Coexisting with COVID-19: We’re All in This Together
Stop community spread
We are getting through this together!
All of our lives have been impacted by the effects of COVID-19. There are more encouraging signs every day, but in countries and regions around the world, people, families and communities continue to struggle.
As individuals, it is up to every one of us to contribute and help shape a safer tomorrow. Our choices and actions can strengthen our local communities. Strong communities are the foundation of a healthy society.
We extend our sincerest thanks to all those who have worked to keep society going during the pandemic. We continue to stand alongside you.
Rakuten’s ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will keep adapting to the changing needs of our communities, with safety and efficiency always top of mind.
In order to come this far, we have all had to rethink our daily routines. Let’s stay optimistic, and continue moving forward, together.
Social distancing and
5 requests
Avoiding outings and social gatherings whenever possible. When you do need to go out, remember to keep an appropriate social distance from people at the grocery store, the hospital waiting room and jobs that require employees to be physically present.
Even asymptomatic people with the best of intentions can spread the virus in their communities. By acting responsibly, you might just be protecting someone from yourself.
Rakuten Group Initiatives
Last Updated: March 11, 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
February 2022
Rakuten Check releases new feature that enables users to gain Rakuten Points while at home.
- February 17, 2022
- Rakuten Check
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten expands third round of COVID-19 workplace vaccination initiatives to include members of local communities.
- February 28, 2022
- Rakuten Group
- Japan Initiatives
January 2022
Kobe City, Kobe University, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe City Hospital Organization, Kobe-City Pharmaceutical Organization, Rakuten, Rakuten Medical Japan and Vissel Kobe collaborate on operations to provide a third round of COVID-19 vaccinations at the mass vaccination center in Noevir Stadium Kobe.
- January 29, 2022
- Kobe City, Kobe University, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe City Hospital Organization, Kobe-City Pharmaceutical Organization, Rakuten Group, Rakuten Medical Japan, Rakuten Vissel Kobe
- Japan Initiatives
September 2021
Kashiwa City, Kashiwa Medical Association, Mitsui Fudosan, Rakuten and Rakuten Medical Japan launch mass COVID-19 vaccination center supported by industry, academia and government at KOIL TERRACE
- September 5, 2021
- Kashiwa City, Kashiwa Medical Association, Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., Rakuten Group, Inc., Rakuten Medical Japan K.K.
- Japan Initiatives
August 2021
Rakuten expands workplace vaccination initiative at Rakuten Crimson House to include local community
- August 2, 2021
- Rakuten Group
- Japan Initiatives
July 2021
Rakuten starts workplace vaccinations at Marine Messe Fukuoka as a joint initiative
- July 21, 2021
- SBC Medical Group, Rakuten Group, Inc., Rakuten Medical Japan K.K.
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten starts workplace vaccinations at Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi as a joint initiative
- July 25, 2021
- Rakuten Group, Inc., Rakuten Baseball, Inc., Rakuten Medical Japan K.K., SBC Medical Group
- Japan Initiatives
June 2021
Rakuten launched a dedcated webpage to show support for small business owners affected by the pandemic. (Site in Japanese only.)
- June 1, 2021
- Rakuten Group
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten and Rakuten Medical announce response to workplace COVID-19 vaccination policy
- June 4, 2021
- Rakuten Group, Rakuten Medical Japan
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten and Rakuten Medical Take “Kobe Model” Nationwide
- June 18, 2021
- Rakuten Group, Rakuten Medical Japan K.K.
- Japan Initiatives
May 2021
14 partners from industry, government and academia collaborate to establish COVID-19 mass vaccination center operations at Noevir Stadium Kobe
- May 31, 2021
- Rakuten Group, Rakuten Medical Japan
- Japan Initiatives
November 2020
Rakuten collaborated with medical institutions to start providing COVID-19 PCR testing kits to businesses and other organizations. Samples can be collected at home with this kit.
- November 25, 2020
- Rakuten Group
- Japan Initiatives
August 2020
Rakuten started the Social Distancing Charity Campaign sale to support COVID-19 countermeasures and other activities aimed at stopping the spread of the virus.
- August 7, 2020
- Rakuten Group
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten Point Card launched a project to support shops and COVID-19 crisis response charities.
- August 11, 2020
- Rakuten Payment
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten partnered with merchants on Rakuten Ichiba to release an educational online video series for kids and parents.
- August 17, 2020
- Rakuten Ichiba
- Japan Initiatives
July 2020
Rakuten Clutch Special Charity Fund began accepting a second round of donations for COVID-19 crisis response.
- July 15, 2020
- Rakuten Group
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten and Rakuten Mobile are participating in the COVID-19 Infectious Disease Control Support Declaration on Intellectual Property.
- July 15, 2020
- Rakuten Mobile
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten and FC Barcelona invited 46,000 fans to become part of a unique Camp Nou Façade with the Big Picture Campaign.
- July 21, 2020
- Rakuten Group
- Global Initiatives
Rakuten People and Culture Lab have proposed recommendations for creating sustainable teams in the “New Normal” era for both businesses and individuals.
- July 30, 2020
- Rakuten Group
- Japan Initiatives
June 2020
Extended the periods for "Mobile Choice Upgrade" and "Telecommuting introduction support program."
- June 1, 2020
- Rakuten Communications
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten launched solutions to support offline/online hybrid live events by combining Rakuten Ticket and Rakuten TV
- June 2, 2020
- Rakuten Ticket
- Japan Initiatives

