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[2025 Updated Edition] A Must-Read for Beginners! A Comprehensive Guide to Rakuten Sale Dates and Events!

Rakuten Ichiba holds great sales every month.

Whether you're a buyer or an operator, you'll want to understand the characteristics and key points of each event so you can make the most of them, right?

 

In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of the latest strategies for each event in 2025, as explained by Rakuten merchants.

I've also shared some simple tips on how to rack up points in the Rakuten ecosystem, so be sure to check it out!

 

Types and Features of Major Sales on Rakuten Ichiba

In addition to familiar sales events like the Shopping Marathon and Super Sale, Rakuten holds a variety of other sales throughout the year.

Since each sale has its own unique characteristics—including frequency, timing, rules, themes, and formats—

Let's make sure we fully understand each event.

 

Rakuten Shopping Marathon (Held Every Month)

A regular event held once a month, or sometimes twice a month at most.

By shopping at multiple stores and spending at least 1,000 yen (including tax) at each one,Points can be earned at up to 10 times the usual rateI'll keep doing that.

Due to shopping aroundThe maximum number of points you can earn is 10,000.

You can also make small purchases—such as the groceries and daily necessities you usually buy at the supermarket—on Rakuten during this period to earn points wisely.

 

Features:

Earn More Points by Shopping at Multiple StoresAs a result, customers are more likely to visit multiple stores

・By optimizing traffic flow, we can reach a larger number of users.

・On "days ending in 5 or 0" during the event period,Extra-Great Value Pointscan be saved

 

Even relatively inexpensive items, such as those in the 1,000-yen range, can help you earn more points, so we recommend that shoppers take this opportunity to purchase any items they’ve been eyeing.

E-commerce businesses should understand users’ browsing intentions and tailor their product lineups and pricing strategies to maximize sales!

 

Super Sale (Held in March, June, September, and December)

Even if you're new to online shopping, you've probably heard of the "Rakuten Super Sale," haven't you?

It is Rakuten's largest sale event, held four times a year.

As the sale approaches, I see a lot of advertisements—even outside of Rakuten Ichiba, such as in TV commercials—claiming, “Lots of items at half price!”

It has attracted a lot of attention, andMany stores are running their own promotions, such as half-price sales, coupon giveaways, and generous point rebates.This is a sale where you can take advantage of special offers to buy the items you've been wanting at great prices.

Just like in the Shopping Marathon, shopping at multiple stores increases your point multiplier.

 

What's more, by shopping around,The maximum number of points you can earn has skyrocketed, andWhether you're a heavy user or a new userBecause it flows in from a wide areaThis is an event that’s especially worth checking out for operators looking to boost sales!

 

Features:

・By shopping around on Rakuten Ichiba and combining items that offer bonus points,Up to 45.5x Points

・From the startHalf-Price Coupon Valid for 2 Hours OnlyIt's here, too!

・「Rakuten Super Search"You can efficiently find great deals on products only during the event period."

・A wide range of users'High Trafficdo

 

As more stores are launching their own sales or participating in special promotional pages to maximize traffic to their own shops, be sure to check these in advance and get ready.

 

Super Points Back Festival (Held periodically)

Events held a few times a year on Rakuten Ichiba, at irregular intervals, during which the points-back rate is higher than usual.

Users can earn points more easily than usual, and depending on the amount spent during the promotion period,Point multipliers have increased to up to 7xI'll keep doing that.

Features:

・A must-see event for Rakuten users who value points

・Unlike a shopping marathon, you don't have to shop at multiple stores

 

With such a high points-back rate, this sale is perfect for buying a single high-priced item like home appliances, making bulk purchases at a single store, or participating in the “Hometown Tax” program!

 

Rakuten Eagles Grand Appreciation Festival (held in October)

This event takes place around October or November, when the Japan Series is held, as a campaign to cheer on the “Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles,” which are sponsored by the Rakuten Group.

Just like the Shopping Marathon,Earn More Points When You Shop Around. Since each shop offers its own perks, merchants should develop a strategy to attract Eagles fans and users who are accumulating Rakuten Points.

 

Black Friday (held in November)

On Rakuten Ichiba, this is the second-most anticipated sale event after the Super Sale. It’s named after “Black Friday,” a major discount sale held in the U.S. on the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November.

The details of the sale are the same as those of the "Super Points Back Festival," andThe points multiplier increases based on the total amount spent during the promotion periodI'll keep doing that.

Since it’s held right at the start of the year-end shopping season, it really boosts users’ desire to buy!

Just like during the Super Sale, the key is to take advantage of discount coupons and bonus points.

 

Rakuten Thanksgiving Sale (held in December)

This is a major annual sale event held once a year from mid- to late December as a year-end appreciation sale.

The sale details are the same as for the Shopping Marathon,Up to 10x points on shopping sprees...applies.

For users, this is also an important event where they can enjoy shopping as Christmas and the end of the year approach, so the key for merchants is to boost purchasing motivation by offering an attractive lineup of products and great deals!

 

▼If you want to know when Amazon sales take place and what kinds there are, please read this!

 

Tips for Making the Most of Rakuten Ichiba Sales Events

In this chapter, we’ll explain a total of six tips for making the most of the Rakuten Sale!

[For Beginners]So, here are the basics you absolutely need to know about the Rakuten Sale

[Advanced]So, here are some insider tips that only sellers know

Here is an explanation of [...].

Make sure to take advantage of the key sales and events that are essential for maximizing your sales on Rakuten Ichiba!

