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Billionaire Profile
Shigenobu Nagamori
Global Rank
#1948

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Shigenobu Nagamori

CEO, Nidec Corporation
JP
Real-Time Net Worth
$2B
As of December 2025
Age
81
Source
Motors
Industry
manufacturing
Citizenship
JP

Biography

Shigenobu Nagamori, born in 1944, is a self-made Japanese billionaire and the visionary founder and chairman of Nidec Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer of micromotors. His source of wealth stems from the Motors industry. Nagamori's career began in 1973 when he established Nidec at the age of 28, transforming it into a global powerhouse with a focus on innovation and efficiency. He is known for his dedication, with an emphasis on employee motivation, and ambitious goals, aiming for significant revenue milestones. Beyond his business ventures, Nagamori is a dedicated philanthropist, driving scientific advancements and promoting eco-friendly solutions through the Nagamori Foundation. He is also known for his non-executive director role at SoftBank.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Shigenobu Nagamori was born in Kyoto, Japan, in 1944, into a farming family. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from the Polytechnic University near Tokyo. After working for two engineering firms, Nagamori founded Nidec in 1973 at the age of 28.

Rise to Success

Nagamori's entrepreneurial journey started with the founding of Nidec Corporation. Under his leadership, Nidec grew to become the world's largest manufacturer of micromotors, a critical component in hard disk drives and optical drives. Nagamori's leadership has been marked by a focus on innovation, strategic acquisitions, and a strong emphasis on employee motivation.

Key Business Strategies

Nagamori is known for his ambition and his management style. He has a history of acquiring other businesses, with a focus on synergies with his primary motor products. He also emphasizes the importance of employee motivation and has stated his focus is on the employees more than investors.

Philanthropy

Nagamori is dedicated to philanthropy, and he founded the Nagamori Foundation. The foundation supports scientific and industrial development, promotes research in power generation, and supports eco-friendly solutions. He also established the "Nagamori Awards" for R&D engineers. He also donated $90 million in 2017 to set up an engineering research project at Kyoto Gakuen University.

Career Milestones

1973

Founded Nidec Corporation

Established Nidec, the company that would become the world's largest manufacturer of micromotors.

2014

Established Nagamori Awards

Inaugurated the "Nagamori Awards" to recognize R&D engineers in motor-related technologies.

2017

Donated to Kyoto Gakuen University

Donated $90 million to establish an engineering research project.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Scientific Research and Development

Nagamori Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports scientific and industrial development and promotes research in power generation and eco-friendly solutions.

Science and Technology

Nagamori Awards

Undisclosed

Technological commendation system for engineers.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"When I'm asked by investors, I tell them they're No. 1, but it's not what I really think,”"

"Motivated people can do anything if they work hard."

"Just work hard and learn from each other."

"We will become a trailblazer in university reform by fostering talented professionals who can rise to the challenges of the world and who have dreams of, like me, starting their own businesses."

Leadership Principles

Focus on Employees

Nagamori prioritizes employee well-being and motivation, believing a strong workforce creates sustainable value.

Ambitious Goals

Sets high goals and encourages a culture of striving for No. 1 market share.

Continuous Improvement

Emphasizes the need to constantly learn and aim for higher goals without being satisfied with the current status.