Tadashi Yanai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tadashi Yanai
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| Born | 7 February 1949 Ube, Yamaguchi, Allied-occupied Japan
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| Alma mater | Waseda University |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Known for | Founder of Fast Retailing, parent company of Uniqlo |
| Title | Chairman and President, Fast Retailing |
| Spouse(s) | Teruyo Nagaoka |
| Children | 2 |
Tadashi Yanai (柳井 正, Yanai Tadashi, born 7 February 1949) is a Japanese businessman. He is famous for starting and leading Fast Retailing, which is the company that owns the popular clothing brand Uniqlo. Uniqlo means "unique clothing."
As of late 2024, Tadashi Yanai was the richest person in Japan. He was also one of the wealthiest people in the world.
Contents
Early Life and School
Yanai was born in Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan, in February 1949. He went to Ube High School. Later, he studied at Waseda University. He graduated in 1971 with a degree in economics and political science.
His uncle was an activist who worked to help a minority group in Japan. This group, called Burakumin, faced unfair treatment in jobs and marriage.
Building a Business Empire
In 1971, Yanai started his career selling kitchen items and men's clothes. He worked at a supermarket called JUSCO. After one year, he left that job. He then joined his father's tailor shop, which made custom-made clothes.
Yanai opened his very first Uniqlo store in Hiroshima in 1984. This was a big step for his business. In 1991, he changed the name of his father's company, Ogori Shoji, to Fast Retailing.
Yanai has shared his thoughts on success. He said, "I might look successful but I've made many mistakes." He believes people should not worry too much about their failures. Instead, he advises people to stay positive and believe they will succeed next time.
In 2019, Yanai left the board of Softbank. He had been an independent director at the Japanese technology company for 18 years.
Helping Others
In March 2011, a huge earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. Tadashi Yanai donated 1 billion Japanese yen to help the victims. This showed his support for people in need during difficult times.
Personal Life
Tadashi Yanai is the son of Kanichi Yanai and Hisako Mori Yanai. He is married and has two sons, named Kazumi and Koji. He lives in Tokyo, Japan. He also owns a large house outside Tokyo and two golf courses in Hawaii.
Awards and Recognition
- In 2010, Yanai won the International Retailer of Year award. This award came from the National Retail Federation in the United States. He was the fourth Japanese person to receive this honor.
- He was also named the best company president in Japan. This was based on a survey of Japanese business leaders in 2008 and 2009.
- In 2012, he was included in the "50 Most Influential" list by Bloomberg Markets Magazine.
See also
