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  • Uber Japan and Rakuten Drive Up Rewards: Users to Earn More with Rakuten ID Integration

    Uber Japan and Rakuten Drive Up Rewards: Users to Earn More with Rakuten ID Integration

    Rakuten Group, Inc., Rakuten Payment, Inc., Uber Japan Co., Ltd., and Uber Eats Japan, Inc. have revealed plans to augment their strategic alliance by incorporating Rakuten ID. This joint venture connects Uber, a prominent mobility and delivery platform in Japan, with Rakuten ID, an essential element of the Rakuten Ecosystem. The objective is to cultivate new value via Rakuten Points, one of Japan’s most substantial loyalty programs.

    Strategic Partnership and Loyalty Program Integration

    The Uber Japan mobility service and Uber Eats Japan delivery service will progressively roll out Rakuten Payment’s shared point service, known as Rakuten Point Online. This integration will enable users who associate their Rakuten ID with the Uber or Uber Eats app to earn a Rakuten Point for every 200 yen (excluding tax) they spend on these apps.

    Starting from April 2022 for Uber Eats and April 2023 for Uber, users have had the ability to use Rakuten Pay, a cashless payment service. Paying with Rakuten Pay enables users to earn up to 1.5% back in Rakuten Points. With the new integration, users can combine Rakuten Point Online with Rakuten Pay to earn up to 2% back in Rakuten Points. As inflation increases daily living costs, utilizing Uber’s services provides a more beneficial method of earning Rakuten Points.

    Subscription Benefits and Personalized Experience

    Moreover, by subscribing to Uber One, a 498 yen monthly membership, users can earn Uber One Credits equivalent to 10% of the fare amount when using Uber’s mobility service, adding another level of savings. This strategic alliance allows Uber to leverage Rakuten’s large data assets to offer more personalized recommendations and promotions for users.

    The companies collectively aim to offer new experiences that make daily meals and mobility more convenient and rewarding. To commemorate the launch, the companies will run the “Earn up to 1,000 Points by Linking Your Rakuten ID with Uber” campaign until December 22, 2025.

    Special Campaigns and Future Plans

    During this campaign, the first 500,000 users who link their Rakuten ID to the Uber or Uber Eats app and spend at least 1,500 yen (excluding tax) on Uber Eats will earn 300 Rakuten Points. Users who also spend at least 1,500 yen (excluding tax) on an Uber ride will receive 350 Rakuten Points on their first ride and an additional 350 points on their second ride, totaling 1,000 Rakuten Points when combined with Uber Eats benefits.

    Rakuten Mobile subscribers who link their Rakuten ID and pay on Uber or Uber Eats will receive 20 times the standard Rakuten Points. Furthermore, Uber One monthly members who have linked their Rakuten ID will be eligible to purchase the annual plan at a special 70% discount.

    Rakuten, Rakuten Payment, Uber Japan, and Uber Eats Japan are committed to continue strengthening their strategic partnership through the integration of Rakuten ID, expanding collaboration between the Rakuten Ecosystem and the Uber and Uber Eats platforms. The aim is to create new value by offering convenient and rewarding services that support users’ lifestyles and drive business growth for both companies.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main aim of the strategic partnership between Rakuten and Uber?
    The main aim is to create new value by offering convenient and rewarding services that support users’ lifestyles and drive business growth for both companies.

    What benefits will users get from linking their Rakuten ID with Uber?
    Users will earn Rakuten Points for every 200 yen spent on Uber or Uber Eats, and they can earn up to 1,000 points through a special campaign. Rakuten Mobile subscribers will receive 20 times the standard points.

    What additional benefits do Uber One monthly members receive?
    Uber One monthly members who link their Rakuten ID can purchase the annual plan at a special 70% discount. They also earn Uber One Credits equivalent to 10% of the fare amount when using Uber’s mobility service.

  • Rakuten Shatters Records with Stellar Q3 Performance: Returns to Profit After Six-Year Hiatus

    Rakuten Shatters Records with Stellar Q3 Performance: Returns to Profit After Six-Year Hiatus

    After a six-year hiatus, Rakuten, a well-known e-commerce platform in Japan, has made a successful return to profitability. This significant achievement is attributed to the consistent growth seen across all primary business sectors and an all-time high revenue figure reported in the third quarter.

    During this year’s third quarter, Rakuten’s consolidated revenue saw an increase of 10.9% compared to the previous year, hitting a milestone of US$4 billion. This marks the highest level of Q3 revenue ever reported by the company.

