Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#770

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Takao Yasuda

CEO, Pan Pacific International Holdings

Real-Time Net Worth

$5.2B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Retail

Industry

fashion-retail

Citizenship

Biography

Takao Yasuda is a Japanese billionaire entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH), formerly Don Quijote. Born in 1949, Yasuda's career began with a discount store in Tokyo, which he founded in 1978 and later expanded into a retail empire. His business acumen and innovative strategies, including the creation of the Don Quijote discount store chain, propelled PPIH to become a major player in the retail industry. With a current net worth estimated at $5.2 billion, Yasuda's impact on the retail sector is undeniable. He is known for his unique retail philosophy and commitment to providing a wide array of products to customers, contributing to the global expansion of the brand. As of October 2, 2025, Yasuda is battling terminal cancer and announced his farewell message to the world: "At work and in life, create for yourself an environment where you can always seek the most fun and fulfillment, in pursuit of ultimate freedom."

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Takao Yasuda was born in 1949 in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from the Faculty of Law at Keio University in 1973.

Rise to Success

Yasuda's entrepreneurial journey began in 1978 with a 60-square-meter discount store in Tokyo's Suginami Ward, named “Thieves' Market”. In 1980, Yasuda established Just Co., Ltd., which evolved into Don Quijote Co., Ltd. in 1995, and then Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH) in February 2019. The first Don Quijote store opened in Tokyo's Fuchu City in 1989. He oversaw the nationwide expansion of Don Quijote Co., Ltd., which is now Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation.

Key Business Strategies

Yasuda is known for his unique retail philosophy, which includes packing displays, round-the-clock opening hours, and stocking a huge variety of inventory. Don Quijote stores are open 24 hours. The aisles are maze-like to give the illusion of endless supply and hide surprises.

Philanthropy

Yasuda established the Yasuda Scholarship Foundation in 2005, serving as its chairman. The foundation supports initiatives for international human resources development and goodwill projects.

Career Milestones

1978

Founded "Thieves' Market"

Opened a discount store in Tokyo, laying the foundation for his retail ventures

1980

Founded Just Co., Ltd.

This company would later become Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH)

1989

Opened the first Don Quijote store

Launched the first store in Tokyo, marking the beginning of Don Quijote's nationwide expansion

2005

Established the Yasuda Scholarship Foundation

Founded a foundation to support international human resources development and goodwill projects

2015

Stepped down as CEO and Chairman of Don Quijote

Assumed the roles of Founding Chairman and Supreme Advisor

2017

Opened first Don Don Donki store in Singapore

Marked the beginning of Southeast Asian expansion

2019

Returned as board director

Reinforced his commitment to the company's growth

2025

Announced battle against terminal cancer.

Announced his farewell message to the world

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and International Aid

Yasuda Scholarship Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports initiatives for international human resources development and goodwill projects

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""At work and in life, create for yourself an environment where you can always seek the most fun and fulfillment, in pursuit of ultimate freedom.""