Rakuten launches agentic AI platform across mobile, web in Japan

Rakuten Group and Rakuten Mobile have launched Rakuten AI, a free, agentic AI assistant integrated into the Rakuten Link app and available as a beta web app, designed to enhance user experiences across the Rakuten Ecosystem. The AI offers features such as text, voice, and image-based queries, AI chat, auto-generated prompts, and personalized recommendations, with a strong focus on Japanese language and cultural context to deliver localized and highly relevant services. Rakuten AI aims to unify fragmented data and support users in making quicker, better-informed decisions across sectors including shopping, fintech, travel, education, wellness, and entertainment. The service is set to expand to Rakuten Ichiba, the company’s flagship e-commerce marketplace, in Autumn 2025, where it will provide tailored product recommendations based on user behavior and preferences. Ting Cai, Rakuten Group’s chief AI and data officer, highlighted that Rakuten AI is a key part of the company’s vision for an agentic ecosystem that deepens user engagement and creates greater value. Rakuten positions this AI platform as the main entry point to its digital ecosystem, optimizing both mobile and web experiences for seamless intelligent assistance.