Our History
Since our foundation in 1997, innovation has been at the core of who we are. With the mission of "empowering people and society through innovation and entrepreneurship," and in line with our vision as a Global Innovation Company, we have engaged in a wide range of businesses and services. Here are some key milestones in the history of the Rakuten Group so far.
1997-1999
The founding of Rakuten and the early years of internet shopping mall Rakuten Ichiba
In an era when everyone seems to be saying that people will not buy things on the internet, Rakuten Ichiba, a B2B2C marketplace, launches with just six employees, one server, 13 merchants and the strong desire to empower merchants that are small, regional or perhaps unfamiliar with computers and the internet.
February 1997
MDM, Inc. (currently Rakuten, Inc.) is founded.
May 1997
Rakuten Ichiba, the internet shopping mall, begins service.
July 1998
Rakuten Super Auction, the predecessor service of Rakuten Auction, is launched. (It was ultimately incorporated into the Rakuma C2C flea market app in 2016.)
June 1999
MDM, Inc. is renamed as Rakuten, Inc.
2000
IPO and expansion of Rakuten Group
Rakuten enhances its brand awareness widely while accelerating M&A activities through an IPO on the OTC market, representing a major step into the new businesses and services that will ultimately constitute the Rakuten Ecosystem.
January 2000
Rakuten University is established to deliver the know-how of managing an internet shop for merchants on Rakuten Ichiba.
April 2000
Rakuten goes public through an IPO on the OTC market (currently TSE JASDAQ market).
September 2000
Rakuten launches the first version of the “Rakuten Ichiba” site compatible with mobile phones.
December 2000
Rakuten acquires Infoseek Japan K.K., a popular portal site and search engine.
2001
A vision of Rakuten Group reaching 1 trillion yen in gross transaction value
Rakuten announces the ambitious target of 1 trillion yen for gross transaction value, at a time when it has only 36 billion yen gross transaction value. (The target was achieved in Q4 of FY2006.)
March 2001
Rakuten Travel, an online hotel reservation service, is launched.
April 2001
Rakuten Books, an online book shopping service, is launched.
2002
Innovation of the Rakuten Ichiba business model
To achieve a further win-win relationship with merchants, Rakuten Ichiba launches a "pay-as-you-go program,” as well as Rakuten Points service. Rakuten Ichiba welcomes its 6,000th registered merchant, just 5 years after the service launched.
April 2002
A new merchant fee contract system based on a "pay-as-you-go program" is introduced by Rakuten Ichiba.
November 2002
Rakuten Point Program is introduced as a new membership loyalty program, enabling users to earn points when they purchase products on Rakuten Ichiba. (Subsequently, it became possible for users to earn and use points at Rakuten Group's various services.)
2003
Enhancement of Group synergy
Rakuten Group dramatically expands scope and scale of operations by adding new core businesses.
April 2003
On Rakuten Ichiba, it becomes possible to make purchases using Rakuten Points.
September 2003
- Infoseek Japan K.K. merges into Rakuten.
- Rakuten fully acquires MyTrip.net to spearhead its online travel business.
October 2003
Rakuten Point Club is introduced, giving special benefits to users according to their accumulated Rakuten Points.
November 2003
Rakuten acquires DLJdirect SFG Securities (currently Rakuten Securities, Inc.).
2004
Entry into Japanese professional baseball
Rakuten enters the arena of professional sports with the formation of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, the first new professional Japanese baseball franchise awarded in 50 years, instantly spreading the Rakuten brand nationwide.
View MoreMay 2004
Rakuten fully acquires Minnano Shushoku Inc., an online community for job seekers. (It was ultimately incorporated into Rakuten, Inc. in 2009.)
September 2004
Rakuten fully acquires Aozora Card Co., Ltd. (currently known as Rakuten Card Co., Ltd.).
October 2004
Rakuten Baseball, Inc. is founded to manage professional sports businesses.
November 2004
Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) approves the entry of "Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles" into the league.
2005
Strengthening financial businesses while making the first push outside Japan
Synergy of credit card and e-commerce services generates substantial profits for the Rakuten Group.
Rakuten expands overseas for the first time by acquiring U.S.-based LinkShare Corporation (currently Rakuten Marketing LLC dba Rakuten Advertising).
