SoftBank Group founder Masayoshi Son has reclaimed the title of Japan’s richest person, ending a four-year absence from the top spot as the artificial intelligence boom fueled a surge in wealth among the country’s leading business figures.
According to Forbes’ Japan’s 50 Richest 2026 ranking, the combined wealth of Japan’s richest individuals rose 29% to $294 billion, supported by a powerful stock market rally and investor enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence technologies. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index has climbed nearly 70% since the previous ranking despite pressure from a weaker Japanese yen.
AI Bets Power SoftBank Founder to the Top
Son emerged as the biggest winner on this year’s list, with his fortune soaring by $51.8 billion to reach $80 billion. The dramatic increase was driven largely by the strong performance of SoftBank and its investments in artificial intelligence companies, particularly ChatGPT creator OpenAI. Forbes noted that Son’s wealth jumped 184%, making him both the largest gainer in dollar terms and percentage growth.
The AI-driven rally has transformed SoftBank’s fortunes. The company recently overtook Toyota to become Japan’s most valuable listed company for the first time in more than two decades as investors increasingly favored AI-focused businesses over traditional manufacturing giants.
Uniqlo Founder Slips to Second
Despite substantial gains, Fast Retailing founder Tadashi Yanai moved down to second place. His net worth climbed more than one-third to $65 billion, supported by strong revenue and profit growth at Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo.
In third place was Takemitsu Takizaki, founder of factory automation company Keyence, whose wealth reached $23.6 billion. The continued expansion of automation and advanced manufacturing technologies helped sustain demand for Keyence products.
Semiconductor Boom Creates New Winners
Several fortunes benefited from the rapid growth of the semiconductor industry, which remains one of the biggest beneficiaries of global AI investment.
The Sekiya family climbed to fifth place after adding $4.1 billion to their fortune. Shares of semiconductor equipment manufacturer Disco more than doubled as demand surged for AI-related chip production technologies.
Another notable newcomer was Fumio Sakiya, founder of semiconductor equipment maker Rorze. The company’s stock more than doubled over the past year as investors anticipated increased orders from chip manufacturers expanding capacity for AI applications.
New Entrants Join Japan’s Richest
The 2026 ranking featured six newcomers.
Among them was Masakazu Idemitsu, whose family controls oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan. Rising crude oil prices and stronger earnings helped lift the company’s shares, securing a place on the list.
Retail entrepreneur Ryuji Arai, founder of electronics chain Bic Camera, also returned to the ranking after a one-year absence. Improved profits and strong consumer demand helped push his fortune above the billionaire threshold once again.
Not Everyone Benefited
While AI and technology-related businesses generated enormous gains, many fortunes declined.
A total of 27 billionaires saw their wealth fall. Among the biggest losers was Takahisa Takahara of consumer goods company Unicharm. The company faced weaker profitability as Japanese consumers became more cautious with spending amid economic uncertainty.
The Nakatani family, owners of medical testing equipment maker Sysmex, dropped off the ranking after a significant decline in earnings and share price performance.
AI Reshapes Japan’s Wealth Landscape
The latest ranking highlights how artificial intelligence has become one of the most powerful drivers of wealth creation globally. Investors poured capital into companies linked to AI infrastructure, semiconductors, cloud computing and advanced software, creating massive gains for entrepreneurs and investors positioned to benefit from the trend.
For Masayoshi Son, whose career has been defined by bold technology bets, the AI revolution has delivered a remarkable comeback. After years of criticism over investments such as WeWork and other struggling startups, the SoftBank founder now sits once again at the top of Japan’s rich list and among the wealthiest individuals in Asia.
As AI investment continues to accelerate worldwide, Japan’s billionaire rankings may increasingly be shaped by those building the infrastructure, chips and software powering the next generation of technology.
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