Tokyo, April 17, 2015 - Rakuten, Inc. today announced that it plans to open the Rakuten App Ichiba, an app store for Android™ devices linked to the Rakuten Super Points loyalty program. The app store is scheduled to be opened at the end of June 2015.
Rakuten has harnessed its know-how and experience in B2B2C business developed over the years running Rakuten Ichiba and Rakuten Travel to provide a new marketplace for apps for AndroidTM devices. The Rakuten App Ichiba will offer a diverse lineup of free and paid apps in a wide variety of genres, ranging from highly entertaining games to practical apps, such as educational apps. On the Rakuten App Ichiba, in-store payments and in-app charges can be paid using Rakuten Super Points, and users also can earn Rakuten Super Points on purchases made on the app store.
In addition, prior to the opening of Rakuten App Ichiba, Rakuten will establish a website for app developers to provide information about app development for the Rakuten App Ichiba.
Through the Rakuten App Ichiba, Rakuten aims to provide a new and unique service to its approximately 97.75 million members, while creating new business opportunities for app developers.
April 17, 2015
- Rakuten, Inc.
Rakuten Announces Opening of “Rakuten App Ichiba”
Android™ App Store
Overview of the Rakuten App Ichiba
Service name: Rakuten App Ichiba
Launch date: End of June 2015 (planned)
Service usage method: The service is provided through the “Rakuten App Ichiba” app, which can be downloaded for free from the dedicated website which is planned to open at the start of the service.
Website for app developers URL: http://beta.apps.rakuten.co.jp/ (Japanese)