Brand Specialist - Marketing Division

Role summary

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The Brand Specialist supports Rakuten’s brand strategy and marketing activities in Japan. Typical responsibilities include developing brand campaigns, coordinating with internal teams and external agencies, managing creative content, monitoring market and consumer trends, and measuring campaign performance. Candidates are expected to have experience in branding, marketing, advertising, communications, or a related field, with strong project-management and presentation skills. Business-level Japanese and English may be required because the role involves collaboration across Rakuten’s global organization. The ideal candidate is commercially aware, creative, organized, comfortable working with data, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving technology and e-commerce environment.

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 online services. Its well-known Rakuten Ichiba marketplace serves consumers and merchants, while the company’s membership and loyalty ecosystem connects many of its businesses through Rakuten Points. Rakuten also operates internationally and works with global partners across technology, sports, entertainment, and communications. The company promotes an entrepreneurial, data-driven culture and employs people from many nationalities. Roles in its marketing division typically support brand growth, customer engagement, and consistent communication across products and markets.

Working in Japan

Japan offers strong opportunities in technology, e-commerce, finance, tourism, consulting, education, manufacturing, and digital marketing, particularly in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Workplace culture values reliability, preparation, teamwork, and respect for hierarchy, although international companies may operate more flexibly. Daily life is safe and convenient, with excellent public transport, varied food, and rich cultural experiences. Tokyo provides the widest range of English-friendly jobs but has high housing costs; regional cities can offer a calmer and more affordable lifestyle. Foreign professionals generally need an employer-sponsored work visa, such as the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status, and must meet education or experience requirements. Employers usually assist with sponsorship, documentation, and relocation, but applicants should confirm visa eligibility before accepting an offer. Learning Japanese improves career prospects and makes housing, administration, and community life easier.