Head of Sales New Business Area - Brand Solutions Section 1, Data Solutions Department, Rakuten Insight, Inc. (Secondment) (A&M)

Job Description

This role leads new-business sales for Rakuten Insight’s Brand Solutions team, developing data-driven research and marketing solutions for corporate clients. Requirements likely include substantial B2B sales experience, preferably in market research, advertising, digital marketing, consulting, or data services; strong knowledge of Japanese business practices; excellent communication and negotiation skills; and the ability to work in Japanese and English. The successful candidate is expected to identify opportunities, build senior-level client relationships, create proposals, manage sales targets, coordinate with internal teams, and help establish a growing business area. Leadership, commercial judgment, initiative, and experience managing complex solution sales will be important.

Company Info

Rakuten is a major Japanese internet services company founded in 1997 and headquartered in Tokyo. Its businesses span e-commerce, fintech, mobile communications, digital content, travel, advertising, and professional services. The company operates a large ecosystem in which customers and businesses can use multiple Rakuten services while earning and spending Rakuten Points. Rakuten Insight, the division associated with this position, provides online market research, consumer data, panel services, and brand and marketing solutions to clients in Japan and international markets. Rakuten has a highly entrepreneurial culture and encourages employees to develop new businesses across its broad technology and consumer ecosystem. The company is also internationally oriented, with English commonly used in many teams, although Japanese ability is often important for domestic client-facing roles and daily business operations.

Destination Guide

Japan offers strong opportunities in technology, data, consulting, finance, e-commerce, engineering, hospitality, and international sales. Tokyo has the largest job market, while Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo provide attractive alternatives with generally lower living costs. Work culture values punctuality, preparation, teamwork, and respectful communication, though global companies may offer more flexible practices. Lifestyle ranges from fast-paced city living to quieter coastal, rural, and mountain communities. Public transport is excellent, healthcare is reliable, and everyday life is generally safe, but housing and commuting in Tokyo can be expensive. Foreign professionals typically need an employer-sponsored work visa, such as the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa; highly skilled professionals may qualify for a points-based visa. Candidates should confirm sponsorship, Japanese-language expectations, relocation assistance, tax procedures, and dependent visa options before accepting an offer.