Process
As described in the other posts, there were three steps: resume screening, video interview, and coding test. The coding test was actually much easier than I expected. They usually take one to two weeks to answer.
Questions
Why do you want to work for us?
Describe your technical background?
Why are you leaving your current job?
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 15 interview experiences for the Rakuten Software Engineer role in Singapore.
Success Rate
27%
Pass Rate
Rakuten's interview process for their Software Engineer roles in Singapore is very selective, failing most engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Positive33%
Neutral33%
Negative33%
Candidates reported having mixed feelings for Rakuten's Software Engineer interview process in Singapore.
Rakuten Work Experiences
1.0
Free Lunch, Terrible Management
Software Engineer • Current Employee
Tokyo, Japan
August 21, 2017
Pros: Free lunch.
There is nothing more.
Cons: - Managers that don't know what they are doing.
- Managers put the blame on others when they mess up.
- "Rakuten management style" (this is what you do if you don't know what you are doing; people working there even use it).
- No structured processes are used, like Agile, Scrum, or XP.
- Little to no code documentation.
- No architectural design or design patterns when needed.
- A lot of code has not been updated since 2000.
- They hire people to do "recovery" rather than fixing issues (this is what most people do).
4.0
Life at Rakuten Pay
Software Engineer • Current Employee
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
July 16, 2025
Pros: It's like more Western culture in the office, unlike other Japanese companies. You will work with Indian, Chinese, and Western people. You don't need Japanese; even Japanese people speak English.
Cons: I don't see any growth here.
3.0
Many Se Roles, Old Tech
Software Engineer • Former Employee
Tokyo, Japan
November 15, 2022
Pros: Many kinds of SE engineering opportunities
Cons: Too many old apps stack.
- 1.0Free Lunch, Terrible ManagementSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeTokyo, JapanAugust 21, 2017Pros: Free lunch. There is nothing more.Cons: - Managers that don't know what they are doing. - Managers put the blame on others when they mess up. - "Rakuten management style" (this is what you do if you don't know what you are doing; people working there even use it). - No structured processes are used, like Agile, Scrum, or XP. - Little to no code documentation. - No architectural design or design patterns when needed. - A lot of code has not been updated since 2000. - They hire people to do "recovery" rather than fixing issues (this is what most people do).
- 4.0Life at Rakuten PaySoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeShinagawa-ku, Tokyo, JapanJuly 16, 2025Pros: It's like more Western culture in the office, unlike other Japanese companies. You will work with Indian, Chinese, and Western people. You don't need Japanese; even Japanese people speak English.Cons: I don't see any growth here.
- 3.0Many Se Roles, Old TechSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeTokyo, JapanNovember 15, 2022Pros: Many kinds of SE engineering opportunitiesCons: Too many old apps stack.
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