[DigitalToday reporter Jae-won Choi] A humanoid robot in Japan will dance to improvised rap created by AI. The festival will also run events linking virtual spaces, alongside sponsorship and payments using stablecoins, turning a local festival into a test bed for advanced technologies.

ITmedia, a Japanese media outlet, reported on Oct. 29 that real estate company Open House will join the "Festival of the Future Lab" in Shizuoka City as a sponsor from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, showcasing AI, humanoids and blockchain technology.

Open House held a presentation at its Tokyo headquarters on Oct. 28 and unveiled key demonstration tests. The highlight on site was a local humanoid dancing to rap music generated by AI.

In the performance, AI analyses a theme suggested by the audience in real time and turns it into rap lyrics with rhyme and rhythm. When the synthesized voice plays, the humanoid performs by swaying its body and moving both hands in time with the music.

Japan AI company KARAKURI and humanoid developer Highlanders took part in development. KARAKURI is responsible for generating the rap lyrics and voice, and Highlanders handles the humanoid's movements and balance control.

The robot used in the performance is Highlanders' humanoid "N". It has 31 degrees of freedom across its body and is designed to use AI to match movements to the beat and correct motion errors.

The developers aim to complete the process from the audience's theme suggestion to rap generation within tens of seconds. They plan to test the feasibility of linking AI and robot control technologies, particularly at outdoor venues where noise and unexpected situations are common.

A stablecoin demonstration will also be conducted. Visitors will be able to use the yen-pegged stablecoin JPYC to send donations to street performers or pay at participating event stores.

A range of experience programs will also be offered, including an online-offline stamp rally and photo mission using the metaverse platform Roblox.

The event will be held as part of "Daido-gei World Cup in Shizuoka 2026," which began in 1992. The humanoid performance is scheduled to run over two days, on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

Open House said it plans to use the partnership to bring advanced technology to a local festival and explore ways to revitalise regional areas and create new tourism and consumption experiences.