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Looking things up Amazon only blocked sales of ivory in Japan last march, at least ten years after they launched their marketplace there, so I'm not sure how fair it is to assign them the moral high ground. Not to mention other questionable business practices like their widely publicised tax avoidance.
Additionally, it's not at all clear what the 'illegal' claim refers to here. In particular whether Rakuten are doing anything illegal (under Japanese law) or whether those who should be held legally responsible for the illegal trade are the marketplace seller or the japanese government. It's also not clear as to what measures the company does take. For example, if the company provides a report functionality then how many reported illegal products get taken down?
I'm not defending Rakuten, I'd agree they should block this, but this does seem a one sided report designed to build up pressure rather than a rounded look at the situation.
Of course some of the problem is down to the Japanese Government's attitude, so if you're serious about boycotting anything that gives money to those that support this then you'll need to avoid all Japanese products and companies that trade with Japan.
In short, worth being aware of but I'd want a more balanced view before avoiding Kobo because of it.
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