This ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.
Masayoshi Son is a Japanese technology entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor. He is credited with founding SoftBank, a popular Japanese holding company, for which he also serves as the chief executive officer. One of the richest men in Japan, Son has pledged to donate $120 million to support the victims affected by the 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku.
Yusaku Maezawa is a Japanese art collector and entrepreneur. He is credited with founding Japan's largest online fashion store, Zozotown. He is also credited with founding Contemporary Art Foundation, which aims at supporting young artists. Yusaku Maezawa is one of the richest men in Japan.
Momofuku Ando was a Taiwanese-Japanese businessman and inventor. He is credited with founding the popular Japanese food company, Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd. Credited with creating brands like Cup Noodles and Top Ramen, Momofuku Ando is widely regarded as the inventor of instant noodles. During his lifetime, Ando was honored with medals, such as the Order of the Rising Sun.
Joi Ito is a Japanese venture capitalist and entrepreneur best known for his association with Internet and technology companies. He is credited with founding several companies like Infoseek Japan, Digital Garage, and PSINet Japan. Over the years, Joi Ito has been honored with several prestigious awards like the Golden Plate Award and the IRI Medal.
Japanese businessman and industrial engineer Ohno Taiichi is remembered for his efforts toward the reduction of muda, or waste, and the implementation of the kanban, or just-in-time system in Toyota. His popular books on manufacturing include Toyota Production System and Just-in-Time for Today and Tomorrow.
Sakuma Shōzan was a major force behind the modernization of Japan and believed in the motto "Eastern ethics, Western techniques." He learned Dutch and taught himself techniques of making sophisticated weapons. He was assassinated by nationalists while trying to bridge gaps between the shogun and the emperor.
The founder-president of the Nippon Foundation, Ryōichi Sasakawa was a far-right politician, businessman, and philanthropist. During WWII, he actively supported his country’s war efforts, leading to his imprisonment by the Allied forces after the fall of Japan; but he was released due to lack of evidence. Thereafter, he set up various successful businesses, which include motorboat racing and ship building.
Robert Charles Chien is an entrepreneur who serves as a managing director for an entertainment software company. He started hogging the limelight after marrying popular Filipina singer and actress, Lea Salonga. The couple met when Salonga was performing in Flower Drum Song.
