Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#32

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Tadashi Yanai & family

CEO, Fast Retailing

Real-Time Net Worth

$51.4B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Fashion retail

Industry

fashion-retail

Citizenship

Biography

Tadashi Yanai, a Japanese billionaire businessman, is the founder and president of Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, a globally recognized fashion retail brand. Born in 1949, Yanai's entrepreneurial journey began with selling kitchenware and men's clothing before establishing the first Uniqlo store in 1984. Through strategic vision and innovative business practices, he has amassed a net worth of $51.4 billion, as of 2024. His leadership has been instrumental in Uniqlo's global expansion, making Fast Retailing one of the largest apparel retailers worldwide. Yanai's career is marked by a commitment to quality, customer-centricity, and a philosophy of continuous improvement, which have been key to his achievements. His contributions extend beyond business, with significant philanthropic efforts in education and disaster relief.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Fast Retailing

9983.T•fashion-retail

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Tadashi Yanai was born in Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan, on February 7, 1949. He graduated from Waseda University in 1971 with a degree in economics and political science.

Rise to Success

Yanai's career began in 1971 selling kitchenware and men's clothing at a JUSCO supermarket. He later joined his father's tailor shop. Yanai opened his first Uniqlo store in Hiroshima in 1984. In 1991, he changed the name of his father's company Ogori Shoji to Fast Retailing. Under his leadership, Fast Retailing has grown into a multinational corporation with over 3,500 stores worldwide.

Key Business Strategies

Yanai's leadership is characterized by a hands-on approach and attention to detail, and he emphasizes continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. He has a philosophy of embracing change and innovation.

Philanthropy

Yanai has been noted for his philanthropic efforts, including a donation of 1 billion yen to victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. He founded the Yanai Tadashi Foundation in 2015, which awards scholarships to Japanese high school students. In 2024, he donated $31 million to UCLA to support the Yanai Initiative for Globalizing Japanese Humanities.

Career Milestones

1971

Began Selling Kitchenware and Clothing

Started selling kitchenware and men's clothing at a JUSCO supermarket.

1984

Opened First Uniqlo Store

Opened the first Uniqlo store in Hiroshima, Japan.

1991

Renamed Ogori Shoji to Fast Retailing

Changed the name of his father's company to Fast Retailing.

2010

International Retailer of the Year

Awarded the International Retailer of the Year by the National Retail Federation.

2019

Resigned from Softbank Board

Stepped down from the board of Softbank after 18 years as an independent director.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Disaster Relief

Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami Donation

$8.7M

Donated 1 billion yen to the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

Education

Yanai Initiative for Globalizing Japanese Humanities

$58.5M

Supports the study of Japanese literature, language, and culture at UCLA.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Change or die. There's no middle ground."

"I think like a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Failure is a great teacher. At the same time, you must remember, success will never last... Whether it's tech or fashion, it must be for the customer."

Leadership Principles

Put Customers First

Prioritizing customer satisfaction and needs.

Embrace Optimism

Maintaining a positive outlook and approach.

Learn From Failure

Using mistakes as learning opportunities.

Focus on the Details

Paying close attention to every aspect of the business.

Be Your Own Critic

Constantly self-assessing and seeking improvement.

Disrupt Yourself

Embracing innovation and change.