Rakuten’s Ukraine Arms Deal Stuns Japan—E-Commerce Giant Now Moving More Than Just Discounts

Japan’s retail titan Rakuten just weaponized its logistics network—literally. In a move that left shareholders and pacifists equally stunned, the ’Amazon of Japan’ is now facilitating arms sales for Ukraine’s government.

From gadgets to grenades: The e-commerce platform’s pivot into defense procurement raises eyebrows—and maybe EBITDA. Because nothing juiced quarterly numbers like wartime arbitrage.

Bonus finance jab: At least they’re not laundering money through shitcoins—yet.

Diapers, detergent, and… Vampire drone strikes? Japanese online shopping leader Rakuten is now backing Ukraine military startups. Image source: Rakuten. Still, Rakuten, Amazon’s largest competitor in the land of the rising sun, isn’t typically viewed as being connected with such deadly endeavors. The multi-industry behemoth announced Tuesday it will be supporting Ukraine military startups via Brave 1, a Ukraine government organization. Support will come in the FORM of a dedicated booth at DSEI Japan 2025, which the press release calls (translated): “Japan’s only large-scale comprehensive defense and security exhibition.” DSEI Japan kicks off on Wednesday, May 21.

DSEI Japan 2025 is a major military trade show that kicks off Wednesday in Japan. Source: DSEI.

Rakuten’s move towards military involvement

While massive corporations backing the governments they are embedded within is (unfortunately) nothing uncommon in war time, the Japanese state and it’s native commercial megaliths are headed more and more toward peacetime involvement in military matters. The currently debated “Active Cyber Defense” legislation pushed by Ishiba is just one example, which WOULD see peacetime monitoring of communications from telecom giants like Softbank. This has some residents of the archipelago understandably worried they will be spied on and threatened by the preemptive nature of punishments outlined by the law. Six Ukrainian startups supported by Brave 1 will be showcased at the “Brave1 Powered by Rakuten” booth:

• Dwarf Engineering LLC

• FarsightVision LLC

• Griselda

• LifesaverSIM

• Skyfall Industries LLC

• Swarmer

Notably, Skyfall Industries (what a name) makes a drone called “Vampire,” which according to Rakuten, “has earned a high reputation for its efficiency and versatility.”

Anyone who has ever attended or seen footage of state-level weapons trade shows can attest to the bizarre and disturbing nature of the events. Military brass, mega-corporations, and politicians gather to toast champagne in celebration of killing machines. This likely has more than a few folks in Japan worried about the future of their beloved Rakuten. And more importantly, the land where they live. Still, Rakuten executive Hideaki Mukai has reportedly said at a press conference that his company “will not enter the defense industry right away.” DSEI Japan 2025 is held from May 21 to May 23 with Rakuten hoping to support the defense startups and “their entry into the Japanese market.”

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