Section 1

Rakuten Ichiba, a Japanese e-commerce company, was established to provide support for small and medium-sized retailers by leveraging information technology to build mutually beneficial relationships. What began with just 13 merchants has now grown to over 50,000, forming a comprehensive marketplace aptly described as "shopping is entertainment." Utilizing big data and AI, the company enables its merchants to operate based on advanced statistical analysis and diagnostics. Rakuten has expanded its offerings, including shopping, travel, fintech, sports, cashback, entertainment, mobile, and more. With an ecosystem consisting of over 1.5 billion users globally, the company has achieved merchandise sales of 22 trillion yen, equivalent to 190 billion dollars. Rakuten also provides financial services aimed at freeing its members' stores from payment issues and facilitating business development through data utilization.

Continuing its global expansion, Rakuten has ventured beyond Japan and Taiwan with the launch of new banking businesses, reinforcing the move towards a cashless society. The company's innovative approach, exemplified by its development of a cloud-native mobile network, has demonstrated its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. By adopting English as its official language and establishing global innovation hubs, Rakuten has fostered a work environment that attracts top talent from around the world. The company's technological endeavors extend to the Rakuten Institute of Technology and Rak-10 Blockchain Lab, where research is conducted to explore the future of the internet and develop new technologies. Furthermore, Rakuten's dedication to social responsibility is evident in its involvement in research and development of innovative cancer treatments and its commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and social inequality.

- 1.1 Overview of Rakuten Ichiba

Rakuten Ichiba, founded to support small and medium-sized retailers, has flourished into a comprehensive marketplace with over 50,000 merchants. This growth has been facilitated by utilizing big data and AI to enable merchants to operate based on advanced statistical analysis and diagnostics, fostering global partnerships in Taiwan and France. The platform has expanded beyond shopping to include areas such as travel, fintech, sports, cashback, and entertainment, creating a diverse ecosystem. Rakuten Ichiba boasts over 1.5 billion users globally and has achieved merchandise sales of 22 trillion yen, providing various financial services to enhance members' stores and businesses through data utilization.

In 2021, Rakuten Ichiba embarked on a new venture in Taiwan with the bank business, aiming to drive the shift towards a zero-cash society and enrich people's lives. The company is also leading mobile technology with the world's first end-to-end fully virtualized cloud-native mobile network. Despite initial skepticism, Rakuten Ichiba made significant advances in virtualized communication networks and technology amidst the pandemic. The company's efforts have been pivotal in democratizing mobile networks and expanding the global outreach of their mobile technology.

- 1.2 Growth and Expansion

Rakuten Ichiba's growth and expansion highlight its commitment to innovation and global outreach. Since its inception with just 13 merchants, the platform has burgeoned into a comprehensive marketplace with over 50,000 retailers, living up to its slogan, "shopping is entertainment." The company's focus on technology and data-driven operations has not only empowered merchants but also attracted a substantial user base of 1.5 billion worldwide, driving merchandise sales to approximately 22 trillion yen or $190 billion.

Rakuten's expansion extends to various sectors, including shopping, travel, fintech, sports, entertainment, cashback, and mobile services, presenting an interconnected ecosystem. This diversification has also seen the company venture into international markets, such as Taiwan, Europe, and North America, fostering collaborative partnerships with merchants to fulfill their aspirations. Moreover, its foray into the mobile network industry, leveraging advanced technologies and virtualized communication networks, has positioned Rakuten as a global leader in driving the democratization of mobile networks.

Furthermore, the company's aggressive global innovation approach, embracing English as its official company language, underscores its commitment to attracting top talent and fostering a cohesive, diverse workforce. The establishment of global innovation hubs, the Rakuten Institute of Technology, and the Rakuten Blockchain Lab further accentuates its dedication to pioneering cutting-edge technologies, gearing up for the era of IoT.

