship)” which is held globally once a year.This is a tournament that has been held since 2022 to promote college basketball, and the number of visitors is increasing every year. I highly recommend checking it out. Rui Hioki, who is in charge of the WUBS booth for UPRISING’s entertainment content business and IP content division, says, “While most basketball fans are interested in professional basketball like the NBA or B.League, I would really like them to experience the passionate clashes unique to college students, who could become future professional basketball players.”

The high-level competition among domestic and international university teams is also an attraction of WUBS.

At the UPRISING booth, a skateboarding demonstration was conducted.In addition to Nanaka Fujisawa and Momohei Yabushita from the ambassador group “TEAM UPRISING”, Toa Sasaki, who is ranked 10th in the world ranking for men’s street, and Aoi Ishimaru performed at the venue!Fujisawa commented, “I am very pleased to have such an opportunity, as I believe it will provide a chance for more people to learn about skateboarding.”

The live sounds of strumming decks and the rush of speed can only be experienced at real events!

From left, Nanaka Fujisawa, Aoi Ishimaru, Momohei Yabushita, and Toa Sasaki on his shoulder.

By utilizing technology, sports can become more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.What kind of technology are you seeking? Let’s deliver that voice to the future together.

TEXT: Keisuke Honda
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)