Rakuten, Inc. ( Rakuten Kabushiki-gaisha) (JASDAQ: 4755) operates and manages business to consumer electronic commerce site, Rakuten Ichiba, and consumer to consumer auction site, Rakuten Freemarket. Its business is centered in Japan, although it has began international expansion through acquisitions. The chief executive officer is Hiroshi Mikitani. The company has its headquarters in the Shinagawa Seaside Rakuten Tower (Shinagawa Sea side Rakuten Tower) in Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa, Tokyo.
The company was founded in February 1997 as MDM, Inc. Rakuten Shopping Mall 楽天市場Rakuten Ichiba) started operations in May the same year. In June 1999 MDM, Inc. changed its name to Rakuten, Inc.
