A new exhibition in Tokyo is showcasing 50 imagined professions that may emerge by the year 2045 as artificial intelligence evolves [1].
The event, titled "Future Occupations Exhibition 2045," aims to prompt visitors to visualize how human roles will shift in an AI-driven society. By blending speculative concepts with existing technology, the organizers seek to foster innovation through the integration of digital and analog systems [2, 3].
Hosted by Okamura and developed in collaboration with Connel, the exhibition opened June 18 [1, 2]. It is located on the 21st floor of THE LINKPILLAR at Takanawa Gateway City in Minato Ward, Tokyo [1, 4].
To ground these futuristic concepts in reality, Okamura utilized its portfolio of more than 6,000 patent technologies [2]. The result is a series of experiential displays, including a "gesture orchestra" and a variety of speculative roles. Among the 50 imagined careers are "skin-flora pharmacists," and "ad-walkers" [1, 3].
Visitors have interacted with prototypes that bridge the gap between imagination and current capabilities. One attendee described the experience of wearing a cloak with moving imagery, noting that such an analog and digital fusion is already implementable, the visitor said [1].
Another attendee said the content was surprising because it felt like a reality rather than just a mental exercise [1]. The exhibition encourages guests to move beyond theoretical discussions about AI displacement and instead imagine new avenues for human employment, and creativity [3].
“Analog-style thinking and digital are fusing; it's interesting.”
This exhibition represents a strategic shift from viewing AI as a tool for automation to viewing it as a catalyst for new forms of human labor. By leveraging a massive patent library to create tangible prototypes, Okamura is attempting to move the conversation about the 'future of work' from abstract fear of job loss toward a concrete exploration of new service and creative industries.
