Rakuten Group, Inc. is a Tokyo-based technology conglomerate originally founded in 1997 by Hiroshi Mikitani. The company began as an online marketplace and has evolved into a diversified digital services provider. Its flagship platform, Rakuten Ichiba, remains one of Japan’s leading e-commerce marketplaces, connecting millions of consumers with merchants offering products ranging from electronics and apparel to household goods.
Over time, Rakuten has expanded beyond retail into digital content and communications. The company operates Rakuten Kobo, a global e-reading service, and Rakuten Viki, a video streaming platform specializing in international drama and entertainment. In the telecommunications sector, Rakuten Mobile launched in 2020 as Japan’s fourth mobile network operator, leveraging cloud-native infrastructure to offer competitive pricing and innovative services.
Financial technology is another core pillar of Rakuten’s business. Through subsidiaries such as Rakuten Bank, Rakuten Card, and Rakuten Securities, the group provides online banking, credit card services, brokerage, and fintech solutions. Rakuten Pay and Rakuten Rewards (formerly Ebates) further extend its reach into digital payments and loyalty programs, integrating cash-back incentives across its ecosystem and partner networks worldwide.
Under the leadership of Founder and Chairman Hiroshi Mikitani, Rakuten has pursued strategic international acquisitions to bolster its global footprint. Key investments include PriceMinister in France, Buy.com in the United States, and messaging platform Viber. Today, Rakuten serves consumers and businesses across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, maintaining a mission to empower people and society through innovation in e-commerce, fintech, communications, and digital media.
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