June 2005
Rakuten commences credit card payment service with Rakuten Card by acquiring Kokunai Shinpan Co., Ltd. (currently KC Card Co., Ltd.; divested in 2011).
October 2005
- Rakuten enters the U.S. affiliate marketing business by fully acquiring LinkShare Corporation (currently Rakuten Marketing LLC dba Rakuten Advertising).
December 2005
- Rakuten establishes Rakuten Institute of Technology in Tokyo, an R&D institute focused on advanced internet technologies.
2006
Vision of the Rakuten Ecosystem
Rakuten announces its vision for a "Rakuten Ecosystem" that encourages users to enjoy multiple services offered by the Rakuten Group, a one-of-a-kind member-based business model.
July 2006
Rakuten and All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. (ANA) establish Rakuten ANA Travel Online Co., Ltd.
November 2006
Rakuten introduces "Growth Management Program" to manage the profitability and growth potential of each business unit, reorganizing its management structure into 38 business units.
2007
Further investment in human resources
Rakuten deepens its commitment to investing in human resources over the following 10 years, reflecting its belief that employee development is essential for Rakuten's growth.
April 2007
Rakuten fully acquires Rakuten Research, Inc.(currently Rakuten Insight, Inc.)
August 2007
- Rakuten moves its corporate headquarters to the Shinagawa Seaside, Rakuten Tower (Tokyo).
- Rakuten acquires Fusion Communications Corp. to commence IP telephony business.
2008
First e-commerce expansion overseas
"Taiwan Rakuten Ichiba" launches as first e-commerce business outside Japan.
In Japan, the Rakuten Group intensifies its focus on improving customer service.
May 2008
Rakuten launches a Taiwan-based internet shopping mall business, Taiwan Rakuten Ichiba, by establishing a joint venture with President Chain Store Corp, a leading retail company in Taiwan.
June 2008
The Rakuten Group expands to around 40 different businesses and services while reorganizing its business units into 11 business groups and enhancing investment efficiency by clarifying the growth and incubation businesses.
September 2008
Rakuten acquires O-net, Inc., a bridal information and service provider.
2009
Strengthening the Rakuten Ecosystem
Rakuten further strengthens the Rakuten Ecosystem by expanding its financial services, such as banking and e-money.
February 2009
Rakuten acquires eBank Corporation (now Rakuten Bank, Ltd.).
March 2009
Pay-per-view video service provider SHOWTIME, Inc. is made a wholly-owned subsidiary through additional stock purchase.
November 2009
Rakuten forms capital alliance with Bit Wallet, Inc. (now Rakuten Edy, Inc.), which operates e-money business.
2010
Transforming into a truly global company
Rakuten accelerates its global business, shifting from a Japan-based venture to a global internet services company.
January 2010
Rakuten acquires bitWallet, Inc. (now Rakuten Edy, Inc.).
May 2010
- Rakuten acquires LinkShare Japan K.K. by merging it with TRAFFIC GATE, LTD.
- Rakuten initiates "Englishnization" project to adopt English as its official corporate language.
June 2010
Rakuten establishes Rakuten Institute of Technology in New York, an R&D institute focused on advanced internet technologies.
July 2010
- Rakuten fully acquires Buy.com, Inc. (now Rakuten Commerce LLC), which operates Buy.com (now Rakuten.com), an e-commerce site in the U.S.
- Rakuten fully acquires PriceMinister S.A. (now Rakuten France S.A.S.), which operates Rakuten France, an e-commerce site in France.
2011
Rakuten Ichiba exceeds 1 trillion yen in gross transaction value
After 14 years, Rakuten Ichiba achieves over 1 trillion yen in gross transaction value and 38,000 online merchants.
Rakuten intensifies membership-based e-commerce business worldwide.
January 2011
Rakuten establishes the San Francisco Agile Development Center in the U.S. as a development center for Rakuten Group's various services worldwide.
June 2011
Rakuten acquires Ikeda Internet Software Ltda. (now Rakuten Brasil Internet Service Ltda.), an e-commerce provider in Brazil.
July 2011
Rakuten acquires Tradoria GmbH. (now Rakuten Deutschland GmbH), which operates Tradoria (now Rakuten.de), an e-commerce site in Germany.
December 2011
Rakuten Ichiba achieves 1 trillion yen in gross transaction value.
