Hiroshi Mikitani, founder and CEO of Rakuten Group Inc., has emphasized the significance of the company’s telecommunications division in promoting growth through AI.

Rakuten entered Japan’s wireless market four years ago but has reported consecutive financial losses since then.

Mikitani said that the mobile segment, which currently has over 8 million users, plays a crucial role in using exclusive user data for the development of specialized AI applications.

He noted that Rakuten does not intend to compete directly with firms like OpenAI or Google but aims to create integrated AI solutions for niche markets.

The company plans to launch an AI assistant designed to act as a shopping and travel agent.

To further its AI capabilities, Rakuten has hired Ting Cai, a former Google expert, to enhance its technology beyond ecommerce and travel.

Recent Rakuten developments