It took over 3 months from first applying to getting the offer.

First was an online Codility test. Note it's not the intersecting rectangles anymore; it's even easier (in my opinion). Have a pen and paper ready to plan out your code before beginning.

First interview was face to face with 2 team leaders. It was 100% Japanese by my choice. They had me introduce myself, then they verified my technical abilities. They asked me, "Why Rakuten? Why Japan?" and gave me time to ask my own questions.

The second interview was a face-to-face interview with a section manager. It was 50% Japanese, 50% English, again by my choice. Again, I was asked to introduce myself and "Why Rakuten? Why Japan?". My resume and work history were thoroughly verified this time, as well as my personality assessed. Of course, there was more opportunity for questions, and you should use that.

At this point, I was given 4 days to read both of Mikitani-shachou's books and give my thoughts. They were really informative, actually. This gave me a lot of material to talk about in the final interview.

The third interview was a Skype interview with a managing director. It was 100% English since he was fluent in English. It was short and sweet. It was purely going over again my motivations for wanting to join Rakuten and a personality assessment, and more opportunities to ask questions.

After a week, I got a job offer and was invited to sign the contract and receive training and be assigned a mentor.

Introduce yourself.

Why Rakuten?

Why Japan?