YOXO FESTIVAL 2025Many companies and universities conducted proof-of-concept experiments and demonstrations at the event, creating opportunities for collaboration among exhibitors across different industries and business formats, as well as encouraging interaction with local residents and creating innovation throughout the city.
We will report on the opening days on Saturday, January 2025th and Sunday, January 1th, 25.
OPEN DAY
A "Main Stage" Landmark Plaza Sakata Seed Garden Square
Throughout the day, talk events and workshops on the theme of the future were held on the main stage, creating a lot of excitement. One of the most notable events was the "Dream Pitch," where elementary school students talked about their dreams. The sight of them confidently expressing their thoughts and feelings in front of a large audience was truly impressive and moving, rivaling the efforts of adults.
"YOXO FESTIVAL FUTURE PITCH" was an energetic pitch event packed with passion and challenges for the future. This year marked the second time the event was held, and innovators active in various fields were given the opportunity to passionately talk about their visions for the future and the challenges they face in the limited time of just three minutes.
B:Technology area" Landmark Plaza Festival Square
In the Technology Area on the 1st floor of Landmark Plaza, universities and companies with ties to Yokohama showcased future technologies, creating an attractive area where visitors could see and touch them directly. Popular attractions such as Yokohama National University's "Muscle-activated robot" and "Standing age measurement," and DoCoMo CS's "Minecraft programming experience" were so popular that participants lined up to get in.
JVC Kenwood also exhibited a prototype called "Rakugakki" that proposes a future musical experience. Children enjoyed the unique experience of freely drawing pictures on a tablet, which was then turned into a character on the screen, and a sound was created according to the shape. Through this experience, we gathered the opinions and reactions of the participants, and tried to use them in the development of future technologies and products, which is the essence of the YOXO FESTIVAL.
C:Engineering and art area" Landmark Plaza BUKATSUDO
At the shared office BUKATSUDO in the Landmark, various experiential booths were set up, planned and run mainly by students. The diverse content, such as creating picture books, experiencing foreign cultures, and building a mini 4WD, was eye-catching. There was also a "cooking class without recipes" where children could choose their own ingredients, menu, and presentation, and the children had a great time, their eyes shining with excitement.
D「Seminar area" Landmark Tower NANALv.
On the 7th floor of the Landmark Tower, seminars were held on a wide range of topics, including "Smart City," "Space," and "Ocean," providing an opportunity for many people to think deeply about the possibilities and challenges of the future. In addition, a talk show featuring a lineup of popular Voicy personalities was a huge success, with the excitement so intense that there were standing room only.
E"Science and Technology Area" Queen's Circle
In the Science and Technology area, Nissan Motor demonstrated a robot car equipped with self-driving technology, while JFE Engineering introduced scientific experiments on global warming countermeasures and the utilization of food waste. Mazda also attracted attention with its exhibit of car technology that reduces CO2 in the atmosphere while driving. In addition, there was a corner where participants could experience the latest technologies from startup companies, including a hands-free semi-automobile chair and an innovative technology for checking eye health, Mixed Reality (MR), and many participants enjoyed the opportunity to experience these cutting-edge technologies.
F「Mobility Area" Queen's Park
In the mobility area, participants were able to test ride the "Streamo," a three-wheeled standing mobility vehicle, and the "JOY Cart," a folding electric cart. After practicing in the booth, participants were able to actually drive them around the town of Minato Mirai, experiencing this new form of mobility for themselves.
G"AI and startupsGadget Area" Queen Mall
At the Queen Mall, where many people usually come and go, 21 booths were lined up, bringing together companies, startups, schools, and individuals. A wide variety of future technologies were exhibited, including AI experiences that let visitors learn while having fun through buzzer quizzes and conversations with characters, creative prototypes proposed by startups, and unique gadgets developed by corporate clubs and volunteer teams. Visitors were amazed and impressed as they saw and touched the things for themselves, and had a great time. The venue was filled with smiles filled with encounters with new technology, and expectations for the future were palpable.
H"Programming and WorkShopBusan Area" Minato Mirai Gallery
In the programming and workshop area, programming classes using robots and Minecraft were held by companies, organizations, and students with ties to Yokohama. In addition, a variety of fun and educational workshops were held, including a class hosted by JFE Engineering where participants could experience plant engineering through building a slime factory, attracting many participants.
