BillionaireNet
Nagata
Hisao Nagata
Rank #2619
JAPANFashion & RetailRetail

Hisao Nagata

Net Worth
$1.354B
-2.3% (24h)
Hisao Nagata is the founder and chairman of Trial Holdings, a leading discount supermarket chain in Japan. Born in 1956, Nagata's career began when he took over his father's thrift store in 1981, subsequently transforming it into the Trial Company. His innovative approach includes integrating AI technology to analyze customer behavior and optimize inventory, leading to Trial Holdings' success. With a net worth of $1.33 billion as of late 2025, Nagata's wealth stems primarily from the retail sector. He has written on retail AI and digital transformation and is known for his tech-driven approach to business.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Hisao Nagata's journey began in 1981 when he took over his father Oumi's thrift store, Asahiya, in Fukuoka, Japan.

Rise to Success

Three years later, Nagata rebranded the store as Trial Company, later evolving into Trial Holdings. He also started a software developer focused on retail, which then became a key component to the company's success. Trial Holdings has developed innovative technology to decrease labor costs and increase efficiency. This includes self-checkout shopping carts and AI-powered cameras to gather shopper behavior data and monitor inventory. The company's expansion and technological advancements have been instrumental in its growth, with over 300 stores across Japan as of 2024. Trial Holdings went public in March 2024 on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Growth bourse.

Key Business Strategies

Nagata's leadership has focused on integrating AI and automation to enhance operational efficiency. His company utilizes IoT devices and tech-embedded 'Smart Stores' to analyze customer shopping patterns and optimize inventory management. He expanded into real estate, restaurants, and resorts, diversifying the business.

Philanthropy

No specific philanthropy amounts were found in the search results.

Career Timeline

2024

Trial Holdings IPO

Trial Holdings listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s Growth bourse.

1992

Opened First Trial Discount Store

Opened the first Trial discount store.

1984

Established Trial Company

Renamed the thrift store to Trial Company and established a software development arm focused on retail.

1981

Took over Asahiya

Assumed control of his father's thrift store, Asahiya, in Fukuoka.

Philanthropic Impact

UnknownUndisclosed

Not found

Philanthropic information unavailable.

Wealth Trajectory