Sports & Entertainment

  • Blog
    New Rakuten TV documentary The Giants tells the story of how four giant Hawaiians played a role in modernizing one of the world’s most ancient sports.
    2 days ago

    “The Giants” is the larger-than-life story of four Americans who modernized Sumo

    Equal parts sport and ceremony, Sumo has evolved for centuries alongside Japanese culture to the point that it can sometimes seem impenetrable to the casual observer. Upon closer inspection however, modern Sumo is a surprisingly international sport with the skills, drama and athleticism to appeal to any sports fan. The new Rakuten TV documentary The Giants tells the story of how four giant Hawaiia…

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  • Blog
    Rakuten announced a new sponsorship agreement with 21-year old up-and-coming star LPGA golfer Mone Inami on April 29, 2021.
    May 17, 2021

    Rakuten launches partnership with rising golf sensation Mone Inami

    One of Japan’s fastest-rising pro golf stars is joining the Rakuten family. On April 29, Rakuten announced the signing of 21-year old Mone Inami to a sponsorship agreement that will see the world-ranked LPGA golfer don the Rakuten logo on her cap. Inami will also feature in a series of promotions spanning the Rakuten Ecosystem, including online marketplace Rakuten Ichiba, online travel agenc…

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  • Blog
    Rakuten TV subscribers in Japan now have easy access to some of the funniest and most family-friendly entertainment from Nickelodeon.
    April 28, 2021

    Rakuten and ViacomCBS team up to bring Nickelodeon content to Japan

    Starting today, fans in Japan now have easy access to some of the funniest and most family-friendly entertainment from Nickelodeon’s stable of world-famous properties. Thanks to a recently-announced, wide-ranging partnership between Rakuten and ViacomCBS Networks International, the kids streaming service Nick+ is now available on Rakuten’s video-on-demand platform Rakuten TV, bringing world-class…

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  • Blog
    First-team FC Barcelona players activate Rakuten in Europe with new "Most Likely To" digital content series on Rakuten Sports’ channels beginning March 18.
    March 18, 2021

    Most Likely To: FC Barcelona players activate Rakuten in Europe

    Many factors have helped Japan’s leading internet services company grow into a global brand. The services themselves have garnered headlines around the world on their own merit, but few would argue that the biggest boost to Rakuten’s brand awareness in Europe has come from its partnership with FC Barcelona. And a new digital campaign is about to build on that momentum. A new content series called…

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  • Blog
    Rakuten announced strategic global partnership with LivOn Global, Yudai Baba’s agency, to support the management and growth of Baba’s basketball career.
    March 16, 2021

    Rakuten to Power Japanese International Basketball Star Yudai Baba

    Yudai Baba doesn’t believe in taking the tried-and-tested approach. “Dream big,” says the 25-year-old basketball star. “You don’t have to follow others’ footsteps to succeed.” I’ll do my best to invigorate Japanese basketball and to inspire the younger generations.Yudai Baba A rising international basketball star with a career that has so far spanned three continents, Baba is proving that hi…

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  • Blog
    The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles have signed Masahiro Tanaka to a two-year deal, after a seven-year stint with the New York Yankees.
    March 9, 2021

    Masahiro Tanaka, international star pitcher and hero of Northern Japan, comes home

    On January 28, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles fans must have felt like Christmas had arrived 11 months early when their club announced that it had signed Masahiro Tanaka to a two-year deal. Tanaka’s return to the Eagles lineup comes after a seven-year stint in Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees, where the right-hander was consistently impressive in pinstripes. But despite his Stateside…

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  • Blog
    The Golden State Warriors are celebrating Oakland in style with their new Oakland Forever jerseys, which pay homage to the iconic We Believe team of 2006-07
    January 21, 2021

    Golden State Warriors celebrate Oakland with Oakland Forever City Edition jerseys, Presented by Rakuten

    On January 20, the Golden State Warriors celebrated Oakland in style as they took to the floor against the San Antonio Spurs wearing the 2020-21 Nike City Edition jerseys for the first time. Since the league introduced City Edition uniforms before the 2017-18 season, the Warriors have been turning heads and honoring the Bay Area community with their designs, from the golden “The Bay” jersey w…

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  • Blog
    Vissel Kobe had an incredible 2020 run in cup competitions, but it also showed the world that the club is on the verge of becoming the top team in Asia.
    December 24, 2020

    How Vissel Kobe entered the elite ranks of club soccer in Asia

    For the second match in succession, Vissel Kobe’s fate looked like it would be decided in a penalty shootout. But the momentum that carried them through their AFC Champions League quarterfinal victory left them in the semi-finals, which saw the team fall in defeat to a penalty goal in the 119th minute. It was an agonizing end to Vissel’s incredible 2020 run in cup competitions, but it also s…

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  • Blog
    In their first AFC Champions League match since February, Vissel handed Guangzhou Evergrande FC of China a 3-1 defeat to go to the top of Group G.
    November 27, 2020

    Vissel Kobe resumes pursuit of AFC Champions League glory

    On November 25, Rakuten Group’s Vissel Kobe reached another milestone on their quest to become the No. 1 soccer club in Asia. The AFC Champions League resumed action in Qatar. In their first match in the competition since February, Vissel handed rivals Guangzhou Evergrande FC of China a 3-1 defeat to go to six points and put themselves at the top of Group G. With two more matches to go for V…

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