- 1.3 Utilization of Big Data and AI

Rakuten Ichiba has leveraged big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to support merchants in operating based on the advanced statistical analysis and diagnostics of their results. Through the utilization of big data and AI, the platform provides opportunities to enhance the potential of small and medium-sized retailers. This technological integration has created a win-win-win situation where Rakuten Ichiba, the merchants, and customers all benefit. Additionally, Rakuten France and Taiwan Rakuten Ichiba have also engaged in partnerships with merchants, aiming to help them realize their dreams. The utilization of big data and AI is not only enhancing the operational capabilities of merchants but also enriching the overall ecosystem of Rakuten Ichiba, amplifying its impact and reach. With the aid of big data and AI, Rakuten Ichiba is at the forefront of creating new opportunities and driving growth for its merchants.

- 1.4 Financial Services and Global Presence

Rakuten Ichiba was initially established to assist small and medium-sized retailers in utilizing information technology to enhance their potential, fostering win-win relationships and presenting new growth opportunities. The marketplace began with 13 merchants and has since expanded to over 50,000 merchants, fitting the slogan 'shopping is entertainment.' Rakuten provides various financial services related to daily life, allowing members to manage their business through data utilization and freeing them from payment issues. With over 1.5 billion global users and merchandise sales reaching 22 trillion yen, Rakuten has established a significant global presence. The company's expansion into various sectors like shopping, travel, fintech, sports, cashback, and entertainment has further contributed to its widespread influence. Through alliances with partners worldwide, Rakuten utilizes vast amounts of behavioral data to identify potential customers, enabling the company to offer an extensive range of services tailored to individuals' needs while further enriching people's lives.

- 1.5 Rakuten's Ventures and Technology Innovations

Rakuten has expanded its reach, venturing into various sectors such as shopping, travel, fintech, sports, mobile, entertainment, and more, growing into a comprehensive marketplace for a diverse array of services. The company's impressive user base of over 1.5 billion globally attests to its significant impact. Leveraging big data and AI, Rakuten empowers merchants, aiding them in realizing their aspirations and enhancing their businesses through advanced statistical analysis and diagnostics. Additionally, Rakuten's foray into mobile technology has been groundbreaking, pioneering the world's first end-to-end fully virtualized cloud-native mobile network. This move has sparked global interest and set new industry standards, demonstrating the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology. The introduction of English as the official company language has helped Rakuten attract top talent from around the world, fostering an environment conducive to global innovation and technological advancement.

Section 2

Rakuten Ichiba's rapid growth has transformed its platform into a comprehensive marketplace, with a primary focus on supporting small and medium-sized retailers in leveraging information technology to bolster their businesses. Through the application of big data and AI, Rakuten Ichiba has enabled merchants to enhance their operations based on advanced statistical analysis and diagnostics. The platform has also expanded its reach globally, partnering with merchants in Taiwan and France to realize their ambitions, while also bringing joy to millions of shoppers in North America through Rakuten Rewards. The addition of new members has broadened the Rakuten family's scope, encompassing shopping, travel, fintech, sports, cashback, entertainment, mobile, and more. By connecting the dots between its various services, the Rakuten ecosystem has fostered significant growth, amassing over 1.5 billion users globally and achieving merchandise sales amounting to 22 trillion yen (approximately 190 billion dollars).

- 2.1 Rakuten's Approach to Mobile Network

Rakuten's approach to the mobile network industry has been revolutionary, marked by the development of the world's first end-to-end fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network. Despite encountering skepticism and doubts about its feasibility, Rakuten has successfully built a nationwide base station ahead of schedule, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. This achievement reflects the company's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation.

Rakuten Symphony, the entity spearheading the global spread of this mobile technology, comprises a highly skilled team that has garnered attention and recognition worldwide. The successful establishment of Rakuten's presence as a world leader in creating virtualized communication networks for 5G is a testament to the company's dedication and exceptional capabilities in the technological domain. The company's relentless pursuit of realizing what was initially perceived as "impossible" showcases its willingness to challenge the status quo and drive technological advancements for the betterment of global connectivity.

