Billionaire Profile
Toshio Motoya
Global Rank
#1854

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Toshio Motoya

CEO, APA Hotels & Resorts
JP
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.1B
As of December 2025
Age
82
Source
Hotels
Industry
service
Citizenship
JP

Biography

Toshio Motoya is a Japanese entrepreneur, essayist, and publisher, best known as the president of APA Group, one of Japan's largest hotel chains. Born in 1943, Motoya's source of wealth stems from the Hotels industry. His career began with the founding of the APA Group in 1971, and he has been a key figure in the real estate and hospitality sectors. Motoya's net worth is estimated at $2.1 billion as of 2024, reflecting his success in building and expanding the APA Group. He is also known for his strong political views and has been involved in several controversies.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Toshio Motoya was born on June 3, 1943, in Japan. Information about his early life is limited. In 1971, Motoya founded Shinkin Kaihatsu Co., Ltd., a custom home sales company.

Rise to Success

Motoya established APA Group in 1971 as a real estate business. The company expanded into the hotel industry, and the hotel division currently manages over 70 properties across Japan. APA's first hotel opened in 1984. Motoya's wife, Fumiko, serves as the president of APA Hotels. APA Group's fiscal year ending November 2024 was a record-breaking period, with significant growth in revenue and profits, with sales reaching 226 billion yen ($1.5 billion) and ordinary income of 79.6 billion yen.

Key Business Strategies

APA Group's business model involves an aggressive real estate strategy, acquiring properties in prime locations. APA has also expanded internationally with the acquisition of Coast Hotels in Canada. The company focuses on efficient space utilization and has been expanding its digital capabilities to address labor market challenges.

Philanthropy

Information on specific philanthropy amounts is unavailable.

Career Milestones

1971

Founded APA Group

Started the APA Group as a real estate business in Ishikawa Prefecture.

1980

Entered Hospitality Industry

Focused on the hotel business as the company saw large sales in the hotel during the real estate business.

1984

Opened First APA Hotel

Opened the first APA Hotel in Kanazawa City.

1994

Wife Became President

Fumiko Motoya took office as the president of the hotel business.

2016

Acquired Coast Hotels

Expanded into North America with the acquisition of the Coast Hotels brand in Canada.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

N/A

Not Available

Undisclosed

Philanthropic efforts details not found.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""Would I remove the books during the Olympics just because they're the Tokyo Olympics? That's really stupid.""

Leadership Principles

Efficient Space Utilization

APA Hotels focuses on creating compact but comfortable rooms.

Aggressive Real Estate Strategy

APA focuses on prime locations and fast development for rapid growth.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Nanjing Massacre Denial

Motoya's book, which denied the Nanjing Massacre, sparked outrage and protests.

2017

Anti-Semitic Remarks

Controversial statements made in a company magazine were perceived as anti-Semitic, leading to international backlash.