Core Insights - Rakuten Advertising has launched Innovation Labs, a product collaboration hub aimed at enhancing AI applications for advertisers and publishers, ultimately improving ad spend efficiency [1][2] - The initiative aligns with Rakuten Group's 'Triple 20' commitment, which aims for a 20% increase in efficiency across various operations, including client services [2] - Innovation Labs will facilitate ongoing experiments and updates based on client feedback, creating a dynamic research and development environment [3] For Advertisers - AI Recommendations will analyze multidimensional advertiser attributes to identify new types of publishers, focusing on profiles and products to maximize growth [5] - The platform aims to enhance campaign success by connecting advertisers with publishers that have demonstrated effectiveness in similar campaigns [5] For Publishers - AI-driven Product Recommendations will streamline research processes and improve monetization by identifying emerging trends from both partnered and non-partnered advertisers [5] - The system will curate trends for targeted audiences, utilizing brand and category filters to narrow down options [5] Industry Impact - Innovation Labs is designed to foster collaboration and experimentation among advertisers and publishers, promoting greater efficiency and accelerating growth within the affiliate marketing sector [4]

Core Viewpoint - Rakuten Group aims to increase the number of overseas merchants on its e-commerce platform, Rakuten Market, to counter the rising popularity of low-cost platforms like SHEIN and Temu from China [2][4]. Group 1 - Rakuten Market currently has approximately 55,000 stores, with only about 1,000 being overseas merchants [2][4]. - The company plans to enhance its overseas merchant recruitment efforts and support them in publishing messages and promotions in Japanese [2][4]. - The best-selling products on Rakuten Market include nutritional supplements from the U.S. and home appliances from China [4]. Group 2 - Since 2015, Rakuten has allowed overseas merchants to open stores, initially from the U.S. and South Korea, and now from 22 countries and regions including China and Europe [4]. - The annual increase in overseas merchants has been around 150, with a target to raise this number to between 450 and 600 in the future [4]. - To address barriers such as language and business practices, Rakuten will assign consultants to each store and enhance its consulting system to improve overseas visibility [4]. Group 3 - An overseas version of the organization "NATIONS," which facilitates the sharing of sales experiences among stores, will be launched in March 2026 [5].

Core Insights - The strategic alliance between Rakuten and Uber aims to enhance user experience by integrating Rakuten ID into Uber's services, creating new value through Rakuten Points, a significant loyalty program in Japan [1][8]. Strategic Partnership and Loyalty Program Integration - Uber Japan and Uber Eats Japan will implement Rakuten Payment's shared point service, allowing users to earn one Rakuten Point for every 200 yen spent on these platforms [2]. - Users can combine Rakuten Point Online with Rakuten Pay to earn up to 2% back in Rakuten Points, increasing the benefits of using Uber's services amid rising living costs [3]. Subscription Benefits and Personalized Experience - By subscribing to Uber One for 498 yen monthly, users can earn Uber One Credits equivalent to 10% of the fare amount, enhancing savings [4]. - The partnership enables Uber to utilize Rakuten's extensive data assets for personalized recommendations and promotions [4]. Special Campaigns and Future Plans - A campaign titled "Earn up to 1,000 Points by Linking Your Rakuten ID with Uber" will run until December 22, 2025, incentivizing users to link their accounts and spend on Uber services [5]. - The first 500,000 users who link their Rakuten ID and spend at least 1,500 yen on Uber Eats will earn 300 Rakuten Points, with additional points available for Uber rides [6]. Additional Benefits for Specific Users - Rakuten Mobile subscribers linking their Rakuten ID will receive 20 times the standard Rakuten Points when using Uber or Uber Eats [7]. - Uber One members who link their Rakuten ID can purchase an annual plan at a 70% discount, further enhancing the value of the subscription [11].

