Rakuten: Rewiring Japan's Digital Economy

Today, we are breaking down the Japanese internet conglomerate Rakuten. I'm joined by Matt Brett, the lead manager of the Japan Trust at Baillie Gifford, which has continuously invested in Rakuten since 2005.

Rakuten is the unique Japanese conglomerate that wasn't started over a hundred years ago and instead was part of the late nineties global internet boom. Matt helps explain what was different about that internet boom in Japan and how Rakuten was really shaped by it. We get into the various business lines, from traditional e-commerce to the credit card business, and more, but notably how the loyalty point system has become the glue connecting everything together.

We also cover Rakuten's major investment into the mobile phone market, and Matt gives a very intellectually honest look at why this is such a huge debate for Rakuten, investors, and anybody looking at the name. Please enjoy this breakdown of Rakuten. 

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Show Notes

(00:00:00) Welcome to Business Breakdowns

(00:04:52) Overview of Rakuten

(00:06:15) Rakuten's Business Model and History

(00:13:32) Expansion and Challenges

(00:15:36) Challenges and Lessons from Overseas Expansion

(00:18:47) Cultural and Market Differences in Digitalization

(00:20:30) E-commerce Penetration and Future Trends

(00:22:18) Competitive Advantages in Japan's Market

(00:25:27) Rakuten's Mobile Network Ambitions

(00:30:36) Financials and Market Position

(00:37:24) Future Prospects and Risks

(00:39:10) Rakuten's E-commerce and Finance Growth

(00:40:07) Mobile Network Expansion and Challenges

(00:41:05) Customer Acquisition Strategies

(00:43:26) Comparing Rakuten to Competitors

(00:48:15) Financial Performance and Margins

(00:50:39) Capital Allocation and Long-term Strategy

(00:53:13) Risks and Future Potential

(00:56:17) Lessons from Rakuten