President Received Rakuten Group Chairman Hiroshi Mikitani
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Hiroshi Mikitani, founder and CEO of Rakuten Group, during an official visit to Japan. The discussions focused on potential collaboration as Kazakhstan pushes forward with its digital and technological growth plans.
Tokayev praised Rakuten’s role in building one of the world’s most advanced digital ecosystems. He noted that the Japanese conglomerate’s expertise could support Kazakhstan’s ongoing technological transformation.
The president also highlighted recent progress in his country’s digital sector. This includes the introduction of Kazakhstan’s first artificial intelligence law and the launch of its inaugural national supercomputer. Tokayev welcomed Rakuten’s interest in expanding operations in Kazakhstan. He encouraged closer cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Development and Artificial Intelligence. However, as of December 2025, no formal agreements or partnerships between Rakuten and Kazakhstan’s digital sector have been announced. Founded in 1997, Rakuten Group has grown into a major player in e-commerce, fintech, and digital services. Mikitani’s company remains a key figure in Japan’s tech industry.
The meeting signalled potential future ties between Rakuten and Kazakhstan’s digital economy. Tokayev’s comments underscored the country’s ambition to accelerate its technological development. Any concrete partnerships, however, have yet to materialise.
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