At Rakuten, we climb mountains

In the world of tech, we often talk about “seeing around the corner.” It’s a phrase that encapsulates the forward thinking required to anticipate market trends, emerging technologies and evolving consumer needs.

But how does one cultivate this forward-thinking mindset? At Rakuten, we practice an unconventional method: we climb mountains.

Every autumn, Rakuten’s global leadership team embarks on a challenging climb up Mt. Tanigawa, also known as “Death Mountain.” Despite only rising just short of 2,000 meters, Mt. Tanigawa is notorious for its treacherous terrain – in fact, it has claimed more lives than Mt. Everest.

While we take every precaution to ensure safety, the climb remains a formidable challenge. The route we take, Nishikuro Ridge, is considered one of the most difficult in Japan.

Why subject our leadership team to such a grueling experience? Because in business, as in mountain climbing, the most valuable lessons often come from facing and overcoming significant challenges.

The business of climbing

The process of climbing a mountain has much in common with navigating the business world.

Firstly, both ascent and descent require careful planning and strategy. You must assess risks, prepare for contingencies, and make crucial decisions with limited information. These are the same skills we employ daily at Rakuten.

Secondly, the climb demands resilience and adaptability. Weather conditions can change rapidly, forcing quick adjustments to your plan. Similarly, in business, market conditions can shift overnight, requiring agile responses and sometimes, a complete pivot in strategy.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, climbing offers unique perspectives. As you ascend, new vistas appear, revealing landscapes that were previously hidden. This physical experience of “seeing around the corner” is a powerful reminder of why we must always strive to look beyond our current position in business.

Climbing Mt. Tanigawa presents us with a great opportunity to ask ourselves: “Why am I doing this?” This question, approached in a business context, can lead to profound insights and drive innovation.

Climbing mountains, like running a business, can be both challenging and enjoyable. The key is to discover why it’s enjoyable, even during tougher times. At Rakuten, we’ve found that people have the capacity to find enjoyment even in challenging tasks, whether it’s studying, working, or indeed, climbing a mountain.

The climb also reinforces the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Just as we support each other on the steep slopes of Mt. Tanigawa, we foster a culture of collaboration and mutual support in our company. This shared experience of overcoming challenges together translates directly into how we approach obstacles in our work.

Ultimately, scaling a mountain is not about the summit – it’s about the process, the learning and the growth that occurs along the way. In business, as in mountaineering, it’s crucial to enjoy the journey while keeping an eye on the greater vision that lies beyond.

Seeing beyond the next peak

At Rakuten, our vision extends far beyond our current position. We’re working to democratize the mobile industry, prove that Japanese companies can be global leaders, and create a world where exciting technologies such as AI enhance human potential rather than replace it.

This long-term vision is crucial. In business, it’s easy to focus solely on the immediate challenge. But true visionaries must learn to see beyond the current peak. Every time we crest a ridge on Mt. Tanigawa and new vistas open up before us, it serves as a powerful reminder of this principle.

After 27 years of building Rakuten, I still feel that I’m only halfway up the mountain. The summit may be our ultimate goal, but it’s the climb – the process of constant growth, learning and innovation – that truly defines us.

I encourage everyone to find their own “mountain” to scale. It doesn’t have to be a literal peak, but it should be something that pushes you out of your comfort zone, challenges your assumptions and provides new perspectives.

The climb never truly ends – there’s always another peak on the horizon, another challenge to overcome, another opportunity to seize. For me, that’s what makes the journey so special.