Editor’s note: Updated with latest information on Rakuten Group’s humanitarian fund for Ukraine
Japan-based e-commerce giant Rakuten Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hiroshi Mikitani said Sunday he will donate 1 billion yen ($8.7 million) to the Ukrainian government for humanitarian assistance following Russia’s invasion of the country, Kyodo News reported on Sunday.
“I am deeply saddened by the news. My thoughts are with you and Ukraine people,” Mikitani said in a letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on social media platform Twitter. He was referring to Russia’s launch of a military attack on Thursday.
“When I saw your courageous resistance against this unprovoked attack on behalf of Ukraine people, I thought about what I could do for Ukraine.”
The donation is intended for humanitarian activities to help people in the country who have become victims of the violence, he said.
“I sincerely hope that Russia and Ukraine can resolve this issue peacefully and that Ukraine people can have peace again as soon as possible,” Mikitani said in the letter dated Feb 27.
On Monday, he also announced in a tweet that Rakuten’s users can donate to the humanitarian fund of Ukraine with Rakuten points or credit cards. “Please join and help people suffering in Ukraine,” he urged.
“The Rakuten Group is accepting donations to assist the people of Ukraine who are affected by this conflict. Your donations will be used for humanitarian aid such as providing drinking water and other supplies, providing health services, and protecting children,” the company said on its website. The donation period starts from Feb 28 to March 31.
“Donations are planned to be delivered to Ukrainian government, Japan Committee for UNICEF and so on for humanitarian aid activities. Depending on the situation, additional recipients may be added or the donation period may be extended,” the group said.
Rakuten Group is the largest e-commerce company in Japan, and the third largest e-commerce marketplace company worldwide. It has more than 70 businesses across the world, spanning e-commerce, digital content, communications and FinTech services. The company is expanding globally and currently has operations throughout Asia, Western Europe, and the Americas, according to its Linkedin account.
In FY2021, the Rakuten Group recorded revenue growth in all three segments: Internet Services, FinTech and Mobile. Consolidated revenue achieved double-digit growth, up 15.5 percent year-on-year (YoY), totaling 1.68 trillion yen. In addition, global gross transaction value (GTV) was 26.9 trillion yen, up 20.5 percent YoY.