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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:20:01

Tadashi Yanai

Japanese billionaire businessman
Japanese billionaire businessman

Tadashi Yanai is the founder and president of Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo. He is the richest person in Japan with a net worth of US$26.5 billion, ranking as the 40th wealthiest person globally.

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1949-02-07
Tadashi Yanai born

Tadashi Yanai, the Japanese billionaire businessman and founder of Fast Retailing, was born in Ube, Yamaguchi in February 1949.

1971
Tadashi Yanai Starts Business

In 1971, Tadashi Yanai began his business career by selling kitchenware and men's clothing at a JUSCO supermarket.

1972
Founding of Ogori Shoji

After working at Jusco Supermarket, Tadashi Yanai joined his father's tailoring business and renamed it as Ogori Shoji.

1984
Opening of First Uniqlo Store

In 1984, Tadashi Yanai opened his first Uniqlo store in Hiroshima, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of his business.

1985
Opening of the first Uniqlo store

The first Uniqlo store, Yamanota store in Yamaguchi Prefecture, opens under the Uniqlo brand name, setting a new standard for the brand's subsequent stores.

1991
Fast Retailing Establishment

In 1991, Tadashi Yanai changed the name of his father's company, Ogori Shoji, to Fast Retailing, laying the foundation for a global retail empire.

1994
Uniqlo IPO

In 1994, just ten years after opening his first shop, Tadashi Yanai's Uniqlo led the IPO, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth.

1996
Opening of an office in Tokyo

To enhance internal planning and product development, the company establishes an office in Tokyo.

1998
Expansion of Uniqlo stores in Japan

By 1998, the number of Uniqlo stores in Japan had grown to over 300, showcasing the rapid expansion and success of the brand under Tadashi Yanai's leadership.

2000
Tadashi Yanai builds $80 million house in Tokyo

In the year 2000, Tadashi Yanai constructed a lavish house in Tokyo, costing around $80 million. The house boasts a private driving range, guard towers, and is enclosed by two-storey walls.

2001
Uniqlo's Overseas Expansion to London

In 2001, Uniqlo made its first attempt at overseas expansion by opening four stores in London. However, the venture faced challenges as 16 out of 21 stores in the U.K. were closed within two years due to poor results.

2002
Tadashi Yanai hands over reins of Uniqlo to Genichi Tamatsuka

In 2002, Tadashi Yanai decided to hand over the leadership of Uniqlo to Genichi Tamatsuka, a former deputy. However, Yanai returned as the firm's president after three years, expressing his desire for more transformation and growth compared to Tamatsuka's preference for steady growth.

2003
Publication of Tadashi Yanai's autobiography 'One Win and Nine Losses'

In 2003, Tadashi Yanai published his autobiography titled 'One Win and Nine Losses', showcasing his journey of struggles, mistakes, and self-doubt in achieving success.

2004
Uniqlo's Global Quality Declaration

In 2004, Uniqlo announced its Global Quality Declaration, shifting focus from low-priced, low-quality garments to offering good quality clothes. Tadashi Yanai emphasized the importance of being valued for quality rather than being known for cheapness.

2005
Tadashi Yanai's Second Term as President

Tadashi Yanai, the son of the company's founder, is elected as president for a second term. The company transitions to a holding structure to explore new business opportunities.

2006
Launch of Recycling Initiative

Fast Retailing, under Tadashi Yanai's leadership, launched an all-product recycling initiative in 2006. This initiative aimed to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact by recycling clothing.

2009
Best Company President by Sanno Institute of Management

In 2009, Yanai was honored as the best company president by the Sanno Institute of Management.

2010
International Retailer of the Year Award from National Retail Federation

In 2010, he received the esteemed International Retailer of the Year award from the National Retail Federation in the US.

2011-03
Donation to Sendai Earthquake Victims

In March 2011, Tadashi Yanai donated a significant amount of one billion Japanese Yen to support the victims of the Sendai earthquake.

2012
Inclusion in the 50 Most Influential list of Bloomberg Markets Magazine

In 2012, Tadashi Yanai was recognized for his influence and impact in the business world by being included in the 50 Most Influential list of Bloomberg Markets Magazine.

2013
Tadashi Yanai named one of the 100 most influential people in the world

In 2013, Tadashi Yanai, the founder of Uniqlo, was acknowledged as one of the 100 most influential people globally by Time magazine.

2014
Tadashi Yanai builds global retail empire

In 2014, Tadashi Yanai was recognized for his achievement in building a global retail empire that contributes to local communities. He is the founder of UNIQLO and serves as the Chairman, President, and CEO of Fast Retailing.

2016
Digital Transformation of Uniqlo

In 2016, Tadashi Yanai declared Uniqlo a 'digital consumer retail company' and prioritized investment in e-commerce and tech innovation. This shift towards digital strategies has been crucial in the brand's global expansion and resilience during the pandemic.

2017-11-01
Asia Game Changer Awards and Dinner

UNIQLO's founder Tadashi Yanai's philosophy of doing good reflects in the success and generosity of the company. The Asia Game Changer Awards and Dinner held in Cipriani, Lower Manhattan, New York, celebrates individuals making a positive impact.

2018
Inclusion in 500 Most Influential People in Fashion Industry List

In 2018, Tadashi Yanai was recognized as one of the 500 most influential individuals in the fashion industry by The Business of Fashion.

2019-06
Tadashi Yanai Ranked 31st Richest Person in the World

In June 2019, Tadashi Yanai was ranked as the 31st richest person in the world by Forbes, with an estimated net worth of US$29.4 billion, making him the richest man in Japan.

2019-12
Tadashi Yanai resigns from SoftBank Group board

In December 2019, Tadashi Yanai resigned as an independent director from the board of SoftBank Group after serving for 18 years.

2020-09-18
Tadashi Yanai grew his Uniqlo empire from humble beginnings

The article talks about how Tadashi Yanai built his Uniqlo empire from modest origins.

2022-03
Tadashi Yanai hikes wages for Fast Retailing employees in Japan

In March 2022, Tadashi Yanai increased the wages of Fast Retailing's employees in Japan by up to 40%, expressing the belief that the raise should be even higher. He is urging the Japanese government to implement proactive measures like raising interest rates and making regulatory changes to avoid potential economic disaster.

2023-11-13
The Founder of Uniqlo Has a Wake-Up Call for Japan

The founder of Uniqlo delivers a wake-up call to Japan, addressing important issues and challenges faced by the country.

2027
Plans to boost number of startups in Japan

In 2027, Kishida unveiled plans to increase the number of startups in Japan by tenfold by assisting entrepreneurs in obtaining state or private funding. This initiative aims to address the low investment percentage of Japan's GDP in startups compared to other countries.

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Tadashi Yanai
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