Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1045

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Kentaro Ogawa

CEO, Zensho Holdings Co., Ltd.

Real-Time Net Worth

$3.78B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Restaurants

Industry

food-beverage

Citizenship

Biography

Kentaro Ogawa, at 77 years old, is the founder and Chairman of Zensho Holdings Co., Ltd., a food service powerhouse that has grown to become one of the top food companies globally. Ogawa's career began in the Ministry of Finance before he transitioned to the private sector, founding Zensho Holdings in 1982. His wealth source is primarily from his ownership and leadership of Zensho Holdings, which operates a vast network of restaurants, including the popular Sukiya chain. Through strategic expansion and a focus on affordable, quality food, Ogawa has built a net worth of $3.78 billion, earning him a rank of #1045 globally. His career milestones include founding Zensho Holdings and expanding it to over 15,000 restaurants worldwide.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Zensho Holdings Co., Ltd.

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Kentaro Ogawa, born in 1948, started his career in the Japanese Ministry of Finance after graduating from university. He then transitioned to the private sector, drawing inspiration from his entrepreneurial father. Ogawa's vision was to build a food service empire, leading him to found Zensho Holdings in 1982.

Rise to Success and Zensho Holdings

Ogawa's leadership transformed Zensho Holdings into a global food service giant. The company's Sukiya chain, serving gyudon (beef bowls), is a significant contributor to Zensho's revenue. Zensho Holdings operates over 15,000 restaurants. His son, Yohei, is Managing Executive Director of Zensho.

Key Business Strategies

A key strategy was to provide safe and delicious food at affordable prices. Zensho's success has been attributed to its operational efficiency, innovative menu development, and commitment to quality control. Ogawa also pushed Zensho beyond Japan.

Philanthropy

Ogawa's Zensho Holdings has been recognized for its contributions to academic exchange, particularly through the "Zensho-UT Japan Studies Program" and the "Zensho Todai Nanjing Liberal Arts Student Exchange Program". Zensho has also supported female producers through fair trade initiatives.

Career Milestones

1982

Founded Zensho Holdings

Established Zensho Holdings, the parent company of the Sukiya chain.

2014

Awarded University of Tokyo Shokumon Prize

Recognized for contributions to the Zensho-UT Japan Studies Program.

2025

Chairman of Zensho Holdings

Chairman of Zensho Holdings Co., Ltd.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Zensho-UT Japan Studies Program

$XB

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

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Ogawa wants to turn Zensho into the world's number one food company so that it "can help eradicate hunger and poverty from the world.""

Leadership Principles

Commitment to Quality and Affordability

Providing safe and delicious food at affordable prices to a global audience.

Global Expansion and Innovation

Expanding the business globally and focusing on innovation and efficient operations to meet diverse consumer needs.