    In terms of EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation), Rakuten reported a record-breaking figure of $767 million. The company also managed to generate $8 million in operating profits throughout the first nine months of this fiscal year.

    Rakuten’s domestic e-commerce wing recorded a 14.5% increase in gross merchandise sales, amounting to $11 billion. This increase was primarily fuelled by a sustained demand for services.

    The company’s International business unit also reported favourable figures. Its revenue increased by 5.4% year on year, reaching $486.9 million, and its operating income rose sharply by 78.8% to $4.2 million.

    Several factors contributed to this growth, including increased sales of devices and content through Rakuten Kobo, a spike in communications and advertising revenue from Rakuten Viber, and a decrease in losses in the international advertising business.

    Rakuten’s improved financial stability and better credit metrics have positively impacted its rating outlook. The firm’s objective is to further improve its credit while maintaining medium-term financial stability. As explained by the company, its strategy involves building a stable financial base and enhancing its corporate value through cautious capital allocation.

    Questions & Answers

    What led to Rakuten’s return to operating profit after six years?
    Rakuten’s return to profitability can be attributed to the consistent growth across all major business sectors and record-breaking revenue in the third quarter of this fiscal year.

    What factors contributed to the company’s growth?
    The growth was due to increased sales of devices and content through Rakuten Kobo, higher communications and advertising revenue from Rakuten Viber, and a decrease in losses in the international advertising business.

    What is Rakuten’s strategy for maintaining its financial stability?
    Rakuten plans to maintain its financial stability by enhancing its credit further, constructing a stable financial base, and increasing corporate value through judicious capital allocation.

  • Rakuten Unveils Innovative AI Agent for Enhanced Mobile and Web Shopping Experience

    Rakuten Unveils Innovative AI Agent for Enhanced Mobile and Web Shopping Experience

    In a bold step towards redefining digital interactions, Rakuten Group, Inc. and Rakuten Mobile, Inc. have officially launched Rakuten AI. This innovative artificial intelligence agent is now accessible through the Rakuten Link app and a beta web application, setting the stage for a tech-forward user experience.

    Expanding Features and Reach

    Available free of charge, Rakuten AI is primed for a broader rollout, with plans to extend its capabilities to Rakuten Ichiba by Autumn 2025. Designed to streamline interactions within the Rakuten ecosystem, the service boasts an impressive array of features that includes AI chat, voice input, image search, translation services, coding assistance, and customized recommendations. Talk about a virtual assistant that does it all!

    Localized for Japanese Users

    What sets Rakuten AI apart is its deep understanding of Japanese language and culture, making it particularly relevant for domestic users. Within the Rakuten Link app, customers can engage with Rakuten AI through text, voice, and even image-based queries, while receiving AI-generated suggestions to refine their searches and navigate a plethora of services seamlessly.

    A Comprehensive Tool for Everyday and Complex Needs

    For Rakuten ID holders, the web app presents additional functionalities, including advanced search capabilities, problem-solving tools, and content creation features. This positions Rakuten AI not just as a daily utility, but as a comprehensive tool capable of tackling more intricate tasks with ease.

    A Vision for the Future of Retail

    The impending integration of Rakuten AI into Rakuten Ichiba later this year aims to enhance the shopping experience by delivering personalized product recommendations that draw from user behavior, preferences, and purchase history. This launch marks the start of Rakuten’s ambitious vision for an Agentic Ecosystem—a hyper-personalized network where AI empowers users to make informed decisions, act swiftly, and streamline various tasks across multiple platforms.

    Ultimately, Rakuten aims to establish Rakuten AI as the go-to gateway for its expansive digital ecosystem, enhancing both mobile and web experiences to ensure intuitive access and intelligent guidance for users.

    Questions & Answers

    What functionalities does Rakuten AI offer to users?
    Rakuten AI provides tools such as AI chat, voice input, image search, translation services, coding assistance, and personalized recommendations, all tailored to enhance user experience.

    How is Rakuten AI tailored to the local market?
    It has a strong understanding of Japanese language and culture, making it especially relevant and useful for users in Japan.

    When can we expect to see Rakuten AI integrated into Rakuten Ichiba?
    The integration is scheduled for later this year, aiming to offer personalized product recommendations based on user preferences and shopping behavior.

