Qualitative Researcher - Brand Solutions Section 1, Data Solutions Department, Rakuten Insight, Inc. (Secondment) (A&M)(A&M)

Job Description

The role conducts qualitative market research for brand and marketing clients through interviews, focus groups, research design, discussion guides, fieldwork, analysis, and presentation of actionable insights. Candidates should have experience in qualitative research, consumer insights, marketing research, or a related consulting environment, with strong interviewing, analytical, writing, and presentation skills. Business-level Japanese and English may be required for collaboration with local and international stakeholders. The successful candidate is expected to manage projects independently, understand client objectives, translate findings into clear recommendations, and work effectively with Rakuten Insight and Rakuten group teams. Curiosity about consumer behavior, commercial awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple deadlines are important.

Company Info

Rakuten is a major Japanese internet services group founded in 1997 and headquartered in Tokyo. Its businesses span e-commerce, digital content, fintech, mobile communications, travel, advertising, and data-driven marketing services. Rakuten Insight, the group’s market research business, operates online research panels and provides consumer intelligence, surveys, qualitative research, and analytics to brands and organizations worldwide. The company uses Rakuten’s broad ecosystem and customer data capabilities to help clients understand consumer attitudes, behavior, and purchasing decisions. Rakuten has an international workforce and promotes collaboration across business units and countries. Employees may work in a fast-moving environment where technology, marketing, research, and commercial strategy intersect. This secondment role is connected to brand solutions and data solutions, supporting clients with practical insights for stronger marketing and business decisions.

Destination Guide

Japan offers opportunities in technology, data, market research, finance, engineering, tourism, education, healthcare, and international business. Tokyo provides the widest range of roles and the strongest international network, while Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo offer lower living costs and growing business communities. Japanese workplaces value punctuality, preparation, teamwork, and respect for hierarchy, although multinational companies are often more flexible. Lifestyle ranges from highly connected urban living to quieter rural and coastal communities, with excellent public transport, safety, food, and healthcare. Foreign professionals generally need an employer-sponsored work visa, commonly under categories such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services; qualifications and job duties must match the status. Relocating usually requires securing employment, arranging housing, registering an address, obtaining health insurance, and setting up banking and communications. Learning practical Japanese significantly improves daily life and career prospects.