Rakuten Ichiba Opens Doors to Singapore-based Businesses, Expanding Access to Japan’s Thriving E-Commerce Market

• Rakuten Group, Inc.

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Tokyo and Singapore, July 9, 2025 - Rakuten Group, Inc. today announced that Singapore-based businesses can now sell directly on Rakuten Ichiba, Japan's leading e-commerce marketplace with over 100 million registered member accounts*1. With a 27% market share*2 and nearly 6 trillion JPY in domestic gross merchandise sales*3 in 2024, Rakuten Ichiba offers merchants in Singapore a powerful platform to reach Japanese consumers and grow their presence in the region.This move marks a significant milestone for both Rakuten and the global e-commerce market. Until now, Rakuten Ichiba primarily served merchants from Japan, South Korea, China, select European nations, the United States and Canada. With this expansion, Singapore-based businesses gain direct access to Japan's online marketplace through Rakuten Ichiba, extending the platform's reach in Southeast Asia and accelerating its global growth.Rakuten Ichiba is a leading online destination in Japan, known for its diverse product offerings across key categories such as household goods, apparel and food. Japanese consumers trust Rakuten Ichiba for its security, transparency, detailed product information and quality shopping experiences*4.Takafumi Kanatani, Vice General Manager of Rakuten Ichiba's Overseas Sales Strategy Department, said, "Singapore's role as a dynamic Asian retail hub, home to both established brands and innovative startups, positions its companies well to benefit from this opportunity. By joining Rakuten Ichiba, Singaporean merchants can directly connect with Japanese customers, expand their sales channels and grow their presence in Japan's strong market."A key advantage for Singaporean businesses is the ability to ship directly from their warehouses in Singapore to customers in Japan, without the need for a local presence or stock inventory. This increases flexibility in inventory management and logistics, enabling Singapore merchants to deliver a broader and more dynamic selection of products to consumers in Japan.Rakuten also offers dedicated support tailored to international merchants, including E-Commerce Consultants who guide sellers in maximizing their storefront performance and visibility. This hands-on assistance ensures that businesses can confidently navigate the platform while maintaining full control over their brand identity, product listings and customer engagement.In addition to storefront management, sellers can also benefit from Rakuten's unique ecosystem - leveraging advanced AI-powered sales tools, participation in exclusive shopping events and Japan's leading loyalty program, Rakuten Points - all designed to boost customer loyalty and drive sustained growth in Japan's market.Looking ahead, Rakuten is committed to further expanding its international seller base and enhancing its platform to support global businesses. This latest initiative underscores Rakuten Ichiba's vision to create a truly borderless e-commerce ecosystem that benefits both merchants and customers worldwide.For more information on how Singapore-based businesses can start selling on Rakuten Ichiba, visit https://marketplace.rakuten.net.

Notes
^*1 Rakuten Group, Inc. Q1 FY2025 Financial Results.
^*2 Fuji Keizai Corporation, Actual Conditions and Future of Mail-Order and E-Commerce Businesses 2025.
^*3 Domestic e-commerce GMS totaled 5.96 trillion yen in FY2024. Domestic e-commerce GMS = Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Travel (GTV on checkout basis), Rakuten Books, Rakuten Books Network, Rakuten Kobo (domestic), golf business, Rakuten Fashion, Rakuten Dream businesses, Rakuten Beauty, Rakuten 24 and other first-party daily necessities shops, Rakuten Car, Rakuten Rakuma, Rakuten Rebates, Rakuten Mart, Rakuten Ticket, cross-border trading, etc. Excludes some tax-exempt businesses and includes consumption tax.
^*4Rakuten Ichiba ensures a secure shopping experience through strict anti-counterfeit measures, the Rakuten Anshin Shopping Service, and oversight by the Rakuten Ichiba Quality Improvement Committee.