  • Rakuten Partners with Japan’s GENIAC Project to Propel Generative AI Innovation

    Rakuten Partners with Japan’s GENIAC Project to Propel Generative AI Innovation

    Rakuten Group, Inc. has recently been selected to participate in the third term of the Generative AI Accelerator Challenge (GENIAC), an initiative backed by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). This collaboration is part of a larger effort to foster the development of generative AI within Japan.

    Empowering AI Development Through Collaboration

    The primary goal of the GENIAC project is to provide critical computing resources that facilitate the advancement of generative AI technology. By fostering collaboration around the latest trends and technologies, the program encourages knowledge sharing among developers, enhancing the landscape for AI innovation.

    Since its inception, R&D support has been available for earlier terms of the program, with the first becoming accessible in February 2024 and the second in October 2024. Rakuten’s project was selected during the application phase of the third term, which commenced in March 2025. The company has been proactive in developing and releasing AI models optimized for the Japanese language within the open-source community since March 2024.

    Leading the Charge with Innovative AI Models

    From the outset, Rakuten has emphasized cost efficiency in its AI initiatives, opting to create smaller, highly efficient models like Rakuten AI 2.0. This model employs a mixture of experts (MoE) architecture, allowing only relevant subsets to activate during query processing, resulting in significantly lower operational costs compared to traditional dense models.

    As part of its commitment to the project, Rakuten is set to kick off research and development in August 2025 on an advanced open-weight AI foundation model. This model aims to incorporate groundbreaking techniques that will greatly enhance memory capabilities, thus improving information retrieval when generating responses. The end goal is to tackle existing limitations of generative AI models concerning memory recall and overall performance—a worthy challenge for any ambitious AI research team.

    Personalization Takes Center Stage

    Looking ahead, Rakuten is paving the way for a more personalized AI experience, focusing on memory retention in user interactions. By enabling large language models (LLMs) to recall past conversations, Rakuten plans to foster long-term relationships with users empowered by predictive suggestions. This approach represents a significant leap beyond the constraints of current transformer architectures, which often grapple with maintaining extended context. Who knew memories could be a primary feature in AI?

    In addition to bolstering memory, Rakuten plans to enhance operational efficiency through improved training and inference algorithms. These advancements will open new avenues for personalized AI applications across the expansive Rakuten Ecosystem, elevating customer experiences and streamlining business operations.

    Yu Hirate, Vice General Manager at Rakuten Group’s AI Research Supervisory Department and Rakuten Institute of Technology Worldwide, expressed enthusiasm for this cutting-edge project, stating: “I am very pleased to be able to work on the development of a cutting-edge generative AI foundation model with the support of NEDO and the METI. Through this cost-effective AI model, we hope to contribute to the realization of AI agents that are best optimized for the Japanese language and are highly personalized, as well as empower local businesses and boost the economy.”

    As it moves forward, Rakuten plans to leverage its vast data resources, extensive channels, and growth strategies to create new value not just in Japan, but for customers around the globe.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Generative AI Accelerator Challenge (GENIAC)?
    GENIAC is an initiative supported by METI and NEDO, focused on fostering the development of generative AI in Japan by providing essential resources and promoting collaboration among developers.

    What innovative features is Rakuten introducing in its new AI model?
    Rakuten’s advanced AI foundation model will incorporate enhanced memory capabilities, allowing it to better recall previous interactions, fostering a more personalized user experience.

    How does Rakuten plan to improve AI efficiency?
    Rakuten aims to enhance operational efficiency through advanced training and inference algorithms, which will unlock new opportunities for personalized AI throughout the Rakuten Ecosystem.

  • Rakuten Launches E-Commerce Platform, Empowering Singapore Sellers to Reach a Global Audience

    Rakuten Launches E-Commerce Platform, Empowering Singapore Sellers to Reach a Global Audience

    In a significant move poised to reshape cross-border retail, Rakuten Group, Inc. has opened the doors of its Rakuten Ichiba platform to Singaporean businesses, allowing them to sell directly to Japanese consumers. This expansion, which removes previous geographical restrictions for sellers, now invites merchants from Singapore to join the ranks of those in Japan, South Korea, China, select European nations, the United States, and Canada.

    What’s remarkable about this leap is that Singaporean sellers can list their products on Rakuten Ichiba without the burden of maintaining a physical presence or inventory in Japan. This flexibility not only simplifies the selling process but also allows for seamless shipping from Singaporean warehouses straight to Japanese customers’ doorsteps. Think about it: e-commerce has gone truly global, and Singapore businesses can now help fulfill Japan’s unique shopping desires without ever leaving their island!

