Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani on Competition With Amazon

The transcript discusses Rakuten's business strategy compared to Amazon, focusing on their membership model and data usage to cross-sell services. It highlights the unique market dynamics in Japan, where consumer preferences differ from the US. Rakuten emphasizes partnerships with small merchants, contrasting with Amazon's dominance approach. The discussion also covers Rakuten's competitive positioning through diverse services and the potential impact of 5G. Ethical considerations in investment, particularly regarding the Vision Fund's ties to the Saudi government, are also explored.

How does the sophistication of Japanese consumers impact the market strategies of companies like Rakuten?

In what ways does Rakuten aim to differentiate itself from Amazon?

What ethical considerations are raised regarding the Vision Fund's ties to the Saudi government?