The IT Strategy Lead will help shape Rakuten’s company-wide IT strategy from the CIO Office, aligning technology investments with business priorities. Requirements typically include several years of experience in IT strategy, technology planning, governance, portfolio management, consulting, or large-scale project leadership. Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder-management skills are essential, along with the ability to work across diverse business and technical teams. Experience with budgeting, enterprise architecture, digital transformation, risk management, or KPI development is valuable. Business-level English is important in Rakuten’s international environment, while Japanese ability may be advantageous. The successful candidate is expected to provide clear recommendations to senior leadership, coordinate cross-functional initiatives, manage competing priorities, and promote efficient, secure, and scalable technology across the organization.
Rakuten Group, Inc. is a major Japanese technology and internet company headquartered in Tokyo. Founded in 1997, it operates a broad ecosystem spanning e-commerce, fintech, mobile communications, digital content, travel, advertising, and online services. Its Rakuten membership and loyalty platform connects many of these businesses, giving customers access to integrated products and rewards. Rakuten has expanded internationally through partnerships, acquisitions, and technology investments, and it employs a diverse workforce across Japan and overseas. The company is known for its Englishnization policy, which encourages English as a common corporate language, although Japanese remains important for many local operations. Working at Rakuten can offer exposure to large-scale digital platforms, international projects, and fast-changing technology initiatives, particularly for professionals interested in enterprise transformation and strategic IT leadership.
Japan offers strong opportunities in software engineering, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data, telecommunications, consulting, finance, and digital business. Tokyo is the main employment hub, while Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo also have growing technology markets. Workplace culture often values punctuality, preparation, teamwork, respect for hierarchy, and long-term relationship building. International companies may be more flexible, but communication styles can still be formal and consensus-oriented. Japan provides excellent public transport, safety, healthcare, food, and cultural activities, though Tokyo housing and daily costs can be high. Foreign professionals generally need an appropriate work visa, commonly an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa or a Highly Skilled Professional visa. Employers usually support sponsorship, but applicants must meet education and experience requirements. Relocation planning should include housing, residence registration, tax, health insurance, banking, and language preparation. Learning basic Japanese is highly recommended for daily life and broader career opportunities.
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