    To support these newcomers, Rakuten is rolling out a suite of resources, including dedicated E-Commerce Consultants and advanced tools designed to enhance product visibility and streamline storefront management. Merchants will also benefit from Rakuten’s diverse ecosystem, featuring AI-driven sales enhancements, exclusive promotional events, and the widely popular Rakuten Points program, which keeps customers engaged and coming back for more.

    The scale of Rakuten Ichiba is nothing short of impressive, boasting over 100 million registered users and generating nearly 6 trillion yen in gross merchandise sales in 2024 alone. With a commanding 27% share of Japan’s e-commerce market, the platform’s expansion signifies a strategic move that could alter the landscape of online shopping in the region.

    Questions & Answers

    How does Rakuten Ichiba’s expansion benefit Singaporean sellers?
    Singaporean sellers can access one of Japan’s largest e-commerce platforms without needing a physical presence in Japan, allowing for direct shipping from their local warehouses, thereby simplifying the logistics.

    What support will Rakuten provide to these new sellers?
    Rakuten will offer dedicated E-Commerce Consultants and advanced tools to enhance product visibility, streamline storefront management, and promote customer engagement through their ecosystem.

    What is the significance of Rakuten Ichiba in Japan’s e-commerce market?
    With over 100 million registered users and a 27% market share, Rakuten Ichiba is a dominant player in Japan’s e-commerce scene, making it an attractive platform for international sellers looking to tap into Japanese consumer demand.

  • Rakuten, AWL, and Vissel Kobe Unveil Exciting New Edge AI Initiative

    Rakuten, AWL, and Vissel Kobe Unveil Exciting New Edge AI Initiative

    In a groundbreaking initiative, Rakuten Mobile, AWL, Inc., and Rakuten Vissel Kobe have joined forces under the auspices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ Regional Digital Transformation (DX) Promotion Package Project, managed by the Mitsubishi Research Institute. This collaboration officially kicked off this month with a joint demonstration in Kobe City, signaling a significant step in the integration of cutting-edge technology in Japan’s security landscape.

    Transforming Security with Edge AI

    This project will harness edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology to optimize communication loads in large venues, such as Noevir Stadium Kobe, home to the professional soccer team Vissel Kobe, a proud member of the Rakuten Group. By fusing AWL’s intelligent camera systems, Rakuten Mobile’s robust network infrastructure, and sophisticated AI algorithms, the initiative aims to create a more responsive security environment.

    Aiming for Smart Solutions Amidst Challenges

    The overarching goal is to tackle persistent challenges in the security sector, particularly labor shortages and rising personnel costs. While digital transformation and AI-driven automation offer promising solutions, employing cloud-based AI for surveillance in expansive arenas has proven complex. The sheer volume of video data transmission can overburden communication networks, leading to inflated operational costs and unveiling infrastructural limitations.

    Innovative Demonstrations to Test New Technologies

    This partnership is structured around three innovative demonstration areas. The first involves deploying far-edge devices at surveillance camera locations to conduct real-time risk assessments and analyze video feeds using AI-powered image recognition. These devices will compress video data dynamically into three formats—text, image, and video clip—based on the assessed risk levels and live network congestion feedback from edge servers. These servers will consolidate surveillance data, generating actionable reports for security personnel through a small-scale language model (SLM).

    The second demonstration will put AI’s image recognition capabilities to the test, evaluating its performance in identifying critical incidents such as falls and aggressive behaviors. This robust assessment aims to ensure the reliability of AI in various environmental conditions, with the ambition of developing versatile applications that can adapt to the security needs of different venues.

    In the final demonstration, the project aims to pioneer portable, environment-agnostic security solutions that minimize disruptions to existing communication infrastructures. By merging portable camera systems with integrated AI processing and mobile network technologies, the initiative seeks to create adaptable security applications for a spectrum of environments—from bustling event venues and amusement parks to transportation hubs and retail stores, potentially even in rural settings.

    Set to span from June 2025 to January 2026, this collaboration aims to significantly enhance the safety and security of communities across Japan, marking a bold stride in the practical applications of AI and innovative network solutions. After all, in the realm of technology, a secure future isn’t just closer—it’s right on the horizon.

