Japan has one of the largest economies in the world and has produced some of the richest business tycoons shaping global business and industry. Here is our list of the top 10 tycoons leading Japan’s corporate landscape:
Tadashi Yanai – The founder and president of Fast Retailing, Yanai has built his company into a global retail giant through the popular Uniqlo clothing chain. His business empire includes hotels, railways, and real estate holdings, contributing significantly to Japan’s infrastructure development. Often referred to as Japan’s richest man, his estimated net worth is over $31 billion.
Takemitsu Takizaki – Takizaki is the founder and CEO of Keyence Corp, an electronics and semiconductor company. Keyence is known as one of Japan’s most profitable companies and Takizaki’s net worth stands at an estimated $16.2 billion.
Nobutada Saji – Saji took over the major soft drinks company Suntory after his father stepped down. Today he serves as chairman and CEO with a net worth floating around $9 billion.
Yoshiko Shinohara – As founder and president of the major temporary staffing firm Temp Holdings, Shinohara broke ground as Japan’s first female billionaire. She has a net worth of $3.6 billion.
Masayoshi Son – Son is the founder and CEO of the global telecom and internet company SoftBank. He has a net worth estimated at $20.5 billion and oversees the $100 billion Vision Fund.
Hiroshi Mikitani – Mikitani is credited with significant innovations in Japan’s retailing industry. Under his leadership, Rakuten has expanded its services beyond e-commerce to include fintech, digital content, and communications, establishing a strong global presence. He founded Rakuten and serves as its chairman and CEO, amassing a net worth of over $8 billion.
Akira Mori – Mori oversees Tokyo-based Mori Trust Group as chairman and CEO, managing an extensive real estate portfolio. His net worth is $3.1 billion.
Yusaku Maezawa – Maezawa founded Japan’s largest online fashion mall, Zozotown. He grew his net worth to $2 billion before selling it and is now pursuing space travel ambitions.
Shintaro Yamada – Yamada is founder and CEO of Mercari, a leading Japanese peer-to-peer ecommerce marketplace. His net worth stands around $1.8 billion.
