Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#2712

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Hajime Satomi

CEO, Sega Sammy Holdings

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.3B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Video games, Pachinko

Industry

gambling-casinos

Citizenship

Biography

Hajime Satomi, a prominent figure in the gaming and entertainment industry, is the Honorary Chairman of Sega Sammy Holdings. Born on January 16, 1942, Satomi's career began in 1975 when he withdrew from Aoyama Gakuin University to found Sammy Corporation. Sammy quickly became a leader in the pachislot and pachinko machine industry. His wealth source is primarily video games and pachinko. In 2004, Sammy acquired a controlling share in Sega, a move that propelled the combined entity, Sega Sammy Holdings, to multi-billion dollar status. As of December 4, 2025, his estimated net worth is $1.3 billion, ranking him among Japan's wealthiest individuals. Satomi is known for his role in transforming the entertainment landscape through strategic acquisitions and innovative business practices.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

SEGA

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Hajime Satomi was born in Fukushima, Gunma, Empire of Japan, on January 16, 1942. Although details about his early life are limited, he pursued higher education at Aoyama Gakuin University.

Rise to Success

Satomi's entrepreneurial journey began in 1975 when he withdrew from Aoyama Gakuin University to found Sammy Corporation. Sammy experienced significant growth in the pachislot and pachinko industry, becoming a leading manufacturer. In 2001, Sammy Corporation was successfully listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, marking a major milestone.

Key Business Strategies

In 2004, Satomi made a strategic move by acquiring a controlling share in Sega for $1.1 billion. This acquisition transformed Sammy Corporation and led to the formation of Sega Sammy Holdings, Inc. Satomi was named chairman of Sega in 2005. This merger combined Sega's strengths in video game development and publishing with Sammy's expertise in gaming machines and arcade operations, leveraging its intellectual property across various gaming platforms.

Philanthropy

Specific information regarding Hajime Satomi's philanthropic initiatives and amounts is not readily available.

Career Milestones

1975

Founded Sammy Corporation

Founded Sammy Corporation, a company that would later become a leading force in the pachislot and pachinko industry.

2001

Sammy Corporation Listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange

Sammy Corporation achieved a major milestone by successfully listing on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

2004

Acquired Sega

Sammy Corporation acquired a controlling share in Sega, a renowned video game company.

2005

Chairman of Sega

Named chairman of Sega after Sammy became Sega's biggest shareholder.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Integrity

Never mislead others, never take out anger on others unnecessarily, and never speak ill of others.

Trust

Trusting subordinates and business partners can lead to greater buy-in.

Controversies & Challenges

2015

Shooting at Home

In January 2015, shots were fired at his home, with reports suggesting a connection to the Yakuza.