Yasumitsu Shigeta

Early Life

Yasumitsu Shigeta was born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1965. He briefly studied acupuncture and economics before dropping out of Nihon University. At age 22, he saw an opportunity in the deregulating telecom market and co-founded Hikari Tsushin in February 1988.

Rise to Success

Shigeta's early career involved selling long-distance phone contracts and later, mobile phones, capitalizing on the surge in cellular communications. He built a vast sales network, and Hikari Tsushin expanded rapidly with hundreds of retail outlets. In 1996, at age 31, he took Hikari Tsushin public, becoming the youngest founder to achieve this in Japan. By 1999, the company was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Key Business Strategies

Shigeta focused on aggressive sales tactics and built a sales force. He prioritized recurring revenue streams. After the dot-com crash in 2001, he diversified into office supplies, insurance, and IT solutions to stabilize cash flow. In 2003, he became Chairman and CEO, successfully rebuilding the business.

Philanthropy

Information regarding his philanthropy is limited. However, he is associated with the Shigeta Education Foundation, which provides scholarships. He also supports community initiatives through Hikari Tsushin, which donates used materials and funds health programs.