Rakuten is seeking a Development Director to lead frontend development direction within the Platform Strategy Supervisory Department. The role is expected to define frontend technology strategy, guide architecture and engineering standards, and coordinate development across teams and business platforms. Candidates should have substantial frontend development experience, strong knowledge of modern JavaScript frameworks, web architecture, and software development practices, together with experience managing engineers or leading large technical initiatives. The successful candidate will combine hands-on technical understanding with strategic thinking, stakeholder management, mentoring, and the ability to drive quality, scalability, security, and delivery across a complex international organization. Business-level Japanese and English communication skills may be advantageous.
Rakuten Group, Inc. is a major Japanese technology and internet services company headquartered in Tokyo. Founded in 1997, it operates a broad ecosystem that includes e-commerce, fintech, mobile communications, digital content, travel, advertising, and online services. Rakuten is known for integrating these businesses through its membership program and points-based ecosystem, serving customers and merchants in Japan and international markets. The company employs engineers, product specialists, data professionals, marketers, and corporate teams from many nationalities. Its technology organizations develop large-scale consumer platforms, cloud-based services, payment systems, mobile infrastructure, and shared digital capabilities. Rakuten promotes an international working environment, with English often used in internal communication, while Japanese remains important for many Japan-based roles. Employees can gain exposure to complex products, rapid innovation, and cross-functional work across a diversified technology group.
Japan offers strong opportunities in software engineering, product management, data, cloud computing, cybersecurity, finance, healthcare technology, and international business. Tokyo provides the largest job market, while Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo offer growing alternatives. Japanese workplace culture generally values punctuality, preparation, teamwork, respect for hierarchy, and careful communication, although global companies may operate more flexibly. Daily life is safe, convenient, and supported by excellent public transportation, healthcare, and infrastructure. Living costs are highest in Tokyo, especially housing, while regional cities are more affordable. Foreign professionals usually need an appropriate work visa, commonly sponsored by the employer; highly skilled professionals may qualify for a points-based visa with faster permanent-residency routes. Relocating typically involves securing an employment offer, visa approval, housing, residence registration, health insurance, and a bank account. Learning basic Japanese makes everyday life and integration considerably easier.
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