πΉ Job Title: Performance Marketer for Japan inbound travel reservation service
πΉ Company: Rakuten
πΉ Location: Tokyo, TΕkyΕ, Japan (Rakuten Crimson House, Setagaya-ku)
πΉ Job Type: Full-time
πΉ Category: π International & Global Marketing
As a Performance Marketer at Rakuten Travel, you'll drive growth for Japan's largest online travel agency by optimizing Google Search and Display campaigns. You'll be responsible for attracting domestic and international travelers to the platform, with a focus on measurable performance marketing results that increase bookings and revenue for hotels and ryokans across Japan.
ASSUMPTION: This is a growth-focused marketing role with primary responsibility for paid digital acquisition channels. The emphasis appears to be on performance metrics rather than brand marketing.
β Develop and execute Google search ads and Display campaigns to drive growth for accommodations in Japan
β Conduct keyword research and create compelling ad copy to optimize campaign performance
β Analyze performance metrics to identify optimization opportunities
β Manage marketing budgets and bids to maximize ROI
β Collaborate with internal teams to align campaigns with overall business objectives
β Stay current with industry trends and marketing best practices
ASSUMPTION: While the job focuses on Google channels, the mention of "other marketing channels" in desired qualifications suggests the role may expand to include additional platforms over time.
Education: Not specified (though proof of a graduate degree from an English-speaking university can substitute for TOEIC requirements)
Experience: Minimum 2+ years of performance marketing experience, particularly with Google search ads
Skills: - Strong cross-cultural communication skills - Ability to clearly articulate ideas and suggestions - Team collaboration abilities - English proficiency (TOEIC score of 800+ or equivalent)
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated as required, Japanese language proficiency appears important for communication with external stakeholders, especially in a Japan-focused travel business.
Salary Range: Not specified
Benefits: Not specified
Industry Comparison: Not specified
ASSUMPTION: As a large, established company, Rakuten likely offers competitive compensation for the Tokyo market, potentially including standard Japanese corporate benefits such as transportation allowance, health insurance, and retirement contributions.
Industry Position: Rakuten Travel is the number one online travel company in Japan and a core service of Rakuten Group
Company Size: Large enterprise (Rakuten Group is a major Japanese e-commerce and internet company)
Company Stage: Established market leader with continued growth focus, particularly in international markets
ASSUMPTION: While the job posting mentions Rakuten Travel as Japan's largest online travel agency, additional context about Rakuten Group's broader business portfolio and global presence is inferred from general knowledge about the company.
Career Level: Mid-level (requiring 2+ years of experience)
Reporting Structure: Part of the Traffic Acquisition Team within the Global Marketing Group
Team Size/Composition: Will join a small team (4-5 members) within the Global Marketing Group (8-9 members), which is part of the larger Marketing Department (approximately 70 members)
Growth Opportunities: Potential to expand expertise to additional marketing channels and grow within Rakuten's global business
ASSUMPTION: Based on the team structure and qualification requirements, this appears to be a mid-level individual contributor role with opportunities to develop broader marketing channel expertise over time.
Office Type: In-office at Rakuten Crimson House headquarters
Geographic Context: Located in Setagaya-ku, one of Tokyo's residential areas, with good transportation connections
Work Schedule: Not specified
Regional Considerations: Team consists of diverse members from various cultural backgrounds (20s to 40s), with English as the primary language for internal communication
ASSUMPTION: This appears to be an in-office position based on the specific mention of the Rakuten Crimson House location. The international nature of the team suggests a global workplace culture despite being based in Tokyo.
Typical Process: Multi-stage interview process likely including English language assessment if TOEIC scores are not provided
Key Assessment Areas: Performance marketing expertise, cross-cultural communication skills, analytical capabilities, collaborative abilities
Application Tips: Highlight specific achievements with Google Search and Display campaigns, emphasize measurable results (ROI, CPA improvements), and demonstrate international or cross-cultural work experience
ATS Keywords: Google Ads, SEM, performance marketing, search marketing, display advertising, digital marketing, ROI optimization, keyword research, ad copy, campaign optimization, travel industry
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will likely include assessment of both technical marketing skills and language abilities, given the international nature of the role.
