Tech & Innovation

  • Blog
    With the theme "AI-nization 4.all," Rakuten Technology Conference 2024 featured in-depth discussions on cutting-edge advancements and future possibilities.

    Rakuten Technology Conference 2024: Empowering the Future with AI

    On November 16, 2024, Rakuten Technology Conference returned for its 16th edition, transforming the company’s Tokyo HQ, and eight satellite locations globally, into a hub of innovation and tech exploration.  As usual, the engineer-led event brought together a diverse community of tech business leaders, engineers and enthusiasts from across the globe to participate in informative stage session…

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  • Blog
    Makoto Watanabe, CEO of mov shares insights into being a key player in empowering the businesses that are empowering Japan's economic future.

    Meet mov, Rakuten’s partners in empowerment 

    Entrepreneur Makoto Watanabe has a dream to revitalize Japan. Since 2015, Watanabe’s company mov has worked to support Japanese businesses in navigating the complexities of online marketing to welcome inbound tourists and domestic customers alike. mov recently made headlines in Japan for completing its Series B funding first round, raising around 1.5 billion yen. The additional funds came from exi…

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  • Blog
    In Japan, women represent only 16% of graduates in STEM fields. As a pioneer of tech-driven business, Rakuten is leveraging its position to address this.

    Rakuten inspires young minds to bridge the STEM gender gap

    Worldwide, according to the Global Gender Gap Report (2023) by World Economic Forum, women comprise only 29.2% of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) workforce, compared to nearly 50% of non-STEM occupations. In Japan, the disparity is even more stark, with women representing only 16% of graduates in STEM fields. As a pioneer of tech-driven business in Japan, Rakuten i…

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  • Rakuten Innovation
    Rakuten Mobile has officially surpassed 8 million subscribers. The achievement comes just 4.5 years after the company’s launch as a mobile network operator.

    Rakuten Mobile has surpassed 8 million subscribers

    Rakuten Mobile reached a major milestone last month, officially surpassing 8 million subscribers on October 18, 2024*1. And that’s not the only thing that’s increasing – the MNO is also gaining popularity as a primary line. Rakuten Mobile’s MNO main line usage among customers increased the most out of all mobile carriers in Japan according to a recent independent third-part…

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  • Blog
    Experience the future of tech at Rakuten Technology Conference 2024 on Saturday, November 16 at Rakuten Crimson House in Tokyo.

    AI-nization 4.all: A look ahead to Rakuten Technology Conference 2024

    Experience an exhilarating dive into the future of tech at Rakuten Technology Conference 2024. Set for Saturday, November 16 at Rakuten Crimson House in Tokyo, plus additional satellite venues, the 16th edition of the event will once again bring together a global community of business leaders, engineers, researchers and tech enthusiasts to explore the future horizons of technology. AI-nization 4.a…

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  • Blog
    Fergal Downey, head of Rakuten's Blockchain Lab, shares insights on the future of Web3 and how it can empower new opportunities within the Rakuten ecosystem

    Unlocking Rakuten’s vision for blockchain and Web3 technology

    Blockchain and Web3 are more than just buzzwords; they are tangible solutions to some of the tech world’s toughest challenges, transforming digital interactions and transactions today. Fergal Downey, head of Rakuten Blockchain Lab, recently shared his insights on the future of Web3 with employees at Rakuten Crimson House Singapore, highlighting how these emerging technologies are set to drive inno…

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  • Blog
    Rakuten Chief AI & Data officer Ting Cai shares the company’s latest developments in AI and his vision for the future of AI at Rakuten Optimism 2024.

    Chief AI & Data Officer Ting Cai unveils Rakuten AI strategy at Rakuten Optimism 2024

    Rakuten Chief AI & Data officer Ting Cai outlined the company’s latest developments in AI and shared his vision for the future of the technology in front of a packed business conference audience at Rakuten Optimism 2024. AI and Omotenashi: Designing AI that proactively drives value Cai opened the presentation by referencing a 2016 blog post where Rakuten Group Founder and CEO Mickey Mikitani s…

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  • Blog
    The telecommunications industry is undergoing a major transformation, and it is one that will benefit the 1.6 billion people without broadband access.

    Broadband from space to your phone: AST SpaceMobile’s CEO on the future of direct-to-cell connectivity

    By Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile The telecommunications industry is undergoing a major and consequential yet not widely understood transformation, and it is one I believe will ultimately benefit the 1.6 billion people on Earth without broadband access. Recent developments in the satellite market signify a building shift across the telecommunications industry, especiall…

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  • Blog
    Rakuten Group EVP and CMO Naho Kono; Samurai Inc. Creative Director Kashiwa Sato; and Professor Jun Suzuki, director of the Center for Language AI Research at Tohoku University took part in a special Rakuten Optimism 2024 panel session on the future of AI and creativity.

    Creativity and humanity in the AI age

    In the world of AI, 12 months is an eternity – so much was clear from the exciting new tech on display at the recent 2024 Rakuten Optimism conference. One panel discussion titled AI Accelerates Innovation: The New Frontier of Creativity kicked off with a video introduction from two hyper-real AI avatars, who gave the Optimism audience an effortless welcome in 10 different languages. The avatars th…

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