2012
Entering the eBook business and the official start of "Englishnization"
Rakuten enters the eBook business by acquiring Kobo Inc. (currently Rakuten Kobo Inc.) in Canada and launching the kobo eBook service in Japan.
Englishnization initiatives accelerate the smooth integration of group companies worldwide.
Rakuten Ichiba passes 100,000,000 product SKUs.
January 2012
Rakuten fully acquires Canadian eBook Company Kobo, Inc. (currently Rakuten Kobo Inc.), a world leader in eReading.
April 2012
Rakuten launches internet shopping mall Rakuten.com.br Shopping in Brazil through its group company Rakuten Brasil Internet Service Ltda.
May 2012
Rakuten forms a business and capital alliance with Stylife Corporation, which operates an e-commerce business in the fashion/apparel sector.
June 2012
- Rakuten fully acquires Wuaki.TV, S.L. (now Wuaki.TV, S.L.U.), a video streaming service based in Spain.
- Rakuten acquires Kenko.com. Inc., which operates an online health care goods shopping site.
July 2012
- Rakuten designates English as its official corporate language after successful completion of two-year transition.
- Rakuten launches the kobo eBook service in Japan.
October 2012
Rakuten acquires AIRIO Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (now Rakuten Life Insurance Co., Ltd.).
November 2012
Rakuten fully acquires Alpha Direct Services S.A.S, a logistics company based in France.
2013
Rakuten Eagles achieves their first ever Japan Series Championship. Rakuten, Inc. is listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Rakuten Eagles achieve first ever Japan Series Championship.
Rakuten changes the listing of its shares from the JASDAQ (Standard) market to the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, aiming to further expand business operations and improve corporate value.
View MoreApril 2013
Rakuten Group rebrands AIRIO Life Insurance as Rakuten Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
June 2013
- Rakuten fully acquires Webgistix Corp., (now Rakuten Super Logistics, Inc.), a logistics company based in the U.S.
- Rakuten launches Rakuten Energy, the energy service business of the Rakuten Group.
September 2013
Rakuten fully acquires Viki, Inc., an emerging global provider of video streaming service based in the U.S.
November 2013
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles win the Japan Series Championship for the first time in their history.
December 2013
Rakuten changes the listing of its shares from the JASDAQ (Standard) market to the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
2014
Strengthening telecommunications and O2O Services
With its acquisition of Viber and the launch of low-cost calling service "Rakuten Mobile," Rakuten strengthens its telecommunications and communications services.
Rakuten launches various new services including O2O services.
Rakuten expands its global gross transaction value, adding next generation shopping mall Ebates.
View MoreFebruary 2014
Rakuten opens the third Rakuten Institute of Technology, in Paris, the first in Europe.
March 2014
Rakuten fully acquires Viber Media Ltd., which operates mobile messaging and VoIP service "Viber" worldwide.
May 2014
Rakuten opens a permanent "Rakuten CAFE" in Shibuya, allowing patrons to experience a variety of Rakuten services.
June 2014
- Rakuten opens its fourth Development and Operations Center, in India.
- Rakuten launches ROOM, a curation service in which users can collect and share products from "Rakuten Ichiba" on their own exclusive page.
August 2014
Rakuten fully acquires Slice Technologies, Inc., provider of app service "Slice," which aggregates users’ purchase history by analyzing emails from several major e-commerce sites.
October 2014
- Rakuten launches the Rakuten Point Card service, allowing members to use their Rakuten Points in actual stores throughout Japan.
- Rakuten fully acquires Ebates Inc., provider of leading membership-based online cash-back site Ebates in the U.S.
- Rakuten Group fully enters the mobile phone industry with the launch of the MVNO service "Rakuten Mobile."
November 2014
Rakuten launches "Rakuma," a new C2C app that enables transactions between individuals via smartphone.
2015
Strengthening sports and culture businesses. Expanding overseas financial services
Rakuten strengthens sports and culture businesses by adding Vissel Kobe to the Rakuten Group.
Rakuten expands overseas financial services, starts to issue "Taiwan Rakuten Card."
January 2015
- Rakuten fully acquires Vissel Kobe, entering into Japan Professional Football League (J-League).
- Rakuten Card Co., Ltd. issues its own credit card, Taiwan Rakuten Card, outside Japan for the first time.
