Rakuten

Rakuten, Inc. is a Japanese electronic commerce and online retailing company founded in 1997 by Hiroshi Mikitani. Initially launched as an online marketplace called MDM, it rebranded to Rakuten Shopping Mall and has since expanded into various sectors including financial services, digital content, and telecommunications. Rakuten is known for its e-commerce platform, Rakuten Ichiba, which is one of Japan’s largest online shopping destinations. Over the years, Rakuten has acquired several companies, including Buy.com, PriceMinister, and Viber, marking its global expansion. In 2014, Rakuten acquired the messaging app Viber, and in 2016, it launched Rakuten Mobile, its telecommunications venture. Rakuten is known for its innovative approach in the e-commerce sector and its loyalty program, Rakuten Super Points. The company has gained significant international recognition and continues to impact the global market, particularly with its efforts in fintech and mobile communications.