Hiroshi Mikitani Owner of the online auction site Rakuten. Country: Japan

Biography of Hiroshi Mikitani

Hiroshi Mikitani, a Japanese entrepreneur and business magnate, is the owner of the online auction platform "Rakuten". Born in 1965 in Japan, Mikitani received his higher education at Harvard University, where he had the opportunity to compare business strategies in Europe and Asia. He is the founder and president of several successful companies under the Crimson Group conglomerate. Additionally, Mikitani owns the consulting company "MDM" (Magical Digital Market), which is a leading online retailer in Japan.

Mikitani began his successful career by establishing his own company in the United States, which was a risky venture. Although he faced setbacks in the American market, he did not give up and later founded the Crimson Group. At that time, there were no major e-commerce firms in Japan, with most people using American online auctions. Mikitani decided to create his own online store, believing that everyone is capable of turning their dreams into reality.

Known for his belief in the power of conviction, Mikitani is not afraid to make mistakes, as he believes they provide valuable experience necessary for personal growth. As a generous businessman, he provides free meals to his employees. Currently, Mikitani owns one of the largest online auction platforms, Rakuten, which achieved a turnover of 550 million yen in 2004. The company's headquarters is situated in a renovated building that was previously the center of Sony.

In the near future, Mikitani plans to transform part of the online auction assets into a separate company named "Rakuten Auction". This company will merge with NTT DoCoMo, a telecommunications company, combining the expertise and resources of both giants to further expand their business ventures.

Today, Hiroshi Mikitani is recognized as one of the youngest Japanese billionaires, with an estimated net worth of 2.6 billion dollars. His entrepreneurial spirit, willingness to take risks, and strong conviction in his goals have propelled him to great success in the world of e-commerce.