April 2015
Rakuten fully acquires OverDrive Holdings, Inc., a leading eBook content provider primarily for libraries.
June 2015
Rakuten begins relocation to new global headquarters Rakuten Crimson House in Futako Tamagawa, Tokyo.
July 2015
- Rakuten fully acquires Fits.me Holdings Limited, a provider of virtual fitting room technology.
- Rakuten opens new branches of Rakuten Institute of Technology in Singapore and Boston, bringing the total number of branches to five across four countries.
2016
Developing new businesses, promoting diversity
Rakuten further explores new business models, such as a C2C marketplace and an open e-commerce platform, while also conducting a trial drone delivery service.
View MoreMarch 2016
Rakuten releases the Rakuma consumer mobile e-commerce app in Taiwan.
April 2016
Rakuten launches Sora Raku, a delivery service utilizing drones.
July 2016
- Rakuten introduces a company-system organization to assure service quality and maximize customer satisfaction.
- Rakuten extends employee and services benefits to include same-sex partners.
August 2016
- Rakuten opens Rakuten Blockchain Lab (R.B.L.), a dedicated research and development organization.
- Rakuten fully acquires Fablic, provider of C2C marketplace app FRIL.
October 2016
Rakuten acquires Soukai Drug Co., Ltd., which operates an online household goods shopping site.
November 2016
- Rakuten acquires ReDucate, Inc., which operates educational services.
- Rakuten announces that it will become football team FC Barcelona’s Main Global Partner from the 2017-2018 La Liga season.
2017
Building Rakuten brand overseas through global partnership
Rakuten launches its global partnership with FC Barcelona, one of the most iconic and beloved football clubs in the world.
Rakuten strengthens the Rakuten gloablly through brand unification.
Total number of Rakuten Points awarded exceeds 1 trillion.
View MoreJanuary 2017
Establishment of Rakuten Europe Bank announced.
February 2017
- Registration as retail electricity provider completed, enabling official start of electricity retail business.
- Car park sharing service Rakupa launched (now Rakuten Parking).
March 2017
Joint venture Rakuten AirMap established to provide unmanned traffic management (UTM) platform in Japan.
April 2017
- Agriculture service Rakuten Farm (formerly Rakuten Ragri) launched.
- Rakuten enters English education business with the launch of Rakuten Super English.
June 2017
Vacation rental business Rakuten LIFULL STAY established through joint investment by Rakuten and LIFULL.
July 2017
- Merger between Kenko.com and Soukai Drug establishes Rakuten Direct.
- Rakuten Life Insurance Technology Laboratory established, specializing in insurtech research.
- Logos of Rakuten Group services around the world unified under "Rakuten" brand in order to strengthen brand awareness globally.
- Rakuten becomes the Main Global Partner and first-ever Official Innovation & Entertainment Partner of FC Barcelona.
- Total number of Rakuten Points awarded exceeds 1 trillion.
- Rakuten Data Marketing jointly established by Rakuten and Dentsu to offer marketing solutions utilizing big data.
August 2017
Rakuten becomes Official EC Platform Partner of the J.League, relaunching the J.League Online Store.
September 2017
Partnership formed with NBA team Golden State Warriors.
October 2017
Rakuten and NBA announce partnership to provide comprehensive live NBA coverage in Japan.
November 2017
Rakuten acquires Plus One Marketing's domestic MVNO cellular service provider Freetel.
2018
Building out own logistics network, preparation for entry into the mobile industy
The Japanese government approves Rakuten's 4G special base station deployment plan and the company begins preparations to launch its mobile carrier (MNO) business.
Rakuten launches initiatives to realize its "One Delivery" vision for end-to-end logistics services.
Former Spanish national soccer team player Andrés Iniesta transfers from FC Barcelona to Vissel Kobe.
View MoreJanuary 2018
Rakuten and Walmart announce a strategic alliance to collaborate on online grocery delivery and eBooks.
March 2018
Rakuten acquires Asahi Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd. (now Rakuten General Insurance Co., Ltd.).
April 2018
- A new branch of the Rakuten Institute of Technology opens in San Mateo, USA, the fifth branch in four countries.
- Rakuten receives approval for its fourth generation mobile communications system (4G) special base station deployment plan for the 1.7 GHz frequency band (over 1,825 MHz and equal to and under 1,845 MHz) from the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications.
