Brave1 collaborates with Japanese tech leader Rakuten to support Ukrainian defense tech innovations
Ukrainian defense tech cluster Brave1 and Rakuten Group, Inc., a leading global technology company headquartered in Japan, has announced a joint initiative to support Ukrainian defense tech companies. In the initial phase of this initiative, Rakuten will power Brave1’s booth exhibition at the DSEI Japan, the country’s only large-scale defense and security trade show, on May 21-23, 2025, at Makuhari Messe. Further steps include potential collaboration with the Japanese government and other partners.
Background
Rakuten’s strong support for Ukraine during Russia’s illegal and unjustified invasion aligns with the broader Japanese commitment to the Ukrainian population, its economic stability, and post-war recovery. The company has a significant presence in Ukraine, with the company’s Viber messaging app boasting a 98% penetration rate. In 2024 Rakuten established an office in Kyiv, and became a resident of Diia.City — Ukrainian virtual free economic zone for tech companies. Following discussions, Brave1 and Rakuten decided to collaborate for their participation in DSEI Japan.
The DSEI Japan 2025 Exhibition
The exhibition will feature cutting-edge technologies and products from Ukrainian tech companies, with Rakuten aiming to assist their entry into the Japanese market.
- Dwarf Engineering LLC: Specializes in resilient software and hardware systems for next-generation combat drones.
- Farsight Vision LLC: Delivers AI-powered geospatial intelligence for defense and security.
- Griselda: A defense tech platform delivering real-time situational awareness and rapid response capabilities.
- LifesaverSIM: Transforming gaming into a powerful tool for enabling first responders to learn, practice, and retain lifesaving skills.
- Skyfall Industries LLC: The largest UAV (unmanned aircraft vehicle) manufacturer in Ukraine, known for its widely used Vampire and Shrike drones.
- Swarmer: Developer of a software system enabling drones to operate autonomously in large, coordinated teams.
Future plans
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the defense tech landscape worldwide has changed drastically, with Ukraine being the main driver of changes through innovative implementation of civilian technologies like FPV-drones and software in the military domain. Brave1 and Rakuten will further collaborate on supporting Ukrainian companies’ entry in the Japanese market. Looking ahead, both parties will explore expanding their collaboration to include the Japanese government and other partners, reflecting the growing trend of Ukraine-Japan cooperation in defense and dual-use technologies.