Established the "Tohoku Hero Award" to support frontline workers in the Tohoku region of Japan working to beat COVID-19.
- June 2, 2020
- Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
- Japan Initiatives

Launched a campaign donating the proceeds from the sales of sponsored food products to medical facilities in Kobe.
- June 3, 2020
- Vissel Kobe
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten GORA created a list of COVID-19 countermeasures being taken by golf courses across Japan.
- June 30, 2020
- Rakuten GORA
- Japan Initiatives

Rakuten Group used an innovative combination of services to hold online game viewings for the Rakuten Eagles' first home game of the season and Vissel Kobe's first match back after the season restart.
- June 22, 2020
- Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
- Japan Initiatives
The Rakuten Securities "Toushiru" investment blog delivers articles about changes in the investment world due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how investors can respond.
- June 2020
- Rakuten Securities
- Japan Initiatives

Launched a special website for fans outlining COVID-19 preventive measures and how fans can help.
- June 2020
- Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
- Japan Initiatives
May 2020
Launched Rakuten Realtime Takeout, a service that enables customers to pre-order and pay for products from restaurants.
- May 7, 2020
- Rakuten Realtime Takeout
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten Pay unveiled a special site where customers can browse shops providing takeout services.
- May 14, 2020
- Rakuten Pay
- Japan Initiatives

