Since we founded Rakuten in 1997, we’ve been guided by the idea of ‘optimism.’ For us, optimism has a special meaning. It’s not simply a faith that the future will be better; it’s an understanding that we can make the future better by what we do today.

Rakuten is always innovating, evolving and experimenting to create a better future. Everything we do empowers people, businesses and society through innovation and entrepreneurship.

We were the first company in the world to successfully launch a merchant-focused e-commerce marketplace, at a time when no one believed people would ever buy or sell over the internet.

Today, our global ecosystem has grown to encompass more than 70 businesses across e-commerce, digital content, communications and fintech. Through these, we empower the communities in which we operate and our thousands of merchants and partners, and bring the joy of discovery to 1.8 billion people worldwide.

Globally, we challenge the status quo by investing in new business models and start-up talent, from new open platforms for e-commerce, to experiments with drones, chatbots, deep learning and AI. We also lead Japan on improving data management and privacy standards.

Our global footprint continues to grow, and I am truly inspired by the talent that chooses to work with us every day, both within the Rakuten family and in start-ups, academic institutions and partner businesses around the world.

Chairman and CEO