Rakuten Group, Inc., trading over-the-counter under the symbol RKUNY, is a Tokyo-based internet services and e-commerce conglomerate founded in 1997 by Hiroshi Mikitani. Originally launched as an online shopping mall called Rakuten Ichiba, the company has grown into a diversified digital ecosystem offering a wide array of consumer-facing services. Rakuten’s core mission is to empower individuals and businesses through innovation in commerce, finance, content and communications technologies.
At the heart of Rakuten’s business activities lies its flagship e-commerce marketplace, which connects millions of merchants with consumers across Asia, Europe and the Americas. Beyond retail, the company has built an extensive fintech portfolio that includes Rakuten Card, one of Japan’s leading credit card issuers, Rakuten Bank, and Rakuten Securities. These financial services are complemented by Rakuten’s digital wallet and payment gateway solutions, facilitating secure transactions both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. The firm also operates a range of digital content platforms, offering e-books, streaming video, professional soccer highlights and mobile gaming.
Rakuten has expanded its footprint with investments in telecommunications, notably the launch of Rakuten Mobile, a fourth-generation (4G) and fifth-generation (5G) network operator in Japan. It has acquired or partnered with international brands such as Viber for messaging and marketing, and WHILL for personal mobility devices. Rakuten Marketing and Rakuten Advertising leverage data analytics and affiliate marketing to help brands optimize digital campaigns, while Rakuten Symphony supports global carriers in building and operating cloud-native networks.
Under the leadership of founder and CEO Hiroshi Mikitani, Rakuten continues to emphasize technological innovation and customer loyalty, exemplified by the Rakuten Super Points rewards program. The company remains committed to expanding its global ecosystem, fostering strategic alliances and exploring emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and new media. Rakuten’s integrated approach aims to create synergies across its platforms, positioning the group as a versatile digital services provider in an increasingly interconnected world.
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