UX Designer, Rakuten Travel - Marketing Department, Travel & Mobility Business

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer, Rakuten Travel - Marketing Department, Travel & Mobility Business

Company: Rakuten

Location: Rakuten Crimson House, 1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX Design / Product Design (Marketing Department focus)

Date Posted: 2026-07-30

Experience Level: Mid-Level to Senior (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive enhanced user experiences for Rakuten Travel through expert UX design and site improvement initiatives.

• Lead the design process from ideation and prototyping to user testing and results analysis, ensuring data-informed design decisions.

• Collaborate closely with UI designers, developers, and product managers to translate user needs and business objectives into intuitive and engaging interfaces.

• Contribute to the development of design systems, new service features, and Proof of Concepts (PoCs) to foster innovation and maintain a competitive edge.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities lean heavily into UX/UI design, the explicit mention of the "Marketing Department" and focus on "communicating the value of Rakuten Travel's services" suggests a strong emphasis on user acquisition, engagement, and retention through design. The role interfaces with marketing objectives, requiring a designer who understands how UX impacts marketing KPIs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including user testing and analysis of user data, to identify pain points and opportunities for site and content improvement.

• Develop user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes to visualize and communicate design concepts effectively to stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers to define user requirements, translate them into design specifications, and ensure alignment with business goals.

• Partner with UI Designers to ensure visual consistency and adherence to brand guidelines, while championing intuitive user interface design.

• Work with engineering teams to implement designs, resolve technical constraints, and ensure the successful launch of new features and improvements.

• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of Rakuten Travel's design system, ensuring scalability and consistency across the platform.

• Research and propose new service ideas and improvements based on user insights, market trends, and competitive analysis.

• Advocate for best practices in Human-Centered Design (HCD), SEO, web accessibility, and site performance optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities blend core UX design tasks with a strategic focus on business outcomes, particularly related to user acquisition and engagement within the marketing context. The emphasis on prototypes, user testing, and results analysis highlights a data-driven approach to UX.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required, ideally in Human-Computer Interaction, Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in UX design, with a proven track record in project management.

• Demonstrated experience in launching and improving applications or large-scale websites.

• Experience operating and managing e-commerce sites is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• UX Design: Proficient in user research methodologies, information architecture, interaction design, and usability testing.

• Prototyping: Skilled in creating wireframes and interactive prototypes using tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar.

• User Testing & Analysis: Experience planning, conducting, and analyzing user testing sessions, and translating findings into actionable design recommendations.

• Project Management: Ability to manage design projects from conception to completion, including scope definition, timeline management, and stakeholder communication.

• Collaboration: Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams including UI designers, developers, and product managers.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify user needs and translate them into effective design solutions.

• English Proficiency: TOEIC score exceeding 800 or equivalent (e.g., degree from an English-speaking country).

Preferred Skills:

• Human-Centered Design (HCD): Deep understanding and practical application of HCD principles.

• User Research: Experience conducting various forms of user research (e.g., interviews, surveys, contextual inquiries).

• SEO & Web Accessibility: Knowledge of SEO best practices and web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

• Site Performance Optimization: Understanding of factors impacting website speed and performance.

• Design Systems: Experience in building or contributing to design systems.

• E-commerce/Large-Scale Sites: Hands-on experience with the unique challenges and opportunities of large-scale e-commerce platforms or travel booking sites.

• Agile/Scrum: Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of core UX competencies and project management, indicating that this role involves not just design execution but also leadership and organizational aspects of design projects. The English proficiency requirement is crucial for potential international collaboration or documentation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the end-to-end UX design process, from user research and ideation to prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• Showcase case studies that detail how user insights and data analysis led to specific design solutions and measurable improvements.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs that highlight your design thinking and execution.

• Present projects that showcase your experience in project management, including how you collaborated with various stakeholders and managed project timelines.

• Highlight any experience with design systems, SEO integration, or accessibility considerations within your design work. Process Documentation:

• Provide clear documentation of your design process for key projects, outlining the steps taken, methodologies employed, and rationale behind design decisions.

• Show evidence of iterative design processes, including how feedback from user testing and stakeholders was incorporated to refine designs.

