Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons
Yusaku Maezawa, born November 22, 1975, is a Japanese entrepreneur, art collector, and space tourist. He founded Start Today in 1998, and launched Zozotown in 2004, now Japan's largest online fashion mall. Maezawa's wealth source is online retail. His career includes the launch of the custom-fit apparel brand Zozo and the ZOZOSUIT measurement system, and he has also made significant investments in art. As of December 5, 2025, his net worth is estimated at $1.4 billion.
Yusaku Maezawa was born in Kamagaya, Japan, on November 22, 1975. He attended Waseda Jitsugyo High School, where he formed a hardcore punk band named Switch Style. The band released an EP in 1993. After graduating from high school, he moved to the United States. During his time there, he started collecting CDs and records, which later became the foundation for his business ventures.
In 1998, Maezawa founded Start Today, using his CD and record collection as the basis for a mail-order business. The same year, his band signed with BMG Japan. By 2000, Start Today transitioned to an online platform and began selling clothing. In 2004, he launched Zozotown, an online fashion retail website that became Japan's largest. Start Today became a publicly traded company in 2010 and was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2012. Maezawa introduced the ZOZO custom-fit clothing brand and ZOZOSUIT at-home measurement system in 2018. In September 2019, he resigned as CEO of Zozo after selling a major stake to Yahoo Japan.
Maezawa's key business strategy involved leveraging online platforms and technology to revolutionize the fashion industry. He focused on creating a user-friendly online shopping experience with Zozotown. Furthermore, the introduction of the ZOZO brand and the ZOZOSUIT, which allowed for custom-fit clothing, set his company apart. Maezawa’s ability to adapt to market trends and embrace technological advancements allowed him to stay ahead in a competitive market.
Maezawa established the Contemporary Art Foundation in Tokyo in 2012. The foundation's goal is to support young artists. He also made headlines for his record-breaking art purchases. In 2020, he announced a social experiment to give away $9 million to his Twitter followers to study the effects of universal basic income.
Launched Start Today, which started as a mail-order album business.
Launched Zozotown, an online fashion retail website.
Established the Contemporary Art Foundation in Tokyo.
Launched the ZOZO custom-fit clothing brand and the ZOZOSUIT at-home measurement system.
Supports young artists through exhibitions and grants.
Gave away money to Twitter followers to study universal basic income.
"I choose to go to the Moon with artists."
"Art makes people smile, brings people together."