    Questions & Answers

    How will this collaboration improve security in large venues?
    The collaboration aims to enhance security by utilizing edge AI to optimize communication loads and conduct real-time risk assessments, making surveillance systems more responsive and efficient.

    What are the three demonstration areas of the project?
    The project is structured around real-time risk assessment with intelligent cameras, evaluating AI’s reliability in recognizing critical incidents, and developing portable security solutions that reduce the impact on existing communications infrastructure.

    How long will the project run?
    The initiative is scheduled to run from June 2025 to January 2026, seeking to advance community safety through innovative AI applications.

  • MobiFone and Rakuten Symphony Unveil Vietnam’s Groundbreaking Open RAN Network Launch

    MobiFone and Rakuten Symphony Unveil Vietnam’s Groundbreaking Open RAN Network Launch

    MobiFone, one of Vietnam’s top mobile network operators, has taken a significant leap into the future by collaborating with Japan’s Rakuten Symphony to introduce the country’s first open radio access network (Open RAN). This pioneering initiative not only marks a transformative moment for Vietnam’s telecommunications landscape but also sets a precedent in the Southeast Asian region.

    In a strategic move, the two companies have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to implement a pilot nationwide mobile network utilizing both 4G and 5G Open RAN technologies. This venture firmly positions MobiFone at the cutting edge of telecommunications innovation in Southeast Asia. Open RAN is being showcased as a practical and efficient solution for expanding mobile network coverage, while it also provides valuable technical validation for commercial operations in Vietnam.

    As this ambitious project unfolds, Rakuten Symphony will deliver the essential Open RAN technology and liaise with its ecosystem of partners to provide technical expertise during the pilot phase. MobiFone, on the other hand, will lay the groundwork for the initiative by allocating necessary cell and core network sites, ensuring everything is set for the experimentation with this groundbreaking technology.

    Exceptional Growth Ahead

    Mr. Vinh Tuan Bao, the Deputy General Director of MobiFone, emphasized the importance of this collaboration by stating, “Our vision for 2030 is to become Vietnam’s leading technology corporation, taking the lead in building the nation’s digital infrastructure. On this journey, 5G is positioned as a key foundational pillar, playing an essential role not only as a technological breakthrough but also as a transformative platform that redefines societal operations and production methods.”

    Rakuten Symphony has gained a reputation as an early adopter of Open RAN technology and is dedicated to fostering standardized innovation, automated quality assurance, and advanced edge cloud capabilities within future communication frameworks. Drawing from their experience in successfully deploying a full-scale Open RAN network in Japan, supported by the Japanese government’s post-5G infrastructure initiative, Rakuten aims to replicate this success in Vietnam.

    Looking to the Future

    Sharad Sriwastawa, President of Rakuten Symphony, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The Rakuten team is looking forward to sharing our success in Japan with Vietnam by showcasing the transformational benefits of Open RAN, including deployment flexibility, enhanced network performance and security, and improved customer experience with new and innovative mobile services.”

    As MobiFone embarks on this exciting journey into the world of Open RAN, it seems the future of Vietnamese telecommunications is not just bright—it’s downright dazzling.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Open RAN and why is it significant for Vietnam?
    Open RAN refers to an open framework for building radio access networks, which enhances flexibility and efficiency within mobile networks. Its introduction is pivotal for Vietnam as it provides a robust platform for expanding telecommunications infrastructure and improving network performance.

    How will the collaboration between MobiFone and Rakuten Symphony unfold?
    MobiFone and Rakuten Symphony will jointly deploy a pilot nationwide 4G and 5G Open RAN network, with Rakuten offering technological support and MobiFone preparing the necessary infrastructure.

    What are the long-term goals of MobiFone’s vision for 2030?
    MobiFone aims to become Vietnam’s leading technology corporation focused on revolutionizing the country’s digital infrastructure, with 5G technology as a key element in reshaping societal function and business practices.

  • Rakuten Group Unites Five Subsidiaries to Enhance Operational Efficiency

    Rakuten Group Unites Five Subsidiaries to Enhance Operational Efficiency

    In a bold strategic move, Rakuten Group, Inc. has announced plans to consolidate five of its wholly-owned subsidiaries—Rakuten Mart, Inc., Rakuten Ticket, Inc., Rakuten Car Inc., Rakuten STAY, Inc., and Monzen Corporation Japan—into its parent company. This consolidation, set to take effect on 1 January 2026, is designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

    A Streamlined Future

    This absorption-type merger will unfold without the need for approval from the general shareholders’ meetings of the involved subsidiaries, a testament to the company’s commitment to agility. The driving force behind this merger is Rakuten’s determination to enhance operational efficiency and cut administrative expenses within the group. With a network spanning over 70 services—including e-commerce, travel, content, mobile, FinTech, and professional sports—Rakuten is doubling down on its mission to fortify the Rakuten Ecosystem.

