What is Rakuten Mobile's 'Strongest U-NEXT' plan?

Rakuten Mobile's 'Strongest U-NEXT' plan is a bundled offering that combines Rakuten's 'Strongest Plan' mobile service with the U-NEXT video streaming service into a single subscription.

How much dose Rakuten's 'Strongest U-NEXT' plan cost?

The 'Strongest U-NEXT' plan is priced at 4,378 yen per month (including tax). Discounts are available through the 'Strongest Family Program,' reducing the price to 4,268 yen for multiple family lines.

What are the benefits of bundling Rakuten Mobile and U-NEXT?

Bundling offers a cost savings compared to subscribing to Rakuten Mobile's 'Strongest Plan' and U-NEXT separately. It also provides unlimited data capacity for streaming U-NEXT content on the go.

Are there any drawbacks to the 'strongest U-NEXT' plan?

One potential drawback is the lack of 1,200 yen points that come with a regular U-NEXT subscription,which can be used to purchase or rent content.

Is it cheaper to subscribe to Rakuten Mobile and U-NEXT separately?

For users who fully utilize the 1,200 U-NEXT points each month, subscribing separately to Rakuten's 'Strongest Plan' and U-NEXT can be more cost-effective.

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Q: Who is the 'Strongest U-NEXT' plan best suited for?

This plan is ideal for heavy data users who frequently stream videos outside of their home and don't heavily rely on U-NEXT's point system.

Business

Returning to Bilt and reconsidering the Rakuten card

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 11, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Rakuten Amex Card & Bilt Rewards Elite Status Reconsidered Amidst Partnership News

Recent developments regarding a potential deeper integration between Rakuten and Bilt Rewards are prompting a renewed look at both the Rakuten american Express card and strategies for achieving Bilt Elite ‍status. The possibility of enhanced benefits and earning opportunities has sparked ‍interest among‌ points and miles‌ enthusiasts, leading some to reconsider applications and spending habits.

For‍ those actively pursuing travel rewards, the interplay between Rakuten’s shopping portal, the Rakuten Amex’s potential for exclusive offers, ‍and Bilt Rewards’ unique ⁤path to elite status-tied to rent payments-represents a meaningful opportunity.⁣ Though, key questions ⁣remain about the long-term direction of both programs, creating a “wait-and-see” approach for many. the potential changes could impact how easily consumers⁢ earn points, unlock valuable perks, and ultimately maximize their travel ‌rewards.

The news surrounding rakuten and⁢ Bilt has reignited interest in ‍pursuing Bilt Elite status and⁣ even⁣ prompted consideration of applying⁢ for the Rakuten Amex card. A recent Rakuten Amex promotion, offering substantial‌ bonus points on Rakuten purchases (as illustrated in an image shared on frequent Miler), suggests the potential for lucrative cardholder-exclusive⁤ deals.While there’s no⁢ guarantee these promotions ⁢will continue, the possibility is enticing.

Several uncertainties remain ‍as the partnership evolves. Will Bilt alter⁣ the requirements for achieving elite status in ⁣2026? What ⁤benefits will the forthcoming bilt cards offer,and will they simplify or complicate the path to elite status? Will Rakuten⁣ consistently provide compelling cardholder promotions? And,crucially,will other points and miles ⁤opportunities diminish the value of chasing Bilt Elite status altogether?

These questions highlight the dynamic nature of the rewards landscape and the need ⁤for consumers to stay informed ⁣as programs adapt and evolve.

November 11, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Rakuten Rolls Out Agentic AI Platform for Enhanced Shopping Experience

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor August 11, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

TOKYO – Rakuten is significantly expanding its investment in generative AI (gen AI), aiming to personalize customer experiences and develop AI-powered assistants capable of handling complex tasks, teh company announced today. The move comes as adoption of gen AI in retail surges, with over half of retailers already leveraging the technology for customer segmentation.

A recent March 2024 report by PYMNTS Intelligence revealed that 54% of retailers surveyed have utilized gen AI to analyze transaction and payment data for customer segmentation within the last year. Moreover, a ample 73% of retailers plan to increase their gen AI usage for transaction and payment data analysis by 2026.