 

For Beginners

[1]Don't forget to sign up and take part in the sale

Rakuten sales generally require registration.That's it.

For events such as the Shopping Marathon or Super Sale, if you register on days ending in 5 or 0 during the event period, purchases made before registration will also be eligible for points as long as you register on that same day.

Don't forget to sign up so you can be sure to earn points! You can sign up right away via the banner on the Rakuten Ichiba homepage.


[2]The points awarded are time-limited points.

Points earned during sales events such as the Shopping Marathon and Super Sale are generally credited around the 15th of the following month.

However, this point isPoints valid for a limited time of about one and a half monthsTherefore, it is wise to use it before the expiration date.


[3]Shipping and gift-wrapping fees are not eligible for the shopping spree promotion.

There is only one condition for shopping at multiple stores during the Shopping Marathon or Super Sale: you must spend at least 1,000 yen (including tax) at each store.

That price does not include shipping or gift-wrapping fees!

The item itself must cost 1,000 yen (including tax). Additionally, if you use a coupon, the price after the coupon is applied must be 1,000 yen or more (including tax).

Even if you purchase an item priced at less than 1,000 yen (including tax), it will not count toward the shopping spree.So please be careful.

 

Advanced Level

[1]Don't miss the special coupons available during the first four hours!

For the first four hours of a sale, a particularly large number of users visit Rakuten Ichiba. To take advantage of this timing,Distribute your own special coupons that are valid only for the first 2 or 4 hoursThere are also shops that do this.

The smart way to shop is to add items you're interested in to your favorites and buy them at a great price when coupons are distributed during a sale!


[5]On days ending in 5 or 0, there might be coupons available...?

On days ending in 5 or 0, you’ll earn 5x points when you sign up and use your Rakuten Card—but that’s not all!

Actually,Distributing coupons with high discount rates exclusively on days ending in 5 or 0There are shops that do this. That’s because Rakuten users flock to shop on this day, so shops release special coupons timed to coincide with this event.

We recommend making it a habit to always check for available coupons before proceeding to checkout.


[6]Be sure to check out the Super DEAL

Super DEAL is always featured at the top of Rakuten Ichiba, even when there aren't any sales going on.15%–50% Points BackThe site features products with high cashback rates.

During sales events such as the Shopping Marathon and Super Sale,Items that aren't usually listed on Super DEAL are featured for a limited time...it might happen.

Since seasonal items and other products are sometimes listed, you might find some hidden gems on Super DEAL that you can only buy at a great price during that specific time!

 

Tips for Earning Points in the Rakuten Ecosystem

What Is the Rakuten Economy?

The Rakuten Economy refers to the wide range of services provided by Rakuten, including Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Card, Rakuten Mobile, and Rakuten Bank.

The more services you use, the higher your SPU (Super Point Up Program) multiplier on Rakuten Ichiba becomes, making it easier to earn points.

You can check SPU right from the Rakuten Ichiba homepage!

For example, when you purchase 10,000 yen worth of merchandise on Rakuten Ichiba.

_____________________

Points awarded: 300 points
Points Earned: 800 points
_____________________

If there's a difference of 500 points for 10,000 yen,
When you look at it on an annual basis, the number of points you earn changes significantly.
You can increase your SPU by up to 15 times!

Also, during Shopping Marathons and Super Sales,
The breakdown of the up to 44x points is as follows.

To take steps to boost your points that you can control yourself,
Shopping Around During Sales and SPU Are KeyYou can see that, right?

However, within the Rakuten ecosystem, there are services such as insurance and e-book subscriptions, among others
Since these plans include subscription services, you need to carefully consider whether you really need them before signing up. It defeats the whole purpose to use services you don’t need just to earn SPU points.

In the next chapter, I'll explain some recommended services that make it easy to boost your SPU!

Recommended Services for Easily Increasing Your SPU

[1] Rakuten Card (+2x)

The Rakuten Card is a must-have if you shop on Rakuten Ichiba. There’s no annual fee.
Set your payment method to Rakuten Card to get 2x SPU! 

Also,With the Rakuten Gold Card, SPU is multiplied by 4That's how it works.
The annual fee for the Gold Card is 2,200 yen (including tax).

Since the SPU is 2% higher than the standard Rakuten Card, the Rakuten Gold Card is a better deal for those who spend at least 110,000 yen a year on Rakuten Ichiba!


[2] Rakuten Ichiba App (+0.5x)

When you shop on Rakuten Ichiba, your SPU increases by 0.5x if you make a purchase through the app.
Be sure to shop through the app to earn points.


[3] Rakuten Travel (+1x)

When you use Rakuten Travel's services,SPU is +1x for the month of the reservationwill be.
The following four services are eligible for the SPU boost:

1 Domestic Accommodations
2 Domestic Tours
3. Rental Cars
4. Booking Hotels Abroad

Since this offer applies to reservations of 5,000 yen or more (including tax),
When traveling, we recommend booking through Rakuten Travel.

Summary

In this article, we'll cover the key strategies for the 2025 edition of the Rakuten Sale.

We've explained the information you need to know from the perspectives of both sellers and buyers!

At Rakuten, there are so many sales held throughout the year that it’s almost as if they’re always happening.

Please use this to get the best deals and maximize your sales.

Thank you for reading to the end!

Author

Ayaka

I manage Rakuten operations in the E-commerce Mall Division. ◎ My goal for this year is, above all, to take an overwhelming amount of action! I’m studying every day to be able to perform more accurate analyses.