    Harnessing AI for Efficiency

    Moreover, Rakuten is ramping up the group-wide implementation of artificial intelligence, further aiming to improve its cost management. Following the merger, Rakuten Group, Inc. will emerge as the sole entity, leading to the dissolution of the five subsidiaries. Given that these are wholly-owned subsidiaries, no new shares will be issued, nor will any payments be made. In a convenient twist, none of the merging subsidiaries have issued share subscription rights or bonds with subscription rights, making the transition smooth.

    Staying the Course

    Rakuten has assured stakeholders that the merger will not affect its corporate name, headquarters, representative structure, core business operations, capital, or fiscal year-end. The company remains poised for further internal mergers in the future, promising to keep everyone in the loop as developments arise. So, what’s next for Rakuten? Only time—and perhaps a dash of AI—will tell.

    Questions & Answers

    **What is the purpose of the merger?**
    The merger aims to boost operational efficiency and cut administrative costs, all while strengthening the Rakuten Ecosystem.

    When will the merger take place?
    The consolidation is set to be effective from 1 January 2026.

    Will there be any changes to Rakuten’s corporate structure after the merger?
    No, there will be no changes to the corporate name, headquarters, or core business operations following the merger.

  • Rakuten Mobile Secures NICT Funding for Global Standardization of Advanced Edge Cloud

    Rakuten Mobile Secures NICT Funding for Global Standardization of Advanced Edge Cloud

    The project, partially funded by the NICT, aims to address the limitations of current international standards for network specifications that were established before the advent of cloud-native networks. These existing standards are inadequate for the increasing user numbers and communication volumes anticipated in the era beyond 5G. Rakuten Mobile seeks to incorporate flexible, efficient and scalable cloud-native networks into these specifications.

    Rakuten Mobile has already built a large-scale, fully-virtualized, cloud-native mobile network in Japan. Leveraging this expertise, the company will closely collaborate with organizations responsible for international standardization to drive the creation and adoption of unified international standards for cloud management, including edge cloud technologies essential to the era beyond 5G, thereby contributing to the widespread adoption of cloud-native networks.

    Furthermore, through its subsidiary, Rakuten Symphony, Rakuten Mobile aims to ensure that global cloud solutions such as Rakuten Cloud comply with international standards, as part of the company’s goal to deploy flexible and secure cloud services worldwide.

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  • Rakuten Mobile partners Cisco to advance network for 5G and IoT services

    Rakuten Mobile partners Cisco to advance network for 5G and IoT services

    Cisco and Rakuten Mobile, Inc. today announced a major milestone for Rakuten Mobile’s network infrastructure in support of efforts to build a better, more inclusive internet for the future.

    Rakuten Mobile operates the world first’s fully cloud-native mobile network. It launched 4G service in Japan in April 2020, and launched 5G non-standalone (NSA) services in September 2020 in record time. With four million subscribers today, Rakuten Mobile continues to advance and scale its network to support new demands driven by the growth of remote and mobile workers.

    With the implementation of Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6) and Cisco Routed Optical Networking, Rakuten Mobile plans to expand its capabilities to support enterprise customers with 5G and IoT services. To support its future 5G SA services with network slicing capabilities, Rakuten Mobile will introduce SRv6 micro-segments, an extension to the SRv6 network programming model that is key to addressing multi-domain 5G deployments across its network. Cisco Customer Experience (CX) will plan and implement the overall architecture and design.

    Transitioning to SRv6 will help Rakuten Mobile increase network resiliency and support a wider range of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that are foundational for upcoming 5G and IoT services. With Cisco Routed Optical Networking, Rakuten Mobile can consolidate coherent pluggable optics into a router, making the entire network more automated to deploy services faster (from 100 days down to 40), reduce power consumption by nearly 30 percent, and increase profitability through high-quality services at a competitive price.