• Illustrate how you measure the success of your designs, linking them to KPIs such as conversion rates, user satisfaction, task completion rates, or engagement metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical. Candidates should prepare to walk through 2-3 detailed case studies that clearly articulate the problem, their role, the process, the solution, and the impact (quantified where possible). Emphasis should be placed on the "why" behind design decisions and the iterative nature of UX design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on Rakuten's global presence and the seniority of a UX Designer with 3+ years of experience in Tokyo, Japan, a competitive salary range is estimated between ¥7,000,000 to ¥10,000,000 per annum. This range accounts for the cost of living in Tokyo, the specialized skills required for UX design and project management, and Rakuten's position as a major tech employer. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., company-sponsored pension or 401(k) equivalent)

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)

• Commuting Allowance

• Employee Discounts on Rakuten Services

• Professional Development Opportunities (Training, Conferences)

• Potential for performance-based bonuses

• English Language Support/Training Programs Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility often provided. The role is on-site in Tokyo, requiring regular attendance at the Rakuten Crimson House office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for mid-level UX Designers in major metropolitan areas of Japan, adjusted for a leading technology company like Rakuten. Benefits are standard for large multinational corporations in Japan and are tailored to attract and retain talent in specialized roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Internet Services & E-commerce, Travel Technology. Rakuten operates in a highly competitive global digital landscape, with a strong focus on innovation, customer experience, and leveraging its ecosystem of services.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Rakuten Group is a global conglomerate with tens of thousands of employees). The specific department and business unit will likely be substantial but more focused.

Founded: 1997. Rakuten has a history of growth and diversification, establishing itself as a major player in online retail, fintech, and digital content.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of the Marketing Department within Rakuten Travel. This department is focused on user acquisition, engagement, and brand communication.

• The UX Designer will report into a Design Lead or Product Management lead within the department, working closely with UI Designers, Product Managers, and Marketing Specialists.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving frequent interaction with engineering teams, data analysts, and other business units to ensure a cohesive user experience that meets both user needs and business objectives. Methodology:

• Rakuten emphasizes a data-driven approach to decision-making, utilizing analytics and user research to inform strategy.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed for development and design iterations, promoting flexibility and rapid adaptation.

• A strong focus on customer-centricity and continuous improvement is embedded in the company's operational philosophy.

Company Website: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten is known for its fast-paced, innovative environment. The Marketing Department's focus means the UX Designer will be instrumental in driving growth metrics, not just aesthetic design. Expect a culture that values data, experimentation, and collaboration across diverse teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level to Senior UX Designer. This role requires a solid foundation of 3+ years of experience, coupled with project management capabilities. It's an opportunity to contribute significantly to a flagship product and gain exposure to large-scale e-commerce and travel platforms.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Senior UX Manager, Design Lead, or Product Manager within the Rakuten Travel Marketing Department. This structure allows for guidance and mentorship while providing autonomy on design projects.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work will directly impact key business metrics for Rakuten Travel, including user acquisition, conversion rates, customer satisfaction, user retention, and overall revenue. By improving the user journey, they will play a crucial role in making Rakuten Travel the preferred platform for travelers.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, or design systems.

• Leadership: Progress into a Senior UX Designer role, leading larger projects, mentoring junior designers, or managing a small design team.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Transition into Product Management or a specialized role within the Marketing or Product teams, leveraging UX expertise.

• Global Exposure: Gain experience working with a global brand and potentially collaborating on international product initiatives.

• Skill Development: Access to internal training, external workshops, and conferences to stay current with UX trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within Rakuten, a global technology leader. The combination of UX design and project management experience is valuable and can lead to leadership opportunities or specialized roles within the company's vast ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at Rakuten Crimson House, a modern office facility in Tokyo. This setting is designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Rakuten Crimson House, 1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan. This location offers a professional work environment with access to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a dynamic, collaborative workspace where interaction with colleagues from design, product, marketing, and engineering is frequent.

• Access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools will be provided to support efficient workflow.

• The environment encourages knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas, fitting for a large, tech-focused organization like Rakuten.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours, with a focus on output and project delivery. While on-site, there may be some flexibility in scheduling, common in modern tech companies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being on-site in Tokyo provides an immersive experience within a major global tech company's headquarters. The collaborative nature of the workspace is designed to enhance productivity and innovation in a team-oriented environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about your background, experience, motivations, and initial assessment of fit with the team and role.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth session where you will present your portfolio, discuss your design process, and potentially complete a design exercise (e.g., solving a specific UX problem related to travel booking).

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (e.g., Product Managers, UI Designers, Developers) to evaluate collaboration skills and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies to tell a compelling story: the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the impact.

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate your UX process, emphasizing how you used research, data, and user feedback to drive decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, improved task completion).

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate.

