Project Manager - IT Division, Rakuten Securities, Inc.(Secondment)

Job Description

This role manages IT projects for Rakuten Securities, coordinating planning, schedules, budgets, risks, vendors, and delivery across business and technology teams. Candidates are expected to have practical project management experience, strong communication and stakeholder-management skills, and the ability to work in a financial-services or regulated environment. Experience with system development, IT infrastructure, Agile or waterfall delivery, and project governance is advantageous. Familiarity with securities, banking, or other financial products is helpful. Professional Japanese communication is likely required for coordination with Rakuten Securities, while English may be useful within the wider Rakuten Group. The successful candidate should be organized, proactive, able to manage competing priorities, and comfortable working as a secondee in a collaborative, fast-changing environment.

Company Info

Rakuten Group, Inc. is a major Japanese technology and internet-services company headquartered in Tokyo. Founded in 1997, it operates a broad ecosystem covering e-commerce, fintech, mobile communications, digital content, travel, advertising, and professional sports. Its services are linked through the Rakuten membership and loyalty platform, helping customers use one account and points across multiple businesses. Rakuten Securities is the Group’s online brokerage and financial-services arm, providing investment and trading products to customers in Japan. The company operates in a highly regulated environment and relies heavily on secure, reliable digital platforms. Rakuten promotes innovation, data-driven services, and a diverse workforce, with English used in many Group-level roles. Employees working in the IT division can expect cross-functional collaboration, large-scale systems, and exposure to both technology and financial-services operations.

Destination Guide

Japan offers strong opportunities in software engineering, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, finance technology, project management, consulting, education, healthcare, and tourism. Tokyo has the widest selection of international roles and the highest salaries, while Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo may offer lower living costs and growing technology markets. Japanese workplace culture generally values punctuality, preparation, respect for hierarchy, teamwork, and careful communication. Daily life is convenient, safe, and supported by excellent public transport, though housing and commuting in Tokyo can be expensive. Foreign professionals usually need an employer-sponsored work visa, commonly under an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status; qualifications and relevant experience are important. Employers typically assist with sponsorship, but applicants should confirm eligibility before relocating. Learning Japanese improves career prospects and everyday integration. Plan for deposits, guarantor requirements, registration at the local municipality, health insurance, pension contributions, and taxation after arrival.