    “Reimagining mobile networking is at the very heart of Rakuten Mobile’s strategy, and our decision to go full-speed ahead on SRv6 and Cisco Routed Optical Networking demonstrates our effort to take advantage of technology innovation at every layer of the stack,” said Tareq Amin, Chief Technology Officer, Rakuten Mobile. “We knew that Cisco would walk in lock-step with us as we worked through each phase needed to implement this new technology and align it to our business goals.”

    “Cisco and Rakuten Mobile are on a path to profoundly change the way network infrastructure is built, in order to connect as many people as possible to quality internet services,” said Jonathan Davidson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Mass-Scale Infrastructure Group, Cisco. “Rakuten Mobile continues to mark important milestones to take its network to the next-level, and together we are showcasing the blueprint for the internet for the future to support our world of wireless and cloud- powered experiences.”

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  • Rakuten to boost mobile activities with $2.2 billion capital injection

    Rakuten to boost mobile activities with $2.2 billion capital injection

    Japanese e-commerce and tech company Rakuten has sold a 13% share amounting to $2.2 billion to Japan Post, Tencent and Walmart. Japan Post will invest $1.4 billion into Rakuten, thereby owning 8.3% of the company’s total share to become its fourth-largest investor. Tencent will invest $0.6 billion to own 3.6% of the company’s total share, while Walmart will invest $0.15 billion to own a 0.9% share.

    Japan Post’s investment in Rakuten is aimed at strengthening ties between the two Groups and maximizing synergies by leveraging the resources and expertise of both Groups. The alliance will branch into mobile, logistics and digital transformation, with consideration to enter into financial services and e-commerce together.

    There are plans to create shared logistics centers, seeking new collaborations and initiatives between the pair to expand usage of Rakuten Fulfillment Centers and Japan Post’s “Yu-Pack” parcels.

    For the mobile sector, Rakuten will tap onto Japan Post’s nationwide chain of post offices to create customer counters to accept new signup applications for Rakuten Mobile’s marketing campaigns. Meanwhile, Rakuten Group will dispatch specialists to Japan Post to bolster its digital transformation plans.

    Last week, Rakuten Mobile announced that the total number of applications for its UN-LIMIT service plan launched on 8 April 2020 has surpassed 3 million. This week, Rakuten Mobile announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Airspan Networks for the latter to offer its complete vRAN hardware and software platform OpenRANGE on the Rakuten Communications Platform (RCP).

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  • Nokia to enable Rakuten Mobile’s automated network operations

    Nokia to enable Rakuten Mobile’s automated network operations

    Nokia and Japan’s newest mobile network operator Rakuten Mobile are working together to enable the operator’s implementation of a fully automated operations environment for the 5G era. Nokia will operate Rakuten Mobile’s virtualized core network to manage total cost of ownership (TCO). The agreement will allow Rakuten Mobile to focus on developing its portfolio of disruptive services and expanding its service footprint while developing operational maturity and automation capabilities.

    Rakuten Mobile is a disruptive new player in the Japanese mobile marketplace with ambitious objectives for the launch of its network and services, simultaneously deploying an innovative cloud-native greenfield LTE network which will rapidly evolve to enable 5G services. Nokia’s operational support services enable Rakuten Mobile to maintain their focus on growing LTE coverage footprint and 5G service capabilities while ensuring the reliability of launched services.

    Nokia is enabling groundbreaking levels of automation in network and service lifecycle management within the Rakuten Mobile cloud environment. This will accelerate the pace of service innovation and deployment while controlling OPEX. This managed services deal will ensure predictable OPEX costs to minimize financial risk while guaranteeing a secure, best-in-class cloud, incorporating network and IT operations. This will allow Rakuten Mobile to bring new services to market in the fastest possible way while assuring service reliability through a highly reliable telco cloud.

    Nokia is supporting over 160 virtual network function instances across two data centers in an industry-leading multivendor cloud environment. As an essential part of Rakuten Mobile’s operations organization, Nokia’s domain expertise and value-add will be incorporated into the core of Rakuten’s business.

    Friedrich Trawöger, Head of Operate & Managed Services Unit at Nokia, said: “By managing its telco cloud we can help Rakuten Mobile to focus on its objectives; to launch its mobile LTE network and to rapidly realize its vision as a 5G digital service provider. We support Rakuten Mobile in bringing new services to market quickly by utilizing the latest innovations in automated operations while focusing on the total cost of ownership.”

