Good for average people, real talent will have a tough time thriving here - Software Engineer Rakuten Employee Review

2.0
Jul 12, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

As an engineer I was disappointed that the more interesting people in this company tend to be in the business unit. This is not a great place to learn for us. One positive thing though, Not many Japanese companies can afford to get Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, or Oxbridge grads with good connections from abroad. So for a Japanese company, Rakuten has done well in this area (largely due to its relative fame).

Cons

Sadly all the top talent are treated in the same way OR worse than average employees. So even my Princeton douki for example is doing stupid tasks and never given the opportunity to show what she can bring from outside. This is the bad thing about Japanese culture.

Explore other reviews about Rakuten

5.0
Mar 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Rakuten Rewards has great life balance. Too bad the economy was getting rocked.

Cons

Don't really have any cons. I understand that the market's been hard so had to downsize the force, so that was kinda challenging. Hopefully AI will increase everyone's output.

4.0
Jun 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible Hours, Benefits, Pay, lunch provided 3 days per week,

Cons

There were no cons while I was there

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