Donated 3,000 ponchos to Miyagi Prefecture.
- May 15, 2020
- Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten worked with brand ambassadors Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Andrés Iniesta (Vissel Kobe) and Marie Kondo (KonMari) to inspire fans to find creative ways to stay positive while at home through short, home-made videos shared on social media.
Stephen Curry:YoutubeAndres Iniesta:instagram
Marie Kondo:facebook
- May 22, 2020
- Rakuten Sports
- Global Initiatives
Launched a telework support feature site listing accommodation facilities with Wi-Fi, furniture and other amenities necessary for telework.
- May 2020
- Vacation STAY
- Japan Initiatives
April 2020
Launched a special social distancing initiative.
- April 3, 2020
- Rakuten Group
- Global Initiatives
Rakuten Super Logistics worked with DEFY to donate to Feeding America Foodbanks.
- April 6, 2020
- Rakuten Super Logistics (U.S.)
- Global Initiatives
Rakuten Minshu launched a special page entitled, “Let's job hunt from home! A summary of companies hiring online (for 2021 graduates)."
- April 10, 2020
- Rakuten Minshu
- Japan Initiatives
Launched Rakuten Takeout, a free platform that supports local restaurants by providing takeout services. Rakuten is providing this platform for free to local restaurants until November 1.
- April 13, 2020
- Rakuten Takeout
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten Clutch Special Charity Fund now accepting donations for COVID-19 crisis response.
- April 14, 2020
- Rakuten Clutch Special Charity Fund
- Japan Initiatives
Started offering #TravelExperiencceAtHome content.
- April 30, 2020
- Rakuten Travel
- Japan Initiatives
Launched a COVID-19 Resource Center with updates for its retailer and publishing partners based on the company’s data and insights.
- April 2020
- Rakuten Advertising
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten Travel started initiatives to enhance reservation functions and expand accommodation plans so that travelers can enjoy their trips with peace of mind.
- April 2020
- Rakuten Travel
- Japan Initiatives
Launched a site introducing items that enhance time at home, such as luxury gourmet food, interior items and more.
- April 2020
- Rakuten Ichiba
- Japan Initiatives
Started contactless delivery.
- April 2020
- Rakuten EXPRESS
- Japan Initiatives
Emergency initiative related to COVID-19: Support merchants and the food retail industry by eating delicious food from across Japan.
- April 2020
- Rakuten Ichiba
- Japan Initiatives
March 2020
Rakuten ABCmouse English Learning Academy for Children offered to businesses for free for a limited time
- March 6, 2020
- Rakuten Super English
- Japan Initiatives
Launched the #StayHomeandRead campaign in more than 27 countries in North America, the EU, Asia and more, working with publishers and governments to offer people a wide assortment of books from free to deeply discounted in order to encourage people to stay in. Kobo gave away more than 10 million books worldwide in 30 days.
- March 11, 2020
- Rakuten Kobo
- Global Initiatives
Supported travel facilities by allowing travelers to make payments for domestic travel accommodation services 1 week in advance.
- March 12, 2020
- Rakuten Travel
- Japan Initiatives
Special measures for customers affected by the spread of COVID-19
- March 13, 2020
- Rakuten General Insurance
- Japan Initiatives
Announcement regarding the handling of regular hospital visits due to the spread of COVID-19 (period extension)
- March 14, 2020
- Rakuten Pet Insurance
- Japan Initiatives
Announcement regarding the handling of insurance payments due to COVID-19
- March 14, 2020
- Rakuten Life Insurance
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten Group shares messages of encouragement from athletes: "Empower Japan" video.
- March 16, 2020
- Rakuten Group
- Japan Initiatives
Rakuten Viber also created Viber communities for teachers, providing relevant and handy information to teachers looking for conventional educational alternatives to over 206,000 members to date.
- March 18, 2020
- Rakuten Viber
- Global Initiatives
Rakuten TV added over 100 movies to its video streaming platform available to be viewed free of charge in a number of European countries impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown. The platform has also provided high-profile movies through video-on-demand during the theatrical release period. The company also took part in a CSR activity with one of the main hospitals in Barcelona, donating tablets and movies to patients who cannot see their relatives due to COVID-19 medical quarantine.
- March 19-20, 2020
- Rakuten TV
- Global Initiatives
Rakuten Mobile and Rakuten Communications announced that they would extend the payment deadline of mobile, internet and electricity service bills for customers struggling to pay on time.
- March 24, 2020
- Rakuten Mobile
- Global Initiatives

Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles delivered video content starring their official mascots, Clutch, Clutchina and Switch for children affected by school closings.
- March 30, 2020
- Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
- Japan Initiatives
Ran a campaign in March in support of small businesses and members by giving them more Cash Back when they need it most.
- March 31, 2020
- Rakuten Rewards
- Global Initiatives
Offered new merchants a zero-cost subscription fee for the first year for merchants with offline stores or for those impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown.
- March to April, 2020
- Rakuten (Germany)
- Global Initiatives