Rakuten, Inc. is a Japanese e-commerce and online retail company founded in 1997 by Hiroshi Mikitani. It operates a diverse range of services, including online shopping, digital content, and financial technology. Rakuten is known for its loyalty program, which rewards customers with points for purchases that can be used for future transactions. The company has expanded globally, acquiring various businesses and forming partnerships to enhance its offerings. In addition to e-commerce, Rakuten provides services in areas such as cloud computing, advertising, and mobile communications, making it a significant player in the digital economy.