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Billionaire Profile
Kentaro Ogawa
Global Rank
#1250

Image: 文藝春秋新社 | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Kentaro Ogawa

CEO, Restaurants
JAPAN
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.443B
Estimated based on Restaurants stock value as of April 20, 2026
+0.02% (24h)
Age
77
Source
Restaurants
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
JAPAN

Biography

Kentaro Ogawa, a 77-year-old Japanese businessman, built his fortune in the restaurant industry. As the founder of Zensho Holdings, he's overseen the growth of a vast network of restaurants, most notably the Sukiya chain known for its affordable beef bowls. His career began with a shipyard job and labor union activism before founding Zensho in 1982. His commitment to providing accessible food has propelled Zensho to become a leading food service company in Japan, contributing to his estimated net worth of $3.79 billion. Ogawa's vision extends beyond profit, aiming to eradicate hunger and poverty.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Kentaro Ogawa's background includes work as a shipyard worker and involvement in labor union activism in Japan. This foundation provided a unique perspective that would later influence his business philosophy.

Rise to Success

Ogawa founded Zensho Holdings in 1982. The company's flagship brand, Sukiya, specializes in gyudon (beef bowl), offering a quick, affordable meal. Ogawa's vision was to make Zensho the world's number one food company, contributing to the eradication of hunger and poverty.

Key Business Strategies

Zensho's success stems from a focus on affordable, high-quality meals and operational efficiency. The company has expanded its restaurant network to over 15,000 restaurants. Zensho has also expanded internationally, with a presence in China, Taiwan, and Brazil. The company went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2005.

Philanthropy

Kentaro Ogawa and Zensho Holdings have supported various initiatives. In 2014, Ogawa received the “University of Tokyo Shokumon Prize” for contributions to academic exchange programs with universities in Vietnam and China. The Zensho Group has also been involved in community development projects, such as renovating educational facilities.

Career Milestones

1982

Founded Zensho Holdings

Established the company that would become a leading food service provider in Japan.

2005

Zensho Holdings goes public

Zensho Holdings listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, expanding its reach and resources.

2014

Awarded University of Tokyo Shokumon Prize

Recognized for contributions to academic exchange programs.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Zensho-UT Japan Studies Program at VNU-Hanoi

Undisclosed

Supported academic exchange between the University of Tokyo and universities in Vietnam.

Education

Zensho Todai Nanjing Liberal Arts Student Exchange Program

Undisclosed

Supported academic exchange between the University of Tokyo and universities in China.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Everyone at Zensho truly believes that we can help eradicate hunger and poverty from the world, and in so doing, launch a new era in human history.”"

"Our next step is to become the top food company in the world.”"

Leadership Principles

Commitment to Eradicating Hunger and Poverty

Zensho's mission extends beyond profit, aiming to contribute to a world where everyone has access to food.

Focus on Operational Efficiency

Employing efficient systems, such as the MMD system.

Emphasis on Employee Growth

Creating an environment where employees grow stronger by overcoming challenges.

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