Business · Companies · 3 hrs ago
Rakuten Ichiba Opens Applications to South Korean Sole Proprietors
Rakuten Ichiba will accept applications from South Korean sole proprietors starting this month.
The Japanese online shopping marketplace previously allowed applications only from companies that met its corporate requirements.
Newly established companies can also apply under the expanded rules, though applicants must meet certain conditions.
The change gives more South Korean businesses a route to sell to shoppers in Japan.
Rakuten says the marketplace has more than 100 million members.
The company aims to add Korean brands and strengthen cross-border sales through the change.
Rakuten Ichiba will accept applications from South Korean sole proprietors starting in November.
The Japanese online shopping mall is also opening applications to newly established South Korean corporations.
Previously, South Korean businesses had to meet corporate requirements to apply.
Rakuten Group says the change is intended to attract new Korean brands, expand product selection and strengthen cross-border sales.
- Who
- Rakuten Ichiba and South Korean sole proprietors and newly established corporations.
- What
- Rakuten Ichiba is expanding eligibility for seller applications to include these businesses, subject to certain conditions.
- When
- From November 2026.
- Where
- Rakuten Ichiba, an online shopping mall in Japan.
- Why
- Rakuten says it aims to attract new Korean brands, broaden product selection and support their expansion into Japan.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Rakuten Ichiba begins accepting applications from eligible South Korean sole proprietors and newly established corporations.
Rakuten Group announces the expanded application eligibility.
- Marketplace
- Rakuten Ichiba
- Newly eligible applicants
- South Korean sole proprietors and newly established corporations
- Membership
- More than 100 million members
- Start
- November 2026
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What people are saying
Korean brands have increased sales on Rakuten Ichiba and built trust with Japanese consumers.
We will expand opportunities to join to sole proprietors as well, supporting more Korean brands' expansion into Japan.