Hiroshi Mikitani, born in 1965, is a Japanese billionaire entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Rakuten, Inc., one of the world’s leading e-commerce and internet companies. Mikitani’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation have transformed Rakuten into a global powerhouse and revolutionized the way people shop and interact online.

Early Life and Education

Mikitani’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early on. While attending Hitotsubashi University, he established his first business, a consulting firm that provided advice to small and medium-sized enterprises. After graduating with a degree in commerce, Mikitani briefly worked in banking before embarking on a transformative journey to Harvard Business School.

Founding of Rakuten

Inspired by the potential of the internet, Mikitani founded Rakuten in 1997 with a vision of creating an online marketplace that connected buyers and sellers from around the world. Rakuten quickly gained popularity in Japan, offering a wide range of products and services, including online shopping, travel booking, financial services, and digital content.

Expansion and Global Growth

Under Mikitani’s leadership, Rakuten expanded rapidly, both domestically and internationally. The company acquired several businesses in diverse sectors, including e-commerce, digital content, financial technology, and telecommunications. Rakuten’s global footprint extended to countries across Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.

Innovation and Diversification

Mikitani’s focus on innovation led Rakuten to develop various cutting-edge technologies and services, including mobile payment systems, e-books, video streaming platforms, and artificial intelligence solutions. The company also ventured into sports, acquiring a professional baseball team and sponsoring major sporting events.

Commitment to Social Responsibility

Mikitani is a strong advocate for social responsibility and sustainability. Rakuten has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, support local communities, and promote diversity and inclusion.

Career Timeline

Year	Event
1965	Born in Kobe, Japan
1997	Founds Rakuten, Inc.
2000	Rakuten goes public on the JASDAQ stock exchange
2002	Launches Rakuten Travel, an online travel booking service
2005	Acquires PriceMinister, a French e-commerce company
2010	Acquires Buy.com, a U.S.-based e-commerce company
2012	Acquires Kobo, a Canadian e-book retailer and e-reader manufacturer
2014	Acquires Viber, a messaging and VoIP app
2018	Launches Rakuten Mobile, a mobile network operator
2021	Acquires a stake in Lyft, a U.S.-based ride-sharing company

Hiroshi Mikitani’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation have propelled Rakuten to become a global e-commerce and internet giant. His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his passion for technology and social responsibility, continues to shape Rakuten’s trajectory and inspire countless entrepreneurs worldwide. Mikitani’s story is a testament to the transformative power of technology and the boundless potential of human ingenuity.