- 2.2 Advancements in Technology

Rakuten Ichiba has leveraged big data and artificial intelligence to support its merchants and enhance their operations. With the use of advanced statistical analysis and diagnostics, the platform enables small and medium-sized retailers to operate more effectively. Furthermore, Rakuten has expanded its services to various sectors, including shopping, travel, fintech, sports, cashback, entertainment, and mobile. The platform's ecosystem, which now boasts over 1.5 billion users globally, has facilitated merchandise sales amounting to 22 trillion yen, equivalent to approximately 190 billion dollars.

Rakuten's foray into the mobile industry saw the development of the world's first end-to-end fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network. Despite initial skepticism about the feasibility of this technology, Rakuten Symphony has taken the lead in spreading this innovative mobile technology worldwide. The company's ethos of pushing boundaries and overcoming challenges was evident in its nationwide base station build-out, which was accomplished four years ahead of schedule, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Additionally, by democratizing the mobile network, Rakuten is significantly impacting the landscape of mobile communications.

- 2.3 Global Spread of Mobile Technology

Rakuten stands at the forefront of the global spread of mobile technology through its innovative Rakuten Symphony project. This initiative focuses on deploying virtualized communication networks for 5G around the world. By developing a fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network, Rakuten has demonstrated groundbreaking technological advancements in the mobile industry. Despite initial skepticism, the company has successfully built a nationwide base station ahead of schedule, proving the feasibility and impact of its pioneering mobile technology.

Rakuten Symphony's orchestration of highly skilled members has propelled the dissemination of this mobile technology on a global scale. Through strategic partnerships and continuous technological innovation, Rakuten aims to revolutionize the way mobile networks operate worldwide. The company's commitment to democratizing the mobile network and driving the adoption of advanced mobile technologies reflects its pioneering role in the evolution of global telecommunications.

Section 3

In recent years, Akten Ichiba has expanded its services and reach to include beyond Japan, with a focus on Taiwan and Europe. The company has ventured into the banking business in Taiwan, introducing the new Raktan card and launching Raktan Europe Bank and Raktan Pay Europe. These initiatives aim to drive the transition towards a zero-cash society and enhance people's lives. By utilizing vast amounts of behavioral data from online and offline activities, Akten Ichiba provides global partners with opportunities to identify potential customers.

Moreover, Akten is making strides in the mobile industry, creating the world's first end-to-end fully virtualized mobile network. Despite initial skepticism, the company successfully developed this technology, setting up a nationwide base station build out approximately four years ahead of schedule. Akten Symphony is spearheading the global dissemination of this cutting-edge mobile technology. The company's symphony of highly skilled members is beginning to gain recognition worldwide, reflecting Akten Ichiba's commitment to pioneering new and innovative solutions in the technology sector.

- 3.1 Rakuten's Involvement in Sports and Entertainment

Rakuten's involvement in sports and entertainment has been a significant part of the company's endeavors. The company has made strides in sports, with teams like the Rakuten Eagles and Vissel Kobe capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Additionally, Rakuten's collaboration with the Rakuten Monkeys, a professional baseball team in Taiwan, has further solidified its footprint in the sports realm. These associations have not only entertained but also inspired audiences globally.

Furthermore, Rakuten has been actively promoting para-athletes, contributing to the empowerment and visibility of differently-abled individuals. Through sponsorships and partnerships, the company has showcased shining demonstrations by para-athletes, leaving a lasting impression and bringing their extraordinary talents and stories to the forefront. Rakuten's commitment to sports also extends to the application of technology, unveiling new avenues for enjoying sports through innovative technological solutions.

In the entertainment sphere, Rakuten has been a force to reckon with, spearheading initiatives that excite and delight people across the globe. Collaborations with various partner teams and sponsored events have provided avenues for entertainment, enabling individuals to enjoy diverse forms of entertainment.

- 3.2 Contributions to Para Athletes and Sports Technology

Rakuten has made significant contributions to para-athletes and the advancement of sports technology. The company's collaboration with the Rakuten Monkeys, a professional baseball team in Taiwan, has not only showcased impressive sporting demonstrations but has also inspired and left a lasting impression. Furthermore, Rakuten's engagement with para-athletes has been remarkable, with shining displays by these individuals leaving a significant impact on the audience. Additionally, the company's involvement with partner teams and sponsored events has not only entertained but also served as a source of inspiration for sports enthusiasts.

