Early Life
Keiko Erikawa was born in January 1949, in Yokohama, Japan. Her father, a dentist, passed away when she was young, leading her to be raised by her grandparents. Despite the challenges, Keiko displayed artistic talent from a young age, selling crafts and trinkets to help support her family. This early entrepreneurial spirit would later be a cornerstone of her business acumen.
Rise to Success
In 1978, Keiko co-founded Koei (later Koei Tecmo Holdings) with her husband, Yoichi Erikawa. Her vision played a crucial role in shaping the company's success. She managed the company's assets across Japan, Hong Kong, and the U.S. Koei gained prominence with historical simulation games like "Nobunaga's Ambition" and "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." Under her leadership, Koei diversified its portfolio and eventually merged with Tecmo in 2009, forming Koei Tecmo Holdings.
Key Business Strategies
Keiko Erikawa is known for her skills in investments and financial management, which have helped the company navigate market fluctuations. She has a long-term investment approach, which has contributed to Koei Tecmo's consistent financial success. She has also been instrumental in establishing the Ruby Party development team, specializing in otome games, and has played a significant role in the international expansion of the gaming industry. In 2021, Keiko Erikawa was appointed as an independent director of SoftBank Group, showcasing her influence beyond Koei Tecmo.
Philanthropy
Keiko contributes to charity through the Foundation of Erikawa Education. This organization provides scholarships to students from single-mother families. The foundation supports the education-related expenses of junior high, high school, and university students in Japan, aiming to foster creativity and innovation and make a positive impact on society.
