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Billionaire Profile
Hiroshi Mikitani
Global Rank
#1221

Image: Guillaume Paumier | CC BY 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Hiroshi Mikitani

CEO, Online retail
Tokyo, Japan
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.53B
Estimated based on Online retail stock value as of September 10, 2026
-2.31% (24h)
Age
61
Source
Online retail
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
Japan

Biography

Hiroshi Mikitani (born March 11, 1965) is a Japanese billionaire business magnate and writer, best known as the founder and CEO of Rakuten, Inc., one of Japan's largest e-commerce retailers. His source of wealth stems from his online retail ventures, having built Rakuten into a global technology leader spanning e-commerce, fintech, digital content, and communications. Mikitani's career began in investment banking, and he later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School before founding Rakuten in 1997. His achievements include leading Rakuten's expansion and contributing to the growth of the digital economy in Japan and beyond. As of March 2026, Mikitani's net worth is estimated to be $3.9 Billion.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$3.53B
2025$3.90B
2024$3.90B

Portfolio Holdings

Rakuten, Inc.

Rakuten, Inc.

4755 (TYO)•fashion-retail
Ownership
16.6%
Market Cap
$10.2B
Stock Price
$745.8
Revenue
$32.3B
Tokyo, Japan
30,830 employees
Founded 1997

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Hiroshi Mikitani was born on March 11, 1965, in Kobe, Japan. He grew up in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. His father was a professor at Kobe University and his mother worked for a trading company. Mikitani earned a bachelor's degree in commerce from Hitotsubashi University in 1988. He later attended Harvard Business School, earning an MBA in 1993.

Rise to Success

Mikitani began his career in investment banking at the Industrial Bank of Japan (IBJ). He founded Crimson Group, a consulting firm, before starting Rakuten in 1997. Mikitani launched the online shopping marketplace Rakuten Ichiba on May 1, 1997. Rakuten quickly became one of Japan's largest e-commerce platforms through strategic acquisitions and international expansion. In 2015, Rakuten entered the sport of football by acquiring Vissel Kobe.

Key Business Strategies

Mikitani's leadership philosophy emphasizes adaptability, global thinking, and technological innovation. Rakuten has expanded into various business areas, including e-commerce, financial technology services, digital content platforms, and telecommunications. Mikitani implemented an 'Englishnization' campaign in 2010, making English the company's internal language to facilitate global operations.

Philanthropy

Mikitani is a philanthropist and has donated to various causes, including the Ukrainian government during the Russian invasion. He is also the chairman of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Career Milestones

1988

Graduated from Hitotsubashi University

Earned a degree in commerce.

1988-1996

Worked at Industrial Bank of Japan

Began his career in banking and became an investment banker.

1991-1993

Attended Harvard Business School

Earned his MBA.

1997

Founded Rakuten

Launched MDM, Inc., later Rakuten, an e-commerce platform.

2020

Launched Rakuten Mobile

Launched a mobile telecommunications service in Japan.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Humanitarian Aid

Donations to Ukraine

Donated to the Ukrainian government during the Russian invasion.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Our mission is to be the number one Internet company in the world"

"There's no way Japan can compete globally if we can't communicate. This is important for Rakuten, and it is important for Japan.”"

Leadership Principles

Adaptability and Innovation

Emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing market conditions and embracing new technologies.

Global Competitiveness

Focuses on competing in the global market and expanding Rakuten's international presence.

Teamwork

Emphasizing the importance of working as a team towards a common goal.

Billionaires Connected to Hiroshi Mikitani

Peers in Fashion & Retail

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Richest in Japan

All billionaires from Japan →

Adjacent Global Ranks

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hiroshi Mikitani's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Hiroshi Mikitani's estimated net worth is $3.531 billion, ranking #1221 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Hiroshi Mikitani make their money?
Hiroshi Mikitani's wealth primarily comes from Online retail, most notably through Online retail.
Where is Hiroshi Mikitani from?
Hiroshi Mikitani is from Japan.
How old is Hiroshi Mikitani?
Hiroshi Mikitani is 61 years old.

Sources & References

  1. Hiroshi Mikitani — Forbes profile — Forbes