In the realm of sports technology, Rakuten has been focused on realizing new ways to enjoy sports through the application of cutting-edge technology. By leveraging innovation and advancements in technology, Rakuten has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the sporting experience. This commitment to enhancing the intersection of sports and technology has positioned Rakuten as a key player in driving positive developments within the sports industry.

Section 4

Rakuten is continually expanding across various sectors, positioning itself as a global innovation company. By introducing English as the official company language, they have been able to attract top talent from around the world, solidifying their status as a multinational corporation. Their global innovation hubs ensure seamless development, operation, and maintenance, emphasizing a commitment to round-the-clock service. The company's dedication to technological advancement is evident through the Rakuten Institute of Technology and Rak-10 Blockchain Lab, both conducting pioneering research to shape the future of the internet and create innovative new technologies in line with the imminent era of IoT. Rakuten's technology evolution is a testament to its determination to remain at the forefront of transformative technological developments.

- 4.1 Global Innovation and Englishnization

In line with global innovation trends, Rakuten emphasizes the adoption of English as the official company language to attract top talent from around the world. The move has enabled the company to hire outstanding engineers and data scientists from diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring a rich tapestry of expertise within its workforce. The Englishnization strategy serves as a fundamental approach to acquiring global talent, reflecting Rakuten's commitment to fostering a multicultural work environment. With numerous global innovation hubs, the company leverages its international workforce to drive seamless development, operation, and maintenance 24/7, 365 days a year. Furthermore, the Rakuten Institute of Technology and the Rakuten Blockchain Lab are engaged in forward-thinking research to shape the future of the internet and pioneer innovative technologies.

- 4.2 Research and Development Initiatives

Rakuten has made significant strides in research and development initiatives across various technological and scientific domains. The company has leveraged big data and artificial intelligence to enable its merchants to operate based on advanced statistical analysis and diagnostics. Additionally, Rakuten's expansion into the mobile industry includes the launch of the world's first end-to-end fully virtualized cloud-native mobile network. This technology, initially met with skepticism, has proven to be ahead of its time by about four years and has set a new standard in the industry.

Furthermore, Rakuten's technology arm, Rakuten Symphony, has been at the forefront of spreading this revolutionary mobile technology globally. The company's commitment to R&D is also evident in the establishment of the Racten Institute of Technology and the Rakuten Blockchain Lab, which focus on exploring the future of the internet and creating innovative technologies. Rakuten's dedication to continuous technological evolution is directed towards the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of technological innovation.

- 4.3 Evolution of Rakuten Technology

Rakuten's journey through technology evolution has been marked by groundbreaking achievements. The company showed exceptional foresight with the development of the world's first end-to-end fully virtualized cloud-native mobile network, breaking barriers and setting new standards in the mobile industry. Amid initial skepticism, Rakuten defied odds to pioneer a technology that revolutionized communication networks, advancing its nationwide base station build out four years ahead of schedule.

The creation of the Rakuten Institute of Technology and the Rak-10 Blockchain Lab demonstrates the company's commitment to continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation. Through these research entities, Rakuten is delving into cutting-edge technologies to redefine the future of the internet, with a strong focus on the evolution towards the era of IoT (Internet of Things).

The adoption of English as the official company language has been a fundamental strategy, enabling Rakuten to attract top-tier talent from across the globe. With numerous global innovation hubs ensuring seamless development, operation, and maintenance 24/7, Rakuten is at the forefront of harnessing technological advancements to shape a progressive future.

Rakuten's steadfast dedication to pushing technological frontiers showcases its unwavering commitment to evolving and revolutionizing industries. The pioneering spirit within Rakuten's technology division continues to propel the company into new realms of innovation, with an eye firmly fixed on pioneering the future of technology.