Rakuten’s approach, spearheaded by Product Management Senior Manager Risa Takahashi, focuses on improving efficiency for businesses, particularly those with limited resources. “Many stores with high inquiry volumes or small teams have shared how AI has made things easier and improved their efficiency,” Takahashi stated in a recent rakuten blog post.

The company’s AI platform, Rakuten AI, employs a hybrid architecture, combining proprietary Rakuten large language models (LLMs) with optimized models from external AI providers. According to Rakuten’s Head of AI, Wei Cai, the system is specifically designed with Japanese language optimization in mind, aiming to reduce costs by activating only the necessary components for each query. Rakuten AI currently operates out of Rakuten’s headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Future advancement will prioritize personalization and memory capabilities, enabling the AI to anticipate user needs and foster stronger customer relationships. “Our goal is to move beyond understanding, toward anticipating user needs and building long-term relationships that enhance the rakuten experience,” Cai explained.

Rakuten also envisions creating “AI friends” – persona-driven assistants capable of assisting with intricate tasks like trip planning or fitness regimen development. The company is taking a phased approach to implementation, prioritizing user convenience and safety. “We’re focused on gradually introducing these capabilities to prioritize user convenience and ensure a safe, intuitive experience,” Cai added.

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August 11, 2025 0 comments

Business

Rakuten U-NEXT: Is New ‘Strongest’ Plan Worth It? – Analysis

by Priya Shah – Business Editor June 25, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Rakuten Mobile Unveils ‘strongest U-NEXT‘ Plan: Is It the Best Deal?

Table of Contents

Rakuten Mobile Unveils ‘strongest U-NEXT’ Plan: Is It the Best Deal?

Rakuten Mobile is expanding its service offerings with the introduction of “Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT,” a new pricing plan that bundles its existing mobile service with the U-NEXT video streaming platform. This plan, described as a “special exception” by Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani, aims to provide users with a convenient and potentially cost-effective way to enjoy both services.

The core appeal of Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT lies in its promise of savings compared to subscribing to Rakuten’s Strongest Plan and U-NEXT independently. However,a closer examination reveals nuances that may make individual subscriptions a better choice for some users. This article breaks down the features, costs, and trade-offs of Rakuten’s new plan, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.

Rakuten’s ‘Strongest U-NEXT’: A Closer Look at Pricing and Features

Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT combines Rakuten’s Strongest Plan, known for its unlimited data, with the U-NEXT video streaming service. The combined package costs 4,378 yen per month (including tax).Subscribers can also take advantage of the “Strongest Family Program” for an additional discount, bringing the price down to 4,268 yen for families with multiple lines.

Did You Know? Rakuten Mobile’s network now covers 99.9% of Japan’s population, ensuring widespread connectivity for its users ^[1].

to understand the potential savings, consider the individual costs. Rakuten’s Strongest Plan,offering unlimited data after 20GB,is priced at 3,278 yen.U-NEXT, on the other hand, costs 2,189 yen per month. Subscribing to both services separately would total 5,467 yen.The bundled Strongest U-NEXT plan offers a discount of 1,089 yen, effectively making U-NEXT available for approximately 1,100 yen when bundled with Rakuten Mobile.

Weighing the Benefits: Unlimited Data vs. U-NEXT Points

While the bundled plan offers a discount, it’s crucial to consider the value of U-NEXT’s point system. A standard U-NEXT subscription includes 1,200 yen worth of points each month,which can be used to purchase or rent movies and other content.These points can also be used for movie discount tickets, NHK On Demand content, and live streaming events.

For users who actively utilize these points,the economics shift. The 1,200 points effectively reduce the cost of a regular U-NEXT subscription to 989 yen. Combining this discounted U-NEXT price with Rakuten’s Strongest plan (3,278 yen) results in a total cost of 4,267 yen, which is less than the 4,378 yen charged for Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT.