    Tareq Amin, Chief Technology Officer of Rakuten Mobile, Inc., said: “With Nokia supporting the operation of our cloud-native network, we can focus on service launch and expansion. Nokia is an integral partner in our network operations, and we look forward to future business opportunities that this partnership brings.”

  • Rakuten and Seiyu launch Japan’s first autonomous delivery robots

    Rakuten and Seiyu launch Japan’s first autonomous delivery robots

    Rakuten has partnered with Seiyu to launch Japan’s first autonomous delivery robots service with JD in Umikaze Park.

    Using the Rakuten Drone app, Umikaze Park visitors can place their orders from the Seiyu Livin Yokosuka Store and receive the products delivered by the Rakuten UGV (unmanned ground vehicle).

    “JD develops unmanned technologies to provide customers a superior experience, and we highly value the partnership with Rakuten,” said Qi Kong, head of autonomous driving at JD Logistics. “This is a demonstration of how we are opening up our solutions to customers beyond JD.”

    The autonomous delivery robots service will be available only from September 21 to October 27.

    Earlier this year, JD and Rakuten signed a partnership to develop unmanned delivery solutions, one of which was drone-delivery service on Sarushima Island in Tokyo Bay.

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  • Rakuten Japan Testing autonomous delivery robots

    Rakuten Japan Testing autonomous delivery robots

    A Japanese collective including Yamato Transport and Rakuten will partner with the Japanese government in a road test of autonomous delivery robots.

    A government-appointed team will monitor the testing to identify potential issues, with a special focus on safety concerns, as well as considering new operating rules for inclusion in the Road Traffic Act. The team includes representatives from Mitsubishi Estate, Japan Post, Panasonic and self-driving tech firm ZMP, as well as officials from the National Police Agency, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and local governments.

    Japan’s logistics sector, under pressure from burgeoning online sales, is currently experiencing a shortage in labour that could be answered with robot delivery units equipped with cameras and GPS capabilities, giving rise to industrial opportunities for robotic systems developers.

    The tests are expected to be wound up by March next year.

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  • Cisco expects 5G windfalls in the future

    Cisco expects 5G windfalls in the future

    Cisco is primarily known for its switches and routers for service providers and enterprises. It has not been a big competitor in the radio access networking space against vendors such as Ericsson and Nokia. But on its fiscal third-quarter 2019 earnings call this week, Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins mentioned “wired and wireless” networking a few times.

    “We are moving into an era of truly immersive and pervasive wireless connectivity, which generates demand for high density, low latency performance, for real-time experiences over both wired and wireless networks,” said Robbins, according to a Seeking Alpha transcript. “Our guys like to say behind every great wireless network is a great wired network,”

    In fact, the company has been hired by Rakuten to help it build its new greenfield mobile network in Japan. Cisco is building Rakuten’s network functions virtualization infrastructure (NFVi) with 4,000 edge nodes. In addition to software, Cisco is delivering routing and switching hardware. And Cisco is also the primary systems integrator for Rakuten’s virtualized telco cloud.

    On its earnings call, Robbins said, “With our newest Catalyst 9000 family additions, we have completed the most comprehensive enterprise networking portfolio refresh in our history. We have rebuilt our entire access portfolio with intent-based networking across wired and wireless.”

    Robbins also mentioned 5G, saying Cisco is helping telcos build out their core networks ahead of large-scale 5G rollouts. Although Cisco is already selling packet core technology to carriers for their new 5G networks, “the big play for us is when they begin to evolve their networks to accommodate the traffic,” he said. “And we’ve always said we felt like that would be sometime in calendar 2020.”

    Carriers are leveraging their existing core networks to run the early trials on 5G. “We believe that sometime in the future when the number of connections increases and the capacity gets to a point, then they’re obviously going to begin to build out these new backbones dedicated to the 5G infrastructure, where we will generally come into play,” he said.

    Although Robbins focused on telcos’ core networks in the earnings call, the company has investments in Altiostar, a startup that has developed RAN virtualization technology. Altiostar is also working with Rakuten.

    Finally, Robbins talked a bit on the earnings call about Wi-Fi 6. Cisco recently announced new Wi-Fi 6 access points across its Catalyst and Meraki portfolios, as well as the Catalyst 9600 core switch family.

    “Wi-Fi 6 is effectively what used to be called 802.11ax,” said Robbins. “And, what’s happening now is when you get these high-performance access points into the organizations and you get the low latency immersive experience possibilities, then it’s also going to drive the need to upgrade the backbones.”

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