Tokyo, March 18, 2026 – Rakuten Group, Inc. today announced it has begun accepting donations for Middle East Humanitarian Aid 2026 through the Rakuten Clutch Special Charity Fund.
Those wishing to make donations can choose from a variety of payment methods including Rakuten Points, Rakuten Card, VISA and Mastercard credit cards, and cash transfers to a designated Rakuten Bank account*1, as indicated below. Donations for the fund will be accepted through April 30, 2026*2.
Since February 28, 2026, the escalation of military conflict in the Middle East has significantly increased regional tensions. Iran and surrounding countries have experienced rising civilian casualties, widespread damage to hospitals, schools, homes, and critical infrastructure, and an increase in internal displacement, leaving many residents facing uncertainty and hardship.
Donations received will be used to support humanitarian aid efforts, including the provision of essential supplies such as drinking water, healthcare services, and emergency relief and reconstruction assistance. Details on the recipient organizations will be announced soon via the official website.
As a member of the international community, Rakuten sincerely hopes for a peaceful resolution of this situation, so that the people of Iran and surrounding countries will be able to regain a sense of normalcy as soon as possible. Going forward, we will continue considering a diversity of support methods to provide aid to those in need, as part of our ongoing mission to empower people and society.
Notes
*1 Designated Rakuten Bank account details to be announced soon.
*2 The donation period may be extended depending on future developments.
Overview
- URL: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/donation/middleeast_2026_en/middleeast_2026_en.html
- Donation period: March 18 through April 30, 2026
- How to donate:
- Rakuten Points: One Rakuten Point will be converted to one yen. Donations accepted starting from one point.
- Credit card: Contributors may use any Rakuten Card, VISA or Mastercard card. Donations accepted starting from 100 yen.
- Cash bank transfer to a designated Rakuten Bank account: Donations from Rakuten Bank accounts are accepted 24 hours a day. Contributors without a Rakuten Bank account may also make donations. Donations accepted starting from one yen. Details for making donations via cash transfer are available here: https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/company/contribution/(*Japanese page)
*The Rakuten Clutch Special Charity Fund does not issue receipts. Donations and contributions are not eligible for tax deductions. No transfer fees will be charged for donations through Rakuten Bank accounts for individuals. Transfers of donations from accounts at banks other than Rakuten Bank will incur transfer fees as determined by the respective bank of the account holder. Any names of companies, products and services, etc., shown above are the trademark or registered trademark of their respective companies or organizations.
About the Rakuten Clutch Special Charity Fund
The Rakuten Clutch Special Charity Fund is an initiative launched in 2011 following the Great East Japan Earthquake. As more and more aid continued to flow in from both domestic and international sources, many requests were received to be allowed to make donations online. Over the years many have donated through the fund, and this support has been directed primarily towards raising funds to provide natural disaster relief both in Japan and internationally.