Core Viewpoint - Airspan Networks Holdings LLC has been selected by Rakuten Mobile to provide Open RAN compliant radios for deployment in Japan's nationwide mobile network, marking a significant milestone in the industry supported by NTIA grants for Open RAN development [1] Group 1 - Airspan Networks is recognized as a leading global provider of wireless network solutions [1] - The deployment of Open RAN compliant radios represents the first commercial initiative in the industry backed by government grants [1] - Rakuten Mobile's selection of Airspan Networks highlights the growing adoption of Open RAN technology in mobile networks [1]

Core Insights - Bilt and Rakuten have launched a partnership allowing over 5 million Bilt Members to convert Rakuten Cash Back into Bilt Points, enhancing the rewards experience during the holiday shopping season [1][4][5] Partnership Details - The partnership enables Bilt Members to earn rewards on purchases made at over 3,500 retailers through Rakuten, with the integration available in the Bilt app and Rakuten's platforms [2][4] - Members can redeem Rakuten Cash Back for Bilt Points at an introductory rate of 1:1 for the first six months, meaning $10 in Cash Back equals 1,000 Bilt Points [5][7] Benefits for Users - Bilt Members can earn points on everyday purchases, which can be used for various rewards such as travel, rent credits, and fitness classes [3][9] - A welcome bonus of 2,500 Bilt Points is available for new Rakuten sign-ups through the Bilt app after a qualifying purchase of $25 or more [5][8] Strategic Timing - The launch coincides with the holiday shopping season, particularly Black Friday, making it an opportune time for consumers to maximize their rewards [1][4] Company Background - Bilt is a loyalty program designed for renters, allowing them to earn rewards on rent and HOA payments, while Rakuten is a leading Cash Back shopping platform with over $4.6 billion in Cash Back earned by its members since 1999 [9][10]

Group 1 - The dinner hosted by President Trump in Tokyo aims to announce the results of Japanese investments in the U.S., with notable attendees from various companies [1] - Japan has committed to providing $550 billion in funding support for U.S. projects as part of a trade framework established earlier this year, in exchange for reduced tariffs on Japanese goods [1] - The investment agreements discussed during the dinner focus on manufacturing and energy sectors, with potential investment amounts ranging from $350 million to $100 billion [1] Group 2 - U.S. Commerce Secretary stated the importance of clarifying the investment funding terms of the trade agreement, which have been subject to differing interpretations [2] - The $550 billion commitment is described by Trump as funds that his administration can "freely allocate," while Japan views it as support for Japanese companies' projects in the U.S. through various forms including investments and loans [2] - A map presented by Japan during discussions highlights investments announced during Trump's second term, including significant projects by companies like Nippon Steel, Toyota, and Toto [2]

Core Viewpoint - Rakuten, a major player in the Japanese e-commerce and finance sectors, is considering an initial public offering (IPO) for its credit card business in the United States, as reported by sources familiar with the situation [1] Company Summary - Rakuten is exploring the possibility of launching an IPO for its credit card division, indicating a strategic move to expand its financial services footprint in the U.S. market [1]

Core Viewpoint - Rakuten is considering an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States for its credit card business, which is one of Japan's largest, amid rising competition and market dynamics [1][2]. Group 1: IPO Considerations - The potential U.S. IPO of Rakuten Card was influenced by rival SoftBank's plans to list PayPay in the U.S. [2] - The discussions regarding the IPO are in early stages, with alternative options including a stake sale to a strategic buyer [1][2]. Group 2: Business Valuation and Stake Acquisition - Mizuho Financial Group acquired a 15% stake in Rakuten Card for 165 billion yen ($1.1 billion), valuing the business at over 1 trillion yen ($7 billion) [3]. - Institutional investors anticipate a baseline valuation of 2 trillion yen for PayPay, with expectations that it could exceed 3 trillion yen during its IPO [3]. Group 3: Importance of Credit Cards to Rakuten - Credit cards are central to Rakuten's business model, which includes online shopping, banking, and travel services, allowing customers to earn loyalty reward points [4]. - Rakuten Card has issued over 30 million credit cards in Japan, with a non-GAAP operating profit growth of 20% to 62 billion yen last year, although it faced a 4.5% decline in the April-June quarter of this year due to increased costs [6]. Group 4: Market Context - The global IPO market is experiencing a resurgence, with the U.S. market having its busiest quarter since Q4 2021, raising $24 billion through first-time share sales in Q3 [7].

