Sports & Entertainment

  • Blog
    On December 19 2023, 64 popular online personalities in Japan logged on to battle it out in popular battle royale game PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS.

    Rakuten’s esports community is picking up steam

    Japan’s esports scene ended 2023 with a bang, as gamers assembled for the 5th Rakuten esports cup. On December 19, 64 popular online personalities in Japan logged on to battle it out in popular battle royale game PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS. The primarily online event featured commentary from esports caster OooDa, professional cosplayer Enako, Twitch streamer Oniya, and sports commentator Hisashi Sh…

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  • Blog
    With a win over Nagoya in late November 2023, Vissel Kobe clinched its first-ever J.League championship after dominating the 2023 season.

    All aboard the Victory Vessel! Vissel Kobe are Japan’s soccer champions

    Vissel Kobe has officially stamped its name in Japan’s footballing history books. With a win over Nagoya in late November 2023, the team clinched its first ever J.League championship. Though the Rakuten-owned club dominated the 2023 season, their decades-long journey to the top didn’t come easy. Captain Hotaru Yamaguchi receives the championship Silver Plate from J.League president Yos…

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  • Blog
    Rakuten Viki will host the first-ever worldwide celebration of Korean dramas with International K-Drama Day on November 29, 2023.

    Rakuten Viki to unveil first-ever International K-Drama Day on November 29

    Calling All K-Drama Fans: Rakuten Viki, one of the leading streaming services for Asian content, will host the first-ever worldwide celebration of Korean dramas with International K-Drama Day. Held on November 29th, the holiday aims to recognize the rapidly rising mass appeal of a genre that has dominated pop culture. International K-Drama Day will be an online global celebration that will bring f…

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  • Blog
    In a league where the average tenure of a head coach is approximately two years, Kerr has served ten. What is the secret behind his remarkable success?

    Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr on leadership, trust and the keys to building a championship culture

    Sustained success is all about culture and values, even in professional sports. So conveyed Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr during an enlightening Q&A session with Rakuten Rewards Chief Marketing Officer Dana Marineau on leadership, trust and team building at Rakuten International’s San Mateo headquarters. Kerr talked about leadership, trust and team building during a visit t…

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  • Blog
    KCON swept Los Angeles, bringing together over 140,000 attendees, for three days of K-Pop concerts, idol appearances, exciting brand activations, innovative products, Korean food and more.

    Rakuten Viki celebrates the rise of Asian entertainment at KCON LA 2023

    KCON, the largest fan celebration of Korean entertainment and culture in the U.S., swept Los Angeles from August 18-20, 2023, bringing together more than 140,000 attendees for three days of K-Pop concerts, idol appearances, exciting brand activations, innovative products, Korean food and more. And of course, Rakuten Viki, the leading destination for Asian content, was on the ground to delight fans…

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  • Blog
    Rakuten held the second World University Basketball Series (WUBS) in August 2023 and a special dance crew joined in and stole the half-time show.

    Dunks and dance dazzle at WUBS 2023

    Last month, Rakuten crowned the second World University Basketball Series (WUBS) champions: The National Chengchi University Griffins from Chinese Taipei! The Champions League-style tournament brought together top talent from eight universities in seven different countries and regions across Asia and beyond to duel it out in Tokyo over four days. The event culminated in a final bout between Japan&…

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  • Blog
    In pursuit of innovation and cultural exchange, and in a celebration of the art of Manga, Rakuten Europe participated in the Japan Expo held in Paris.

    Thrilling encounters at Japan Expo: Rakuten returns with an authentic showcase of Japanese technology and culture

    In its relentless pursuit of innovation and cultural exchange, and in a celebration of Japanese technology, culture and the art of Manga, Rakuten Europe recently participated in the Japan Expo held in Paris. The event, which took place at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in July, proved to be a resounding success, connecting passionate Japan enthusiasts with the incredible digital servi…

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  • Blog
    On July 21, Rakuten's Taiwan Ecosystem Department hosted its much-awaited "Taiwan Rakuten Group Day” at the Rakuten Taoyuan Baseball Stadium.

    Taiwan Rakuten Group Day 2023: A celebration of sports, fans and the Okaimono Panda

    On July 21, Rakuten Taiwan Ecosystem Department hosted its much-awaited “Taiwan Rakuten Group Day” at the Rakuten Taoyuan Baseball Stadium, setting the stage for a showdown between the Rakuten Monkeys and the Uni-Lions in a thrilling baseball match. The Rakuten Group Day sought to draw together passionate Rakuten Monkeys fans, Rakuten Group employees, customers and business partners to enjoy…

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  • Blog
    The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles and Vissel Kobe have taken on an innovative upcycling project to promote creative sustainability in sports.

    From banners to seat cushions: How the Rakuten Eagles and Vissel Kobe are leveraging creativity to promote upcycling in sports

    The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles and Vissel Kobe, two prominent Japanese sports teams, have taken on an innovative upcycling project highlighting new and interesting ways to promote creative sustainability in sports. Instead of disposing of their stadiums’ exterior banners from the previous season, the teams collaborated with Rakuten’s Creative Design and Sports Partnership Activation…

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