- Rakuten and BIC CAMERA begin collaborating in the consumer electronics sector and launch "Rakuten BIC," an e-commerce site that is part of Rakuten Ichiba.
- Asahi Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd. becomes a wholly-owned subsidary of Rakuten, Inc.
May 2018
Former Spanish national soccer team player Andrés Iniesta transfers from FC Barcelona to Vissel Kobe.
June 2018
- Rakuten acquires American location-centric mobile commerce solution platform Curbside (now Rakuten Ready).
- Rakuten transitions to a five company organizational structure, bringing together businesses in similar fields in order to further increase speed and productivity, as well as foster more autonomous and dynamic operations.
- “Vacation STAY,” a vacation rental and accommodation booking site opens, following the enactment of the Private Lodgings Business Act.
- Rakuten global brand logo renewal.Rakuten announces the renewal of its global brand logo.
July 2018
Rakuten launches new initiatives to realize vision for “One Delivery” end-to-end logistics service.
August 2018
Rakuten acquires everybody’s bitcoin Inc. (now Rakuten Wallet, Inc.) through its subsidiary, Rakuten Card Co., Ltd.
September 2018
- Rakuten introduces new brand symbol.
- The Rakuten People and Culture Lab is established, with an aim to discover new insights and create innovative solutions regarding the relationships between organizations and individuals, as well as the future culture of the company.
October 2018
- Rakuten launches "Rakuten Denki" low-voltage residential power supply service.
- Grand opening of “Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper,” an online grocery delivery service jointly operated by Rakuten and Seiyu GK.
November 2018
- KDDI Corporation, Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company and Rakuten reach an agreement regarding the mutual use of the assets held by each company in payments, logistics and telecommunications to further bolster the competitiveness of each company’s services in those fields and improve convenience for customers.
- Grand opening of "Earth Mall with Rakuten," which aims to promote sustainable consumption and contribute to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
December 2018
- The Rakuten Institute of Technology opens its operations center in Bengaluru, India, marking its fifth country and sixth office worldwide.
- Revenue exceeds one trillion yen.
2019
Expanding group synergy by going into business as a mobile carrier and strengthening fintech and commerce businesses.
Rakuten Group announces fully cashless "smart stadium" concept.
"Rakuten Optimism 2019," the Group's largest-ever event, is held in Japan for the first time.
Rakuten Mobile, Inc. launches its new mobile operator service.
View MoreJanuary 2019
- Rakuten Group announces its fully cashless "smart stadium" concept.
- Rakuten launches partnership with Stephen Curry of the NBA's Golden State Warriors.
February 2019
Rakuten launches first real-world end-to-end tests in a fully virtualized cloud-native mobile network.
April 2019
- Rakuten launches Rakuten Point Card service partnership with FamilyMart.
- The Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications approves Rakuten Mobile's 5th generation mobile communications system (5G) special radio station deployment plan for the 3.7 GHz frequency band and 28 GHz frequency band.
May 2019
- Rakuten launches live video streaming service "Rakuten LIVE."
- Rakuten acquires shares of Gurunavi, Inc, becoming largest shareholder.
June 2019
- Rakuten becomes new global partner for Davis Cup.
- Rakuten and JR East partner to promote cashless payments.
- Rakuten launches Rakuten Sports: A new live streaming and video on demand service delivering sports content to fans worldwide.
July 2019
Rakuten Optimism 2019, the Group's largest-ever event, is held.
August 2019
- Rakuten and The H Collective sign an agreement to form a joint venture to produce movies.
- Rakuten and Japan Fashion Week Organization announce partnership agreement for TOKYO Fashion Week.
- Rakuten partners with Marie Kondo, bestselling author and creator of the KonMari Method™.
- Rakuten Wallet launches spot trading services for crypto assets.
September 2019
- Rakuten announces new fashion strategy: "Rakuten Fashion."
- Rakuten and La New conclude basic agreement on the transfer of all shares of Taiwanese Professional Baseball team Lamigo Monkeys (now Rakuten Monkeys).
October 2019
Rakuten Mobile launches its new mobile operator service.
December 2019
- Rakuten joins the international initiative RE100 and aims to adopt 100% renewable electricity for all its business operations.
