Process
First, you're asked to fill in a standard form containing details, etc.
The web test is fast-paced; beware of the format because it can be a lot to take in.
A video recording is requested (you get two weeks from the invite) - it has 5 questions, which are pretty simple.
The last question is in Japanese to gauge your level; you can say 'none' if you don't have any experience.
I'm still waiting for a reply.
Questions
Why do you want to work in Japan? (In Japanese)
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 75 interview experiences for the Rakuten Software Engineer role in Tokyo.
Success Rate
24%
Pass Rate
Rakuten's interview process for their Software Engineer roles in Tokyo is very selective, failing most engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Positive51%
Neutral33%
Negative16%
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Rakuten's Software Engineer interview process in Tokyo.
Rakuten Work Experiences
4.0
Enforce back-to-the-office rule!
Software Engineer • Current Employee
San Mateo, California, United States
August 13, 2023
Pros: Free lunch for the major campuses.
Free food.
Free beverages.
Half day off on Fridays between Memorial and Labor Day.
Actual vacation days (15 minimum), not the all-you-can-take BS.
The company really cares about diversity and many other PC causes.
Cons: The company cares too much about diversity and PC causes. Way too much time is spent on the weekly all-company meeting "Asakai" on these topics. It is sometimes useful and often is a total waste of time.
Please, I just need to know how the company is doing financially and get back to do my work.
Information is very siloized. One big reason is because everyone still spends most of their time WFH, at least on the engineering side. Oh, sure, we are all supposed to come to work 3 days a week, but this is not enforced at all. A natural consequence is the rank-and-file seldom talks to their peers, and only the managers know what's going on.
This is great if you are one of those people who just likes to take orders and march, but it makes a very frustrating experience if you want to have a say on what you are doing and decide whether you are doing the right thing for the company. If you have been in the company for a long time, you will be fine, because you know who to talk to and where to find stuff, but if you are new, you'd better be extra-motivated.
4.0
Diversity in both good and bad ways
Software Engineer • Current Employee
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
January 30, 2021
Pros: There's a high proportion of SW engineers from outside of Japan. This creates a unique environment in Japan. You get to work with people with different backgrounds, and that often gives you an opportunity to learn.
Work-life balance is good.
Cons: The company is still finding its engineer culture, in my opinion. A lot of the sections still seem to operate and work within their own boundaries.
The compensations could be better, but it's still on the good side in Japan IT.
2.0
Just consider gaining experience
Software Engineer • Former Employee
Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany
April 10, 2018
Pros: - Good work-life balance;
- Flexible hours;
Cons: - The projects are a big mess, and there are a lot of non-automated things that make you lose many hours.
- Very old technology.
- Salaries are below average.
- Racist jokes and bullying each other are common.
- 4.0Enforce back-to-the-office rule!Software Engineer • Current EmployeeSan Mateo, California, United StatesAugust 13, 2023Pros: Free lunch for the major campuses. Free food. Free beverages. Half day off on Fridays between Memorial and Labor Day. Actual vacation days (15 minimum), not the all-you-can-take BS. The company really cares about diversity and many other PC causes.Cons: The company cares too much about diversity and PC causes. Way too much time is spent on the weekly all-company meeting "Asakai" on these topics. It is sometimes useful and often is a total waste of time. Please, I just need to know how the company is doing financially and get back to do my work. Information is very siloized. One big reason is because everyone still spends most of their time WFH, at least on the engineering side. Oh, sure, we are all supposed to come to work 3 days a week, but this is not enforced at all. A natural consequence is the rank-and-file seldom talks to their peers, and only the managers know what's going on. This is great if you are one of those people who just likes to take orders and march, but it makes a very frustrating experience if you want to have a say on what you are doing and decide whether you are doing the right thing for the company. If you have been in the company for a long time, you will be fine, because you know who to talk to and where to find stuff, but if you are new, you'd better be extra-motivated.
- 4.0Diversity in both good and bad waysSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeTokyo, Tokyo, JapanJanuary 30, 2021Pros: There's a high proportion of SW engineers from outside of Japan. This creates a unique environment in Japan. You get to work with people with different backgrounds, and that often gives you an opportunity to learn. Work-life balance is good.Cons: The company is still finding its engineer culture, in my opinion. A lot of the sections still seem to operate and work within their own boundaries. The compensations could be better, but it's still on the good side in Japan IT.
- 2.0Just consider gaining experienceSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeBamberg, Bavaria, GermanyApril 10, 2018Pros: - Good work-life balance; - Flexible hours;Cons: - The projects are a big mess, and there are a lot of non-automated things that make you lose many hours. - Very old technology. - Salaries are below average. - Racist jokes and bullying each other are common.
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