Section 5

Rakuten's story is a narrative of perseverance and support for those in need. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Rakuten has risen to the occasion, determining what they could achieve and forging new paths for others to follow. The company's commitment extends beyond business, with a focus on innovative cancer treatments. Medical research and development efforts are underway in multiple locations globally, particularly centered around Rakuten's headquarters in San Diego, USA. The primary objective is to expedite the delivery of new treatments in a safe and timely manner to benefit as many patients as possible. This endeavor is deeply influenced by Rakuten's founder, Mickey, who is dedicated to fulfilling the vision of his late father, an esteemed economist who succumbed to cancer. Contributing to humanity and addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and social inequality remain paramount to Rakuten's corporate mission. As they continue to walk alongside the people of the world, Rakuten instills an entrepreneurial mindset, fostering an environment of mutual encouragement, learning, and collective progress.

- 5.1 Rakuten's Social Responsibility and Medical Research

Rakuten has demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility and medical research. Even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, the company remained dedicated to making a positive impact. Rakuten's focus on medical research has been particularly notable, with endeavors to develop innovative cancer treatments in various global locations, particularly around its headquarters in San Diego, USA. The company's ultimate goal in this sphere is to expedite the delivery of new treatments to as many patients as possible, underscoring its dedication to improving global healthcare.

The impetus for Rakuten's medical research efforts is deeply personal for its leadership. The company's CEO, Mickey, has been motivated by the words of his late father, an accomplished economist who unfortunately succumbed to cancer. This personal connection has further driven Rakuten's commitment to contributing to humanity through its medical research initiatives. Additionally, Rakuten's emphasis on corporate social responsibility extends to addressing broader global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and social inequality. This broad focus underscores the company's dedication to leveraging its resources and influence for the betterment of society as a whole.

- 5.2 Commitment to Addressing Global Challenges

Rakuten's commitment to addressing global challenges is evident in its proactive approach to making a positive impact on society. The company is dedicated to tackling critical issues such as climate change, poverty, and social inequality. Through its various initiatives and investments, Rakuten is striving to contribute to the betterment of humanity. This commitment aligns with the ethos of the organization, reflecting a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to create a more sustainable and equitable world.

The company's dedication to addressing global challenges extends to diverse areas, including environmental sustainability, social welfare, and healthcare. By leveraging its resources and expertise, Rakuten is actively pursuing innovative solutions to complex global issues. The company's initiatives demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to corporate social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in driving meaningful change on a global scale.

Rakuten's focus on addressing global challenges underscores its role as a socially conscious and impactful global corporation. By prioritizing initiatives that contribute to positive societal outcomes, Rakuten is setting a commendable example for the business community. The company's unwavering commitment to tackling global challenges reflects its understanding of the interconnectivity of the world and the vital role played by corporate entities in driving positive change.

- 5.3 Vision for the Future

Looking to the future, Rakuten's vision is focused on continued innovation and expansion. The company has set its sights on a zero-cash society, aiming to enrich lives and drive societal change by leveraging technology and behavioral data. Rakuten Symphony's leadership in virtualized communication networks for 5G exemplifies the company's commitment to cutting-edge technology and its dedication to democratizing the mobile network.

Additionally, the expansion of the Rakuten ecosystem and the adoption of English as the official company language have bolstered the company's global reach and ability to attract top talent from around the world. The emphasis on innovation is evident through initiatives like the Rakuten Institute of Technology and the Rakuten Blockchain Lab, which are actively researching and developing new technologies to shape the future of the internet.

Rakuten's commitment to global challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and social inequality, reflects its broader vision to contribute to humanity. By continuing to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, encourage collaboration, and learn from diverse perspectives, Rakuten is poised to remain at the forefront of innovation and make a meaningful impact on a global scale.

Highlight

Rakuten Ichiba, a comprehensive marketplace, has grown to include over 50,000 merchants, providing new opportunities for small and medium-sized retailers. Leveraging big data and AI, the platform enables merchants to operate based on advanced statistical analysis and diagnostics.

Rakuten's expansion includes ventures in shopping, travel, fintech, sports, cashback, entertainment, and mobile services, forming a vast ecosystem. With more than 1.5 billion users globally, Rakuten's merchandise sales have reached 22 trillion yen, offering various financial services to its members.

