Tokyo, June 23, 2025 – Rakuten Mobile, Japan’s innovative mobile network provider, and U-NEXT Co., Ltd., operator of Japan’s largest streaming platform by SVOD content volume (GEM Partners, May 2025), today announced a strategic alliance through a Memorandum of Understanding. The collaboration debuts with "Rakuten Saikyo U-NEXT," a groundbreaking package combining unlimited mobile data with unlimited access to U-NEXT’s premium entertainment library, including movies, TV series, live sports, and music.
Key Features of "Rakuten Saikyo U-NEXT"
Monthly fee: 3,880 JPY (4,268 JPY incl. tax) for unlimited data + U-NEXT subscription.
Content library: Over 200 magazines, 3,000+ children’s books (3,4), and live soccer matches via U-NEXT’s Soccer Pack (*5) (launching October 2025).
Early-bird offer: First month at 2,000 JPY (2,200 JPY incl. tax) + 1,200 U-NEXT bonus points for Rakuten Saikyo Plan subscribers (*7-13).
Executive Statements
Mickey Mikitani, Chairman & CEO of Rakuten Group:
"Rakuten Mobile continues to redefine value in mobile services—expanding coverage, enhancing speed, and now, with U-NEXT, delivering unlimited entertainment alongside unlimited data. This partnership reflects our commitment to affordable, innovative experiences."
Yasuhide Uno, President & CEO of U-NEXT Holdings:
"By integrating Rakuten Mobile’s high-speed connectivity with U-NEXT’s vast content ecosystem, we’re creating a seamless entertainment experience for users’ daily lives."
Additional Benefits for Subscribers
Existing Rakuten Mobile perks: Access to Rakuten Magazine, Rakuten Music, Rakuten Link (communication app), and international roaming.
Exclusive savings via Saikyo Youth/Kids Programs (*6).
Availability
Applications open October 2025 via:
Rakuten Mobile’s official website
Rakuten Mobile shops
Rakuten Ichiba’s Rakuten Mobile store (*2)
About U-NEXT
Japan’s leading streaming platform, U-NEXT offers the largest SVOD catalog domestically, including:
Movies, anime, and live-action series.
Live concerts, sports (exclusive Premier League rights since 2024), and stage events.
E-manga, e-books, and partnerships with TBS, TV Tokyo, and Warner Bros. Discovery (hosting Max service).
About Rakuten Mobile
A Rakuten Group company, Rakuten Mobile leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver flexible, customer-centric mobile solutions.
Key Improvements:
Stronger Headline & Lead: Clearly highlights the value proposition (unlimited data + entertainment).
Streamlined Structure: Bullet points for readability; logical flow from offer details to executive quotes.
Polished Language: More concise phrasing (e.g., "strategic alliance" vs. "business alliance").
Enhanced Professional Tone: Formal yet engaging executive quotes.
Consistent Formatting: Clear labeling of footnotes/conditions.