Senior Backend Engineer, Rakuten Ichiba - R-Storefront Section, EC Marketplace Development Department (ECMPD)

Role summary

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The role involves designing, developing, and operating backend services for Rakuten Ichiba’s R-Storefront platform, supporting a large-scale e-commerce marketplace. Candidates are expected to have strong experience with backend development, preferably using Java, Kotlin, or comparable technologies, together with knowledge of databases, APIs, distributed systems, testing, and cloud or Linux environments. Experience building reliable, high-traffic services is valuable. The successful candidate should communicate effectively in a multicultural team, contribute to technical design and code reviews, improve system performance and stability, and take ownership from development through production operations. Familiarity with agile development and an interest in improving the online shopping experience are also expected.

About the employer

Rakuten Group, Inc. is a major Japanese technology and internet 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. Rakuten Ichiba is its flagship online marketplace, connecting consumers with merchants across Japan and internationally. The company promotes a membership-based ecosystem in which customers can earn and use Rakuten Points across multiple services. Rakuten employs people from many countries and commonly uses English in internal communication, while Japanese remains important for some teams and business interactions. Engineering roles typically work on large-scale, highly available platforms serving millions of users. The company offers opportunities to work with modern technologies, cross-functional teams, and products that have a direct impact on everyday consumer and business services.

Working in Japan

Japan offers strong opportunities in software engineering, cloud computing, data, finance, manufacturing, tourism, and international business, especially in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Sapporo. Work culture values reliability, preparation, teamwork, and respect for hierarchy, although international technology companies often provide more flexible and English-friendly environments. Daily life is safe, convenient, and supported by excellent public transport, healthcare, and well-organized services. Tokyo is highly connected but expensive; regional cities generally offer lower housing costs and a quieter lifestyle. Foreign professionals normally need a work visa, commonly the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status, sponsored by an employer. Highly skilled professionals may qualify for a points-based visa with a faster route to permanent residence. Before relocating, arrange housing, residence registration, health insurance, banking, and a mobile plan. Learning basic Japanese is strongly recommended for administration and social integration.