• Tailor to Rakuten: Highlight projects that are relevant to e-commerce, travel, or large-scale digital platforms. Show an understanding of Rakuten's business and user base.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the problem thoroughly before jumping into solutions.

• Think aloud, explaining your reasoning and assumptions. Demonstrate your problem-solving approach.

• Be prepared to discuss trade-offs and justify your design decisions.

• For on-site interviews, dress professionally and be punctual.

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten, like many large tech companies, will likely have a structured interview process. Preparation of your portfolio and being ready to discuss your design process in detail are paramount. Demonstrating an understanding of business objectives and how UX contributes to them will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP (candidates should be proficient in at least one major tool).

• User Research & Testing Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Optimal Workshop, Maze, or internal tools.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and track KPIs.

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, or internal dashboarding tools for analyzing user data and presenting insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by UX, understanding how CRM (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot) interact with the user journey can be beneficial. Other Relevant Technologies:

• Understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to better collaborate with developers and understand technical constraints.

• Familiarity with design system tools and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard UX design and prototyping tools is essential. Experience with web analytics and a basic understanding of front-end technologies will enable more effective collaboration with development and product teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and serving the needs of Rakuten Travel users, ensuring their experience is seamless and enjoyable.

• Innovation & Experimentation: A culture that encourages new ideas, testing hypotheses, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in travel tech.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on analytics, user research, and performance metrics to guide design choices and business strategies.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across departments, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve common goals.

• Speed & Agility: Adapting quickly to market changes and user feedback, iterating on designs and features to maintain a competitive edge.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where UX designers work hand-in-hand with Product Managers, UI Designers, developers, and marketing specialists.

• Open communication, constructive feedback, and a shared responsibility for product success are likely to be valued.

• Design reviews and brainstorming sessions are common practices to foster creative problem-solving and ensure alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten's culture likely blends Japanese business principles with the fast-paced, innovative ethos of a global tech company. Expect a professional yet dynamic environment that values both meticulous execution and creative forward-thinking.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Navigating the complexities of optimizing user experience while meeting aggressive marketing and revenue targets.

• Large-Scale Platform Complexity: Designing for a high-traffic, feature-rich platform with diverse user segments and potential technical constraints.

• Cross-Cultural Design Considerations: If involved in international aspects, adapting designs for different cultural preferences and user behaviors.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, methodologies, and emerging technologies in the travel tech space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Internal Training: Access to Rakuten's extensive learning resources, workshops, and internal expert sessions.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading UX and design conferences to gain insights and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior designers or product leaders within Rakuten.

• Cross-Departmental Projects: Exposure to different facets of the business, broadening understanding of the travel and e-commerce industries.

• Design System Contribution: Opportunity to contribute to and evolve a large-scale design system, a highly valuable skill.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents the challenge of working within a large, established organization while contributing to a dynamic product. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a clear path for professional development and career advancement within a leading technology firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user research to significantly improve a product's user experience. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, data, and impact.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints when designing?" (Highlight your prioritization and negotiation skills.)

• "Walk us through your process for designing a new feature from concept to launch." (Emphasize your end-to-end UX methodology.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest UX trends and best practices?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Rakuten Travel and this specific role?" (Research Rakuten's mission, recent news, and the travel industry.)

• "How would you contribute to our team culture?" (Emphasize collaboration, data-driven insights, and a user-first mindset.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Show professionalism and a growth mindset.)

• "What are your thoughts on HCD, SEO, and web accessibility in the context of a travel booking platform?" (Demonstrate your understanding of the required qualifications.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your experience and then dive into 2-3 detailed case studies.

• Problem/Solution Framing: Clearly define the problem you were solving and the user needs you addressed.

• Process Visualization: Use visuals (wireframes, user flows, prototypes) to illustrate your design process and decision-making.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the positive impact of your design solutions.

• Role Clarity: Be clear about your specific contributions, especially in team projects.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your choices, trade-offs, and how you'd approach future challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare thoroughly by rehearsing your portfolio presentation and practicing answers to common UX interview questions. Understand Rakuten's products and its position in the travel market to better align your responses with their business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Rakuten's career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features projects showcasing your UX design, project management, and relevant skills (HCD, e-commerce, etc.). Tailor your case study selection to highlight your impact on user experience and business metrics.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 3+ years of UX and project management experience. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with specific data and results.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and collaboration style. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer behavioral and situational questions. Research Rakuten Travel's services and its competitive landscape.

• English Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your English proficiency, whether through a TOEIC score submission or during the interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.