Hiroshi Mikitani: The Visionary Leader Shaping Global E-Commerce, Philanthropy, and Innovation

Hiroshi Mikitani, born on March 11, 1965, in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, is a prominent Japanese billionaire, business magnate, and writer. He is best known as the founder and CEO of Rakuten, Inc., a leading global e-commerce and online services company. Mikitani’s entrepreneurial journey began after his tenure at the Industrial Bank of Japan, where he worked from 1988 to 1996. Inspired by the need to revitalize Japan’s economy following the devastating 1995 Kobe earthquake, he established the consulting group Crimson Group. This venture laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the digital marketplace.

In 1997, Mikitani launched MDM, Inc., which later became Rakuten, Inc. The company’s flagship platform, Rakuten Ichiba, started as a modest online marketplace with just 13 shops and six employees. Under Mikitani’s leadership, Rakuten expanded its services to include travel, e-books, credit cards, online shopping, and banking. By 2017, Rakuten had grown into an e-commerce giant with over 14,000 employees and more than 42,000 shops on its platforms, boasting sales of nearly US$6 billion and over 100 million members in Japan.

Mikitani’s vision extended beyond Japan’s borders. Starting in 2010, Rakuten embarked on a series of international acquisitions, including Buy.com in the U.S., PriceMinister in France, and the Canadian e-book service Kobo. These strategic moves positioned Rakuten as a formidable global player in the e-commerce sector. To facilitate this global expansion, Mikitani implemented an “Englishnization” initiative in 2010, making English the company’s primary language within two years. Despite initial skepticism, this move enhanced Rakuten’s international competitiveness.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Mikitani has been actively involved in various philanthropic efforts. On February 27, 2022, he announced a donation of ¥1 billion (approximately $8.7 million) to the Ukrainian government to support humanitarian activities amid the Russian invasion. In a letter to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mikitani expressed his support for the Ukrainian people and condemned the military aggression as a challenge to democracy.

Mikitani’s contributions have been recognized internationally. In 2012, he received the Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award, one of the institution’s highest honors. He was also named to Prime Minister Shinzō Abe’s Industrial Competitiveness Council. In 2014, the French government awarded him the rank of Chevalier of the National Order of the Legion of Honour. Further accolades include the Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in 2017 and the Spain-Japan Business Contribution Award by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce the same year.

In addition to his business and philanthropic endeavors, Mikitani has authored several books, sharing his insights on business and leadership. His publications include “Principles for Success” (2007), “92 Golden Rules of Success,” “Marketplace 3.0: Rewriting the Rules of Borderless Business” (2013), “The Power to Compete: An Economist and an Entrepreneur on Revitalizing Japan in the Global Economy” (2014), and “Business-Do: The Way to Successful Leadership” (2018).

On a personal note, Mikitani is married to Haruko, and the couple has two children. His family background is notable, with his father, Ryōichi Mikitani, serving as Chairman of the Japan Society of Monetary Economics and as a professor at Kobe University. His mother, Setsuko, was a graduate of Kobe University and worked for a trading company. The family’s international exposure, including a stint in New Haven, Connecticut, during Ryōichi’s tenure at Yale University, influenced Mikitani’s global outlook.

In recent years, Mikitani has continued to expand his influence in the sports and entertainment sectors. In 2017, he partnered with FC Barcelona player Gerard Piqué to co-found Kosmos Holding, an investment group focusing on sports, media, and entertainment. Kosmos Holding acquired the Davis Cup Tennis property in 2018 and the Spanish football club FC Andorra, reflecting Mikitani’s diverse interests and commitment to fostering global connections.

Hiroshi Mikitani’s journey from a banker to a global business leader exemplifies his visionary approach and dedication to innovation. His efforts have not only transformed Rakuten into a global powerhouse but have also contributed significantly to various sectors, including technology, sports, and philanthropy. As of January 2025, Mikitani continues to lead Rakuten with a focus on expanding its global footprint and embracing new technological advancements to meet the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.