- Rakuten launches mobile pre-ordering and payment service "Rakuten Ready" in Japan.
2020
5G service launches, and with a focus on the New Normal, a shift from online to offline (O2O) is strengthened.
Group-wide initiatives are put in place to raise awareness about and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Rakuten Mobile launches its 5G service.
Total cumulative number of Rakuten Points issued exceeds two trillion.
View MoreMarch 2020
- Rakuten invests in AST & Science, LLC to extend mobile coverage to more people and devices across the planet, using the first mobile broadband network that will be broadcast from space.
- Rakuten Mobile announces full-scale commercial launch and unveils "Rakuten UN-LIMIT" unlimited plan for monthly charge of 2,980 yen.
April 2020
- Group-wide initiatives are put in place to raise awareness about and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Rakuten Ichiba Japan marketplace opens up to Shopify merchants through new service provided by Rakuten and Shopify collaboration.
May 2020
- Rakuten launches “Rakuten Realtime Takeout,” a service offering pre-orders and pre-payment for restaurants.
- Rakuten Mobile acquires American engineering technology solutions company Innoeye, LLC and Innoeye Technologies Pvt. Ltd. to support the development of the "Rakuten Communications Platform," its fully virtualized cloud-native mobile network platform.
- Rakuten establishes Rakuten International Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. in Taiwan.
August 2020
Rakuten and Tokyu establish Rakuten Tokyu Planning joint venture.
September 2020
- Total cumulative number of Rakuten Points issued exceeds two trillion.
- Rakuten Mobile launches "Rakuten UN-LIMIT V," a new 5G service plan with the same monthly fee.
October 2020
- The Japanese Ministry of the Enviornment certifies Rakuten as an Eco-First company.
- Rakuten Mobile launches town gas brokerage service “Rakuten Gas.”
November 2020
- KKR and Rakuten acquire stakes in Seiyu from Walmart.
- Rakuten establishes "Rakuten DX Solution" to accelerate the digital transformation of brick-and-mortar retail.
- Rakuten is selected for the first time as an index component of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.
December 2020
For the first time, Rakuten is selected by CDP for its Climate Change A List through a corporate survey conducted by the international nonprofit organization.
2021
Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Rakuten Group services continue to grow and evolve, while its revolutionary mobile platform expands globally.
Japan’s first mass vaccination model supported by industry, academia and government is rolled out.
Japan Post Group and Rakuten Group announce capital and business alliance.
Rakuten Symphony, a telco platform business organization, launches.
View MoreJanuary 2021
- Rakuten Bank becomes the first online bank in Japan with more than 10 million accounts.
- Rakuten Bank and Rakuten Card commence business activities for RAKUTEN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK in Taiwan.
- Rakuten Mobile announces new service plan,Rakuten UN-LIMIT VI.
March 2021
Japan Post Group and Rakuten Group agree to capital and business alliance.
April 2021
- Trade name changed from “Rakuten, Inc.” to “Rakuten Group, Inc.”
- Rakuten Mobile receives approval for its special radio station deployment plan for the expansion of 5G mobile communications systems.
May 2021
A COVID-19 mass vaccination center at Noevir Stadium Kobe is established using the Kobe Model system of operations. The vaccination center marks Japan’s first mass vaccination model supported by industry, academia and government.
June 2021
- Rakuten Card starts issuing second cards to existing cardholders.
- Rakuten employees and their families are offered COVID-19 vaccinations at Rakuten Crimson House in Tokyo. Additionally, Rakuten’s local vaccination efforts start expanding to support local governments and small and medium-sized businesses.
- Rakuten established JP Rakuten Logistics, a joint venture with Japan Post, for business alliance initiatives in the field of logistics and the joint commercialization of a digital transformation platform for logistics.
July 2021
- Rakuten Mobile awarded two 2021 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards at MWC Barcelona, the world’s largest mobile technology event.
- Rakuten supports workplace COVID-19 vaccinations at Marine Messe Fukuoka and Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagiin collaboration with local companies.
August 2021
- Rakuten acquires Altiostar, a U.S.-based company offering cutting-edge technology for the virtualization of mobile networks.
- Rakuten Communications Platform is adopted by German telecommunications provider 1&1 in a long-term partnership.
- Rakuten Symphony, a telco platform business organization, launches.
