Early Life
Yoichi Erikawa, also known by his pseudonym Kou Shibusawa, was born on October 26, 1950, in Ashikaga City, Tochigi, Japan. He showed a strong interest in history from a young age, an interest that would later shape his career. He graduated from Keio University with a degree in Commerce and Economics.
Rise to Success
Erikawa co-founded Koei (later Koei Tecmo) with his wife, Keiko Erikawa, in July 1978. The company initially focused on personal computer software. Erikawa's passion for history and programming led to the creation of "Nobunaga's Ambition" in 1983, a historical simulation game that became a massive hit in Japan. This success propelled Koei from a chemical wholesaler to a leading game development and publishing studio. Erikawa served as the president and CEO of Koei Tecmo for over four decades, stepping down as CEO in February 2025.
Key Business Strategies
Erikawa's key business strategy focused on developing historically-themed simulation games for adults, a market he correctly identified as underserved. He emphasized the importance of creating games that were both engaging and historically accurate. Koei Tecmo's success also stemmed from its ability to adapt to changing market trends, expanding into various platforms and genres, including the action-oriented Dynasty Warriors series.
Philanthropy
Specific details on Yoichi Erikawa's philanthropy are unavailable through a general search; however, his company, Koei Tecmo, is known to support various initiatives. Details on the exact amounts are not accessible through public sources.
