Catalog House Pulls Out of Rakuten Over Military Drone Partnership

Aug 20, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Catalog House, the operator of shopping catalog magazine Tsuhan Seikatsu, has announced it will stop selling through Rakuten Market in protest over Rakuten Group's partnership with a German military drone company and its plans to support the introduction of the drones to Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force.

"If war starts, shopping will be the last thing people are thinking about," Catalog House said in explaining its decision.

The move follows Rakuten's partnership with a German drone manufacturer that develops and produces AI-equipped military drones.

The company plans to conduct demonstration tests of the drones by the end of September, while Rakuten has said it intends to support their introduction to the Ground Self-Defense Force. Domestic mass production is also reportedly under consideration.

Catalog House said the initiative conflicts with the principles behind Tsuhan Seikatsu, which include a commitment to "upholding the pledge of nonwar entrusted to Article 9 of the Constitution."

"We have decided to discontinue our store because the initiative is incompatible with our corporate philosophy," the company said.

Rakuten has said the drones are intended to prevent enemy forces from landing in coastal areas and other locations.

"Drones contribute to the defense of society. We will continue to contribute to promoting innovation in the defense industry," Rakuten said.

Source: TBS

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