Pro Tip: Track your U-NEXT point usage for a few months to determine if you consistently maximize their value. This will help you decide whether the bundled plan or individual subscriptions are more cost-effective.

Who Benefits Most from Rakuten’s ‘Strongest U-NEXT’?

rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT is particularly appealing to users who:

Consume large amounts of mobile data (over 20GB per month).
frequently stream videos outside of their home Wi-Fi network.
Do not heavily rely on U-NEXT’s point system for purchasing or renting content.

As Rakuten Mobile CEO Mikitani stated, this plan targets users who “use a large amount of data, not 20GB or more,” and want to “use it without worrying about the amount of data used.”

Conversely, users who primarily enjoy U-NEXT content at home via smart TVs or other devices connected to a fixed-line internet connection may find that subscribing to Rakuten’s Strongest Plan and U-NEXT separately is a more economical option, especially if they fully utilize the U-NEXT points.

Comparing Rakuten mobile Plans: A Summary

Plan	Price (Yen/Month)	Data Limit	U-NEXT Included	U-NEXT Points
Rakuten’s Strongest Plan	3,278	Unlimited (after 20GB)	No	0
U-NEXT (Individual)	2,189	N/A	No	1,200
Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT	4,378	Unlimited	Yes	0

Strategic Implications for Rakuten Mobile and U-NEXT

Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT serves multiple strategic objectives. For Rakuten Mobile, it encourages user subscriptions, increases average revenue per user (ARPU), and reduces churn. For U-NEXT, it expands its user base by tapping into Rakuten Mobile’s customer network.

Ultimately, the success of this bundled plan hinges on its ability to attract and retain users who value the convenience of unlimited data and seamless access to video content.By carefully considering their individual usage patterns and preferences, consumers can determine whether Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT is the right choice for them.

Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of Mobile and Streaming Bundles

The trend of bundling mobile and streaming services is not new, but it reflects the increasing convergence of communication and entertainment. as consumers demand seamless access to content on the go, mobile carriers and streaming providers are exploring partnerships to enhance their value propositions. these bundles frequently enough provide cost savings, convenience, and access to exclusive content or features.

Historically, mobile carriers have partnered with music streaming services, offering discounted subscriptions or free data for streaming music. The rise of video streaming has led to more complex bundles, such as Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT, which combine unlimited data with access to a vast library of movies and TV shows. These bundles are likely to become more prevalent as competition in the mobile and streaming markets intensifies.

Frequently asked Questions About Rakuten’s ‘Strongest U-NEXT’ Plan

How does the ‘Strongest Family Program’ discount work with Rakuten’s ‘Strongest U-NEXT’?: The ‘Strongest Family Program’ offers a 110 yen discount per month for each family member who subscribes to Rakuten Mobile. This discount can be applied to the ‘Strongest U-NEXT’ plan, reducing the monthly cost to 4,268 yen.
Can I use U-NEXT points to pay for my Rakuten Mobile bill?: No, U-NEXT points cannot be used to pay for Rakuten Mobile bills. They can only be used for purchasing or renting content within the U-NEXT platform.
What happens if I cancel my Rakuten Mobile subscription while subscribed to ‘Strongest U-NEXT’?: If you cancel your Rakuten Mobile subscription, your ‘Strongest U-NEXT’ plan will also be canceled. you will need to subscribe to U-NEXT separately if you wish to continue using the service.
Is there a minimum contract length for Rakuten’s ‘Strongest U-NEXT’ plan?: As of the latest information, there is no minimum contract length for Rakuten’s ‘Strongest U-NEXT’ plan. You can cancel your subscription at any time without penalty.
Does rakuten’s ‘Strongest U-NEXT’ plan include access to all of U-NEXT’s content?: Yes, the ‘Strongest U-NEXT’ plan provides access to U-NEXT’s full library of movies, TV shows, and other content. However, some content may require additional payment using U-NEXT points.

What are your thoughts on bundled mobile and streaming plans? Will you consider rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT, or do you prefer individual subscriptions? Share your opinions in the comments below!

June 25, 2025 0 comments