System Strategy Planner - Customer Strategy Department, Platform Strategy Supervisory Department(PFSD)

Job Description

The role supports system and platform strategy within Rakuten’s Customer Strategy Department, helping connect business priorities with technology planning. Responsibilities may include analyzing customer and platform needs, developing mid- to long-term system strategies, coordinating requirements across departments, evaluating initiatives, and supporting roadmap and investment decisions. Candidates are expected to have experience in IT or business planning, system development or product management, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to coordinate diverse stakeholders. Experience working in large organizations, digital services, customer platforms, or Japanese business environments is advantageous. Business-level Japanese and English may be required or strongly preferred because the role involves cross-functional and potentially international collaboration.

Company Info

Rakuten Group, Inc. is a major Japanese technology and internet company founded in 1997 and headquartered in Tokyo. It operates a broad ecosystem covering e-commerce, fintech, mobile communications, digital content, travel, advertising, and online services. Rakuten’s strategy is built around connecting these businesses through a shared membership program, loyalty points, data capabilities, and digital platforms. The company has a significant international presence and employs people from many backgrounds, although Japanese language ability is important for numerous positions in Japan. Employees typically work in a fast-moving environment where business, technology, and customer experience are closely linked. This position sits within the company’s platform and customer strategy organization, contributing to the planning and coordination of systems that support Rakuten’s wider ecosystem.

Destination Guide

Japan offers strong opportunities in software engineering, cloud infrastructure, data, cybersecurity, fintech, e-commerce, telecommunications, consulting, and corporate planning. Tokyo provides the largest job market, while Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Okinawa offer growing technology and service sectors. Workplace culture values punctuality, careful preparation, teamwork, and respect for hierarchy, though international companies may operate more flexibly. Japan’s lifestyle combines excellent public transport, safety, convenience stores, rich food culture, and access to mountains, beaches, and historic cities. Japanese language skills greatly improve career and daily-life options. Most foreign professionals need an employer-sponsored work visa, commonly under an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status; highly skilled professionals may qualify for preferential treatment. Relocation usually involves securing housing, registering an address, obtaining health insurance, and arranging a residence card. Costs are highest in central Tokyo, especially for housing.