- Google Ads platform (Search and Display networks)
- SQL (for data extraction)
- RAT (Rakuten Analytics Tool)
- Tableau (for data visualization and analysis)
- Potentially: Facebook Ads, Criteo, metasearch marketing platforms
ASSUMPTION: While only some tools are explicitly mentioned, proficiency with standard digital marketing analytics platforms (Google Analytics, attribution tools) would likely be expected for this role.
Company Values: Focus on enriching people's lives through travel experiences and growing the user base of international travelers
Work Style: Collaborative, multicultural environment with team members from diverse backgrounds; English-primary communication internally with Japanese needed for external stakeholders
Self-Assessment: Candidates should consider: - Am I comfortable working in a multicultural team? - Can I communicate effectively in English for daily work? - Do I have interest in Japan's travel and hospitality sector? - Am I adaptable to working within Japanese business culture while in an international team?
ASSUMPTION: The role likely requires balancing between global marketing best practices and Japanese market nuances, requiring cultural adaptability.
- Navigating between Japanese business culture and international marketing practices
- Potential language barriers with external stakeholders if Japanese proficiency is limited
- Managing marketing campaigns that attract international visitors while honoring Japanese hospitality traditions
- Adapting global marketing strategies to the unique characteristics of the Japanese travel market
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inferred from the cross-cultural nature of the role and the focus on marketing Japanese accommodations to international audiences.
This role focuses specifically on performance marketing for a travel platform, distinguishing it from:
- General digital marketing roles that might include more brand and content marketing
- Travel marketing roles that focus primarily on creative or content aspects
- Performance marketing roles in other industries that don't require hospitality or travel industry knowledge
ASSUMPTION: This comparison is based on standard distinctions between performance marketing and other marketing specializations within the travel industry.
- Developing specialized Google Search campaigns targeting potential travelers from specific international markets researching ryokan experiences
- Creating display remarketing campaigns to re-engage users who browsed Japanese hotels but didn't complete bookings
- Optimizing keyword strategies and bid management to improve ROI during peak Japanese travel seasons
- Analyzing performance data to identify new market opportunities or underperforming segments
ASSUMPTION: These project examples are based on typical performance marketing activities tailored to the specific context of Rakuten Travel's business focus.
1. How does Rakuten Travel measure success for performance marketing campaigns beyond standard metrics like CPA and ROAS?
2. What are the key differences in marketing approach between domestic Japanese travelers and international visitors?
3. How does the Global Marketing Group collaborate with other teams within Rakuten Travel?
4. What new markets or product areas is Rakuten Travel planning to expand into?
5. How does the team balance data-driven decision making with understanding cultural nuances in travel preferences?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are suggested based on the nature of performance marketing roles in international travel companies and would demonstrate thoughtful interest in Rakuten's specific business context.
β οΈ This enhanced job description was AI-generated based on the original job listing. Information has been organized and supplemented with industry-standard insights where details were not provided. All assumptions are explicitly labeled. Applicants should verify all details directly with the employer before making decisions based on this content.
1. Prepare your application: Tailor your resume to highlight Google Ads expertise, quantifiable marketing results, and any experience with the Japanese or international travel market
2. Review language requirements: Ensure you have documentation of your English proficiency (TOEIC 800+ or equivalent) or prepare to take Rakuten's company-sponsored TOEIC IP test
3. Research Rakuten Travel: Familiarize yourself with their platform, services, and position in both Japanese and international markets
4. Optimize your online presence: Update your LinkedIn profile with relevant keywords and experience to align with the job requirements
5. Prepare examples: Gather specific case studies or campaign examples that demonstrate your ability to drive results through performance marketing channels