Japan is home to some of the world’s most successful individuals. Japan is one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of per capita net worth. Japan also has over 40 billionaires of their own. Japan ranks 15th on the Hurun Global Rich List.
Among these billionaire, Tadashi Yanai is the richest! There are many other billionaires who are over the age of 70. Here is a list of the 8 oldest billionaires in Japan!
8 Oldest Billionaire in Japan
8. Masayoshi Son
Age: 64 years old
Billionaire Rank (Global): 51
Net Worth: $26.2 billion
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Masayoshi Son is the founder and chairman of SoftBank. It is a multinational conglomerate and one of the world’s largest tech investors. SoftBank started as a software distributor, and he grew it into a diversified technology and investment company.
Some of his notable investments include stakes in Alibaba, Sprint, and numerous other tech startups. Masayoshi Son is known for his bold, unconventional investment strategies and ambitious growth targets. He is actively involved in shaping the global technology industry through SoftBank’s Vision Fund.
Did You Know?
Masayoshi Son invested $20 million in Alibaba in 1999, which later grew to be worth over $100 billion.
7. Tadashi Yanai
Age: 73 years old
Billionaire Rank (Global): 29
Net Worth: $39.1 billion
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tadashi Yanai is the founder and chairman of Fast Retailing. It is the parent company of the Uniqlo clothing brand. Uniqlo started as a small chain of stores and is now a global retail company. Tadashi Yanai grew Fast Retailing’s annual revenue to over $22 billion, with stores in over 20 countries.
He is known for his innovative and customer-centric approach to the fashion industry. He is committed to corporate social responsibility, as well as Uniqlo’s recycling and sustainability initiatives.
Did You Know?
Tadashi Yanai has authored two books – “One Win, Nine Losses” in 1991 and “Throw Away Your Success in a Day” in 2009.
6. Eiichi Kuriwada
Age: 77 years old
Billionaire Rank (Global): #2152
Net Worth: $1.3 billion
Photo Source: SG-Hldgs
Eiichi Kuriwada is the heir to Sagawa Express, Japan’s second-largest delivery service. It was founded by his father, Kiyoshi Sagawa. Eiichi Kuriwada was the president of SG Holdings, Sagawa Express’ parent company, before stepping down.
Eiichi Kuriwada oversaw Sagawa Express’ growth, particularly in the e-commerce logistics segment during the pandemic. The company’s shares increased due to the rise in online shopping but have since declined.
Did You Know?
He stepped down as the president of SG Holdings in 2015 and later returned in 2021. Then again, he stepped down 2 years later.
5. Takemitsu Takizaki
Age: 78 years old
Billionaire Rank (Global): 87
Net Worth: $19.4 billion
Photo Source: Facebook
Takemitsu Takizaki is the founder of Keyence, a leading supplier of sensors and electronic components for factory automation. He stepped down as Keyence’s chairman in 2015 but remains on the board as honorary chairman.
Takemitsu Takizaki expanded Keyence’s global footprint, with over 60% of the company’s revenue coming from outside Japan. He is known for his philanthropic efforts. He donated shares worth nearly $3 billion to his foundation in 2022.
Did You Know?
In addition to his business interests, Takemitsu Takizaki is a fossil collector.
4. Katsumi Tada
Age: 78 years old
Billionaire Rank (Global): 1545
Net Worth: $2 billion
Photo Source: Goodreturns
Katsumi Tada is the founder of Daito Trust Construction, a real estate developer that specializes in rental apartments. He stepped down as chairman in 2011. Later, he shifted focus to international markets, particularly Australia, through privately held Daisho Co.
Daisho has a portfolio of 10 properties across Japan and overseas. Daisho has invested in the hospitality sector recently and acquired seven hotels in Japan.
Did You Know?
Katsumi Tada’s Daisho has developed and managed a portfolio of commercial properties across the Asia-Pacific region worth over $1.5 billion.
3. Shigenobu Nagamori
Age: 79 years old
Billionaire Rank (Global): 1143
Net Worth: $3.2 billion
Photo Source: Nidec
Shigenobu Nagamori is the founder and chairman of Nidec. It is the world’s largest producer of motors for hard disk drives and optical drives. Nagamori owns a 12% stake in Nidec directly and through his personal asset firm, SN Kosan.
Shigenobu Nagamori has publicly stated his goal to grow Nidec’s revenue to ¥10 trillion ($91 billion) by 2030, focusing on EV motors. The company had leadership changes in 2022, with the resignation of the company’s president and COO.
Did You Know?
Shigenobu Nagamori founded the Nagamori Foundation. It is to support and recognize achievements in scientific and industrial research. They host the annual Nagamori Awards for up-and-coming R&D engineers.
2. Masahiro Noda
Age: 85 years old
Billionaire Rank (Global): 835
Net Worth: $3.3 billion
Photo Source: Forbesimg
Masahiro Noda is the chairman and CEO of Obic, a provider of accounting software and IT solutions in Japan. Obic was founded in 1968 with Masahiro Noda’s wife’s savings. He grew it into a publicly traded tech company.
Obic is known for its innovative advertising campaigns featuring a Kabuki actor. Masahiro Noda’s Obic reported $403 million in net profit and $672 million in revenue in the fiscal year ending March 2023.
Did You Know?
As of 2024, Masahiro Noda has a net worth of $3.3 billion, making him the 11th richest person in Japan.
1. Akira Mori
Age: 87 years old
Billionaire Rank (Global): 871
Net Worth: $3.6 billion
Photo Source: Gettyimages
Akira Mori is the chairman and owner of Mori Trust, a real estate development company in Japan. Mori Trust owns over 100 properties, including office buildings, hotels, and commercial spaces. Akira Mori grew the company’s global footprint by acquiring properties in the U.S. and opening new hotels in Japan.
After a falling-out with his brother Minoru Mori, Akira took over Mori Trust while his brother headed the remaining Mori Building company. He continues to diversify the family’s real estate portfolio, investing in international and hospitality sectors.
Did You Know?
In 2016, Akira selected his daughter, Miwako Date, to take over the leadership of Mori Trust.
Conclusion
Japan has some of the oldest billionaires in the world. They have led some of the top companies in their respective industries. The oldest billionaire in Japan, Akira Mori, is now 87 years old. These 8 oldest billionaires in Japan are over the age of 70 and only seem to keep on growing.
Most of them are actively doing philanthropic activities. Here is to more and more years as billionaires to these hardworking and visionary gentlemen.