Rakuten Implements AI Features for Super SALE Event

Tokyo, Japan - Rakuten Group Inc. announced the integration of artificial intelligence features for its upcoming "Rakuten Super SALE" shopping event, scheduled to begin June 4 at 8:00 PM.

The e-commerce operator will deploy two AI tools on the event's dedicated page: an AI concierge powered by "Rakuten AI" and a "Discovery Recommendation" system. The company said the tools are designed to filter promotional inventory based on user-specified search parameters and past browsing behavior.

The AI concierge allows users to input text or voice commands specifying purchase criteria, such as budget limits or intended product use. 

Rakuten said the system can process prompts such as "finding popular water-play items for children" or "sourcing summer camping gear within a 30,000 yen budget" to surface relevant items from the sale inventory. 

The concierge also provides information about the event's loyalty point structures, including the platform's multi-store purchasing mechanism known as "Shop Kaimawari."

Separately, Rakuten will add its "Discovery Recommendation" feature to the "Search" tab of the Rakuten Ichiba mobile application. 

The function analyzes individual user data to present combinations of images, videos, and product page information intended to match user interests.

The rollout is part of Rakuten's broader corporate strategy, which the company calls "AI-nization," aimed at incorporating machine learning applications across its business units.