September 2021
The Rakuten Points loyalty program surpasses a cumulative total of 2.5 trillion points issued.
December 2021
The number of Rakuten Securities general securities customer accounts reaches seven million.
2022
Rakuten celebrates its 25th anniversary and continues creating new value by leveraging its technological strengths. Progress toward the realization of a green society accelerates.
Rakuten celebrates its 25th anniversary with a commemorative reception party.
"Go Green Together" project launches, calling for a greener, more environmentally friendly future.
Rakuten launches regular delivery service using unmanned ground vehicles (UGV)
View MoreJanuary 2022
- Domestic e-commerce exceeds 5 trillion yen in gross merchandise sales.
- Rakuten Symphony, Inc. established.
- Rakuten launches its nationwide online supermarket platform, Rakuten Zenkoku Super.
February 2022
- Rakuten celebrates its 25th anniversary.
- Launch of NFT marketplace and sales platform Rakuten NFT.
March 2022
- Rakuten launches Rakuten CarShare, a car-sharing reservation service.
May 2022
- Rakuten celebrates the 25th anniversary of the launch of Rakuten Ichiba.
- Rakuten Mobile announces the UN-LIMIT VII plan.
June 2022
- Rakuten Securities surpasses 8 million general securities customer accounts.
July 2022
- The total cumulative number of Rakuten Points issued exceeds 3 trillion points.
August 2022
- A growing Rakuten India relocates to its new office, Rakuten Crimson House Bengaluru, enhancing the company’s capabilities for tech innovation.
September 2022
- Rakuten Bank surpasses 13 million customer accounts.
- Rakuten Card announces over 27 million Rakuten cards issued.
- Rakuten announces goal to achieve carbon neutrality in 2023.
October 2022
- Launch of Rakuten Healthcare, an app that allows users to earn points while managing their health.
- Rakuten Securities Holdings and Mizuho Securities enter into a strategic capital and business alliance.
November 2022
- Rakuten launches regular delivery service using unmanned ground vehicles (UGV).
- Rakuten announces new name for Miyagi Stadium, "Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi."
2023
Rakuten Bank lists on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and Vissel Kobe secures first J1 League victory.
Accelerated growth of the Rakuten Ecosystem with "Platinum Band."
Rakuten Bank lists on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market.
Rakuten Mobile receives approval for 700 MHz "Platinum Band" allocation.
Vissel Kobe wins first J1 League title since the club’s founding.
View MoreJanuary 2023
- Rakuten Mobile launches mobile services for corporate customers.
April 2023
- Rakuten Bank’s total deposit balance exceeds nine trillion yen.
- Rakuten Bank lists on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market.
May 2023
- Rakuten Mobile launches "Rakuten SAIKYO Plan" (translation: Rakuten Strongest Plan) offering unlimited high-speed data nationwide.
- Rakuten Sports hosts Uprising Tokyo, a new international skateboarding event, aiming to grow the sport in Japan and worldwide.
June 2023
- Total number of Rakuten Bank customer accounts surpasses 14 million.
August 2023
- Rakuten and VEON start exploring collaboration on Open RAN and digital services to rebuild Ukraine’s infrastructure.
- Rakuten and OpenAI to collaborate on developing state-of-the-art AI experiences for consumers and businesses.
- Rakuten Group's largest interactive event, Rakuten Optimism, returns as an in-person event for the first time in four years.
- Total number of subscribers for Rakuten Mobile’s mobile carrier service exceeds 5 million.
September 2023
- Rakuten Card’s annual shopping gross transaction value surpasses 20 trillion yen, as cashless payments continue to gain in popularity.
October 2023
- Restaurant information site Gurunavi changes its name to Rakuten Gurunavi.
- Rakuten Mobile receives approval for 700 MHz “Platinum Band” allocation, enabling the company to provide even higher-quality mobile services.
November 2023
- Rakuten selects OpenAI as strategic AI partner and collaborator on new "Rakuten AI for Business" platform.
- Vissel Kobe wins first J1 League title since the club’s founding.
December 2023
- Rakuten Securities surpasses 10 million general securities customer accounts – the largest number of non-consolidated securities accounts in Japan.
- 1&1 and Rakuten launch Europe’s first cloud-native mobile network built on Open RAN standards.
- Rakuten Card surpasses over 30 million Rakuten cards issued.