Momo / Product Manager

Career Steps

1st Year

As a web producer, I was responsible for launching a new media platform for men and operating joint businesses with major entertainment companies.
7th Year

Transferred to the Smart Pay business. Involved in marketing for merchant acquisition, web direction, and app product development.
Present

In addition to product planning for the “Rakuten Pay App,” I am also responsible for management. I also systematize app development and releases, which occur dozens of times a year.

Profile

Previously, I was an editor at a publishing company. I have supported Rakuten's cashless payment services from the product planning domain for approximately 10 years. I took about a year of parental leave and balance childcare and work. On holidays, my way to refresh is to spend time away from work, swimming with my child or surfing at the beach near my home. I also work as a yoga instructor in a Rakuten Group club.

Current Role

I am responsible for product planning for the “Rakuten Pay App,” and I work daily on the development and operation of new features and app improvements. In addition, as a manager, I not only consider the overall product strategy but also engage in training young product managers.
In an environment where I can consistently handle everything from planning to release, I have been involved in the development and operation of features such as Suica and contactless IC card support, and Rakuten Bank payments. How can we develop new features and improve the app to be used by more users? In the planning and conceptualization phase, I envision the future, during development, I diligently repeat tests to ensure quality, and after release, I work on improvements by incorporating user feedback. The ability to collaborate comprehensively with internal departments such as development engineers, marketing team members, and sales is also an attractive aspect.

Why I Chose Rakuten Payment

I joined the Rakuten Group in 2006. Utilizing the skills I cultivated as an editor at a publishing company, I was responsible for planning, implementing, and operating web content for Rakuten Ichiba.
I transferred to the cashless payment service department in 2013. When I considered my next career, I had a strong desire to challenge myself in a new field. I was also impressed by the passion for service of Kobayashi, the current president of Rakuten Payment, which was a decisive factor in my transfer.
At that time, many people said, “Payment with a smartphone? Will such a service become popular?” The team was small, and I was responsible for a wide range of tasks, including marketing for merchant acquisition, web direction, and app product development. Gradually, the team grew, sections were divided, and a system was established to allow for in-depth consideration of each task. Rakuten Payment was established in 2019. Now, cashless payment with smartphones has become commonplace, and the service has grown to be something that both partner companies and users “want.” I feel that the social impact has expanded far beyond what I could have imagined about 10 years ago.

Joy & Appeal of Working at Rakuten Payment

In addition to cashless payments, the “Rakuten Pay App” allows users to earn and use Rakuten Points, making it one of the most convenient and advantageous services for Rakuten users. For partner companies, the app also offers an opportunity for customer acquisition. It's a product where users, partner companies, and Rakuten can all build a Win-Win relationship, and I am proud to be involved in that service. The ability to continue improving based on quantified figures, such as the number of users and the response to released features, is also what makes this job interesting.
In management tasks, the growth of team members brings me joy. I remember being moved when I saw a first-year new graduate team member, who was entrusted with a large project, overcome difficulties such as troubles and shed tears upon a successful release. There are challenging times, but those experiences become power, lead to growth, and turn into enjoyment. I believe that is also a great part of this job.

Future Career and Goals

Cashless payment services are frequently used in daily life and have become a social infrastructure. Among them, the “Rakuten Pay App” also serves as a gateway to Rakuten services, which have a diverse lineup. I aim to further enhance convenience and encourage cross-use of other Rakuten services from the app. To achieve this, I want to advance product planning with two wheels: creating new value with new features and refining that value from the customer's perspective.
Furthermore, many members from the India branch and members of foreign nationalities are involved in app development. In the future, I want to actively pursue challenges with an international perspective and leverage the knowledge of members with diverse backgrounds in our products. And I want to evolve the “Rakuten Pay App,” which is currently a domestic service, into a service that can be used overseas.

Message to Candidates

The company responds to the desire to try new things, and there are abundant opportunities to be assigned to important projects. I feel that the system to support challenges is also very robust. Another characteristic is the close proximity to management, providing many opportunities to learn their high-level perspective. Employees also have a significant role in contributing to the vision the company communicates. I think it's an ideal environment for those who approach work with entrepreneurship and ownership, have a strong desire for growth, and want to take on challenges.
The ability to value work-life balance is also an attractive point. I balance childcare and work, and I feel that the warm and welcoming atmosphere unique to Rakuten, where a culture of accepting diversity and supporting each other is deeply rooted, is truly wonderful. It's also great to be able to exchange information with other employees who are raising children.