Rakuten's technological innovations, such as the world's first end-to-end fully virtualized cloud-native mobile network, demonstrate the company's commitment to pushing boundaries. The organization aims to drive the move towards a zero-cash society and enrich people's lives through the utilization of behavioral data in its ecosystem.

The company's dedication to innovation extends to sports and entertainment-related businesses, showcasing victories by sports teams and uplifting events to entertain and inspire.

Embracing English as the official company language, Rakuten has attracted outstanding talent from across the globe. The company's innovation hubs ensure seamless development, operation, and maintenance, while the Rakuten Institute of Technology and the Rak-10 Blockchain Lab conduct research to explore the future of the internet and create innovative new technologies.

Rakuten's story is also one of humanitarian efforts, including researching and developing innovative cancer treatments. The company is committed to addressing global challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and social inequality, while upholding a commitment to contributing to humanity.

Rakuten's message emphasizes the entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging learning, and collaboration to continue making a positive impact on the world.

FAQ

Q: What is Rakuten Ichiba and its core mission?

A: Rakuten Ichiba is a comprehensive marketplace that was founded to support small and medium-sized retailers with information technology, aiming to build win-win-win relationships and provide new opportunities to enhance their potential. The core mission of Rakuten Ichiba is to create a universe of entertainment through shopping.

Q: How has Rakuten Ichiba grown since its inception?

A: Starting from an initial assembly of just 13 merchants, Rakuten Ichiba has grown to include over 50,000 merchants, becoming a comprehensive marketplace fitting of its slogan: "shopping is entertainment."

Q: What are some key technological advancements and initiatives led by Rakuten Ichiba?

A: Rakuten Ichiba has utilized big data and AI to enable its merchants to operate based on advanced statistical analysis and diagnostics. Additionally, the company has expanded its services into various realms such as shopping, travel, fintech, sports, cashback, entertainment, and mobile, ultimately creating the Rakuten ecosystem.

Q: How has Rakuten Ichiba contributed to global technological innovation?

A: Rakuten Ichiba has made significant strides in democratizing the mobile network through the development of the world's first end-to-end fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network. Despite initial skepticism, the company has successfully spearheaded the spread of this mobile technology globally.

Q: What efforts has Rakuten Ichiba made in the realm of sports and entertainment?

A: Rakuten Ichiba has ventured into sports and entertainment-related businesses, exciting and delighting many. The company has also actively engaged in partnerships with sports teams and sponsored events to entertain and inspire individuals, all while exploring new ways to enjoy sports through the application of technology.

Q: How does Rakuten Ichiba contribute to global humanitarian efforts?

A: Rakuten Ichiba is devoted to addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and social inequality, and the company is committed to contributing to humanity in various ways, including researching and developing innovative cancer treatments.

Q: What is Rakuten Ichiba's approach to diversity and global innovation?

A: Rakuten Ichiba has adopted English as its official company language, aiming to bring in outstanding talent from all over the world. The company also operates numerous global innovation hubs to ensure seamless development, operation, and maintenance across the globe.

Q: What is the overarching vision of Rakuten Ichiba for the future?

A: Rakuten Ichiba aims to continue evolving its technology, moving forward toward the era of IoT. The company is also committed to addressing global challenges and contributing to humanity in various domains.

Q: How does Rakuten Ichiba aim to collaborate with the global community?

A: Rakuten Ichiba seeks to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging collaboration and learning from a diverse group of members to address global challenges and create a better future for the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rakuten's journey is a testament to its commitment to innovation, supporting small and medium-sized retailers, and contributing to global challenges. The expansion of the Rakuten ecosystem, adoption of English as the official company language, and focus on technology and research showcase the company's strides towards the IoT era. Additionally, Rakuten's dedication to assisting those in need, along with its focus on medical research, particularly for cancer treatment, underlines its determination to contribute to humanity. This entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to learning and growth position Rakuten as a proactive global player, ready to continue walking alongside people worldwide.