International News:Rakuten Continues Its Roll Across Japan

E-Commerce Leader Invests Heavily in Coupon Site

Japan’s e-Commerce giant Rakuten refuses to be satisfied with being listed on Forbes’ 100 Most Innovative Companies’ List, being the leader of Japan’s eCommerce, and spreading its reach across the globe. Rather, it is doing all it can to continue its reign of strength by constantly updating and innovating its holdings and methods.

Rakuten has acquired a majority stake (70% of shares to be exact) in the Japanese coupon website Shareee.jp, which, according to Rakuten, is the third largest coupon site (by sales) in Japan.

Operations of the coupon-service will continue to be run by Shareee along with Hikari Tsushin Inc, the existing shareholder. Shareee specializes in restaurant bookings as well as relaxation services.

Rakuten plans to move Shareee along through its influences by integrating it with Anshin Payment Service and by incorporating the use of Rakuten Super Points. Also to be brought into the picture is Rakuten’s own coupon facility – Racoupon.

Although Ponpare is currently at the forefront of the coupon industry in Japan, with last month’s sales amounting to $14 million, Rakuten believes that it will be able to assist in moving Shareee forward.

Rakuten is no novice in the industry, with a list numerous investments and acquisitions that is constantly being rewritten across the map. Its most notable recent investment was in one of the leader’s of social media, Pinterest. It is certainly moving through the field with a prowess and agility that as of yet has no reason to be doubted. 

By Sadaf Syed

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