Market & Consumer Analysis - The Japanese cross-border e-commerce market is experiencing rapid growth and transformation, with a projected market size of $191.9 billion in 2024 and expected to exceed $260 billion by 2029, indicating stable growth [2] - The consumer demographic in Japan is diverse, with significant segments including the elderly population, which accounts for nearly 30% of the population aged 65 and above, holding over half of the national wealth and prioritizing quality and service [3] - The rise of the "solo economy" is notable, with over half of Tokyo's population living alone, leading to increased demand for small appliances and minimalist home products [4] - Working women in Japan seek efficiency in their purchases, favoring time-saving products in beauty, convenience foods, and home cleaning [5] - Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is a key demographic, being digital natives who are active on social media and prefer personalized, niche brands [5] Major Platforms - The Japanese e-commerce market is dominated by three major platforms: - Rakuten, the largest local e-commerce platform, holds a market share of 28.8% with over 120 million members, known for high user loyalty [5] - Yahoo! Shopping, with an approximate market share of 18%, offers stable traffic and strong search capabilities, particularly for second-hand goods [7] - Amazon Japan, which has a market share of about 25%, is recognized for its diverse product categories and high consumer trust [9] - New emerging platforms such as Temu, TK, and Mercari are also gaining traction, suggesting sellers should test the market on a small scale before deeper engagement [10] Product Selection Recommendations - Popular product categories for sellers to consider include: - Home and living products that are eco-friendly, convenient, multifunctional, and storage-efficient, such as collapsible storage boxes and smart small appliances [11] - Fashion items, particularly workplace attire, with a preference for minimalist designs, indicating a trend towards simple yet professional clothing [13] - Beauty and skincare products, where Japanese consumers show a strong interest in quality and efficacy, particularly in skincare with whitening, moisturizing, and anti-aging properties [15] Conclusion - The Japanese cross-border market presents both opportunities and challenges, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right platform and adhering to precise product selection strategies for sellers of all sizes to find their niche and achieve growth [15]

Core Insights - The opening of the Rakuten Group's Hangzhou branch marks a significant step in enhancing Hangzhou's position as a global cross-border e-commerce hub [1][2] - Hangzhou's comprehensive pilot zone has leveraged policy advantages, industrial cluster benefits, and a strong digital economy foundation, making it a preferred location for global e-commerce giants targeting the Asia-Pacific market [1] - Rakuten's establishment of a core hub in East China in Hangzhou reflects its recognition of the city's cross-border e-commerce ecosystem [1] Company Developments - Rakuten Group, founded in 1997, is a benchmark enterprise in the global internet ecosystem, with extensive experience in e-commerce retail, cross-border payments, and digital marketing [1] - Since opening its doors to Chinese sellers in 2019, Rakuten has transitioned from a model where Japanese entities operated stores to allowing direct entry for Chinese companies, significantly lowering entry barriers for Chinese sellers [1] - The official operation of the Hangzhou branch will activate Rakuten's "East China engine" for its development in China [1] Industry Context - The CEO of Rakuten's China division highlighted that East China is one of the most economically vibrant regions in China, with strong manufacturing and supply chain advantages that align well with Japanese market demands [2] - Products from East China, such as outdoor goods, textiles, and household items, have maintained a significant presence in the Japanese market due to their high quality and innovation [2] - The establishment of the Hangzhou branch aims to bridge the final gap between Rakuten's ecosystem and East China's industries, facilitating efficient access for more East China sellers to Japanese and global consumers through digital tools and localized support [2]