Japanese tech giant 'thrilled' to expand Northern Ireland presence with new global cyber defence hub safeguarding its digital infrastructure
Rakuten set to create new operations team in Belfast, citing Northern Ireland’s talent and growing tech sector
Japanese technology conglomerate Rakuten is set to form a new cybersecurity operations team in Belfast as it expands its Northern Ireland presence.
The group, often described as the “Amazon of Japan”, operates services including the video streaming platform Rakuten Viki and messaging service Rakuten Viber, and already has a UK operational hub in London.
The new Belfast-based team will form part of Rakuten’s global cyber defence capability, focused on protecting its digital infrastructure and customer data worldwide.
Rakuten decided to locate the team in its existing Belfast office thanks to our world class talent pool and strong track record of its team in Belfast.
Speaking with Invest NI, Kano Nagayasu, vice general manager of Rakuten’s cybersecurity defence department, said the company was “thrilled” to be establishing the new team in Northern Ireland.
He continued: “We are thrilled to be establishing a global cybersecurity operations team in Belfast, which reflects our commitment to safeguard digital infrastructure and data across the globe.
“Northern Ireland stood out for its brilliant talent pool, world-class universities and thriving tech communities, making it the perfect environment for our new team.
“Our new team will identify, analyse and mitigate cybersecurity risks, as well as implementing cybersecurity controls.”
Rakuten said the investment aligns with its wider strategy to build a stronger global cyber security function while supporting long-term growth in Northern Ireland’s tech sector.