IT Security Specialist, IT Security Group - Information Security & Privacy Governance Department (ISPD)

Job Description

This role supports Rakuten’s Information Security and Privacy Governance Department, helping protect company information and maintain compliance with security and privacy requirements. Typical responsibilities include developing and maintaining security policies, assessing risks, monitoring control effectiveness, supporting audits, handling compliance initiatives, and working with business and technology teams across the organization. Candidates are expected to have practical experience in information security, governance, risk management, privacy, or IT controls, along with strong analytical, communication, and coordination skills. Familiarity with frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, PCI DSS, or relevant privacy regulations is valuable. Business-level English is likely important in Rakuten’s international environment; Japanese ability may also be advantageous.

Company Info

Rakuten Group, Inc. is a major Japanese technology and internet company headquartered in Tokyo. Founded in 1997, it operates a broad ecosystem covering e-commerce, fintech, mobile communications, digital content, travel, online advertising, and other consumer and business services. The company promotes a membership-based platform that connects its services through the Rakuten Points program. Rakuten has an international workforce and works with teams across Japan, Europe, Asia, and North America. Because it manages large volumes of customer, merchant, financial, and operational data, information security and privacy are important enterprise priorities. Employees generally work in a fast-moving, globally minded environment where English is commonly used in many corporate and technology teams. Its scale offers opportunities to work on complex, cross-functional security and governance programs.

Destination Guide

Japan offers strong opportunities in cybersecurity, software, cloud infrastructure, finance, engineering, healthcare, tourism, and international business. Tokyo has the largest concentration of technology and corporate jobs, while Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa provide different career and lifestyle options. Japanese workplaces often value reliability, teamwork, careful planning, and respectful communication, although international companies may use more flexible styles. Daily life is convenient, safe, and supported by excellent public transport, but housing and commuting costs can be high in Tokyo. A work visa usually requires employer sponsorship and an appropriate status such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services; highly skilled professionals may qualify for faster permanent-residence pathways. New arrivals should arrange housing, health insurance, a residence card, banking, and tax registration. Learning